1979 San Diego Chargers season

1979 NFL team season November 2013 March 2026 San Diego Chargers 1979 12–4 1st AFC West Don Coryell Joe Gibbs Jackie Simpson Johnny Sanders Eugene V. Klein San Diego Stadium 7 QB Dan Fouts WR John Jefferson WR Charlie Joiner G Ed White T Russ Washington DE Fred Dean DT Gary Johnson 4 QB Dan Fouts (1st team) WR John Jefferson (1st team) G Ed White (2nd team) T Russ Washington (2nd team) Lost Divisional Playoffs(vs. Oilers) 14–17 Chargers seasons thumb|right|The Chargers attempting to rush the ball through the Oilers' defensive line during the 1979 AFC Divisional Playoff Game. The 1979 San Diego Chargers season was the team's twentieth season, and tenth in the National Football League. The 1979 Chargers finished in first place in the AFC West after having finished 9–7 in 1978. The Chargers made the playoffs for the first time in fourteen years. At 12–4 the Chargers shared the best record in the AFC with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and were awarded the top AFC seed because they beat the Steelers in the regular season.QB Fouts Now Among History's Greatest Passers December 19, 1979 The Sacramento Bee AP D3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68893013/ January 30, 2021 Newspapers.com This would remain their best record during the Coryell era. Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts threw for 4,082 yards to break Joe Namath's professional record of 4,007 in 1967 (albeit with the benefit of two extra regular season games). Wide receivers Charlie Joiner and John Jefferson both gained more than 1,000 yards receiving, the first NFL teammates to accomplish the feat since the Namath-led New York Jets' duo of George Sauer and Don Maynard. The Chargers became the first AFC West champion to run more passing plays (541) than rushing (481).Elderkin Phil Chargers, in passing, write a book September 16, 1980 Christian Science Monitor https://www.csmonitor.com/1980/0916/091626.html https://web.archive.org/web/20140201191827/http://www.csmonitor.com/1980/0916/091626.html February 1, 2014 live mdy Clarence Williams was the leading rusher with 752 yards and a club-record 12 touchdowns.1979 San Diego Chargers rosters, stats, schedule, team draftees https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1979.htm pro-football-reference.com March 9, 2025 In contrast to much of the "Air Coryell" period, the Charger defense was as strong as the offense, ranking 2nd in the league in yards allowed. Eight players combined to snag 28 interceptions, with linebackers Woodrow Lowe and Ray Preston finishing with five each. Wilbur Young led the team with 12 sacks. Kicker Rolf Benirschke began the year well, making all four of his kicks, but collapsed on the plane home from the Week 4 game at New England.https://ostomyconnection.com/news-and-culture/grateful-patient-project-stories-rolf-benirschke Rolf Benirschke wants to thank those who helped him survive illness through the 'Grateful Patient Project' He was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and missed the rest of the season.https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/the-52/sdut-the-52-rolfs-return-lifted-everyone-2016jul23-story.html#:~:text=A%20La%20Jolla%20High%20graduate,from%20184%20pounds%20to%20124. The 52: Rolf's return lifted everyone July 24, 2016 Three-time Super Bowl winner Roy Gerela was brought in as replacement, but made only one kick from seven before making way for Mike Wood, who finished 11 of 14, with all three misses coming from 50+ yards. The season ended with a playoff loss to the Houston Oilers. It was the Chargers' first playoff game since the 1965 AFL Championship game loss to the Buffalo Bills. As part of a marketing campaign, the Chargers created their fight song, "San Diego Super Chargers".Stetz Michael http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070113/news_1n13song.html Still a superstar after 27 seasons The San Diego Union-Tribune January 13, 2007 September 9, 2011 Or a little song written back in 1979. The 2006 edition of Pro Football Prospectus,"Pro Football Prospectus 2006" (0761142177), p.73-75 listed the 1979 Chargers as one of their "Heartbreak Seasons", in which teams "dominated the entire regular season only to falter in the playoffs, unable to close the deal." Said Pro Football Prospectus of the team, "the creative [head coach] Don Coryell always designed potent offenses, but the San Diego defense didn't catch up until 1979. ... In their first playoff game, the Chargers hosted a Houston Oilers team missing running back Earl Campbell and quarterback Dan Pastorini and fell on their faces. Fouts threw five interceptions and no touchdowns, and the Chargers blew a third quarter lead and lost 17–14. The Chargers would not have the best record in the NFL again until the 2006 season. They would not have another top ten defense in points allowed until 1989. They would not win 12 games in a season until 2004. Their best shot at glory went horribly awry, thanks to the worst game in the illustrious career of Dan Fouts." 3 Offseason NFL draft 1979 NFL draft San Diego Chargers 1979 1 13 Kellen Winslow Tight end Missouri From Cleveland yes yes yes 3 73 Cliff Thrift Linebacker East Central no yes no 4 104 John Floyd Wide receiver Northeast Louisiana no yes no 8 210 Wilbert Haslip Running back Hawaii no no no 9 237 Alvin Garrett Wide receiver Angelo State no yes no 10 265 Tony Petruccio Defensive tackle Penn State no no no 10 269 Al Green Defensive back Louisiana State University Joined the NBA's Phoenix Suns no no no 11 295 David Rader Quarterback Tulsa no no no 12 321 Frank Duncan Defensive back San Francisco State no yes no yes Roster 1979 San Diego Chargers 14 Dan Fouts 12 James Harris 10 Cliff Olander 37 Hank Bauer American football 41 Bo Matthews 26 Lydell Mitchell 24 Artie Owens 22 Mike Thomas running back 40 Clarence Williams running back, born 1955 33 Don Woods American football 87 Larry Burton 86 John Floyd American football y 83 John Jefferson American football 18 Charlie Joiner 84 Bob Klein 88 Greg McCrary 60 Dan Audick G/T 53 Ralph Perretta C 56 Bob Rush American football C 66 Billy Shields T 70 Russ Washington T 67 Ed White American football G 63 Doug Wilkerson G 71 Fred Dean DE 73 Charles DeJurnett DE/DT 79 Gary Johnson DT 68 Leroy Jones American football DE 74 Louie Kelcher DT 69 John Lee defensive lineman DE 99 Wilbur Young DT 50 Don Goode OLB 55 Bob Horn American football MLB 57 Linden King OLB 51 Woodrow Lowe OLB 52 Ray Preston American football OLB 59 Cliff Thrift y MLB 28 Willie Buchanon CB 48 Jerome Dove CB 27 Glen Edwards safety FS 42 Mike Fuller SS 44 Pete Shaw American football FS 45 Hal Stringert CB/S 29 Mike Williams cornerback CB  8 Jeff West American football P 16 Mike Wood American football K  6 Rolf Benirschke K IR 82 Pat Curran American football TE IR 47 Frank Duncan American football y S IR 77 Milton Hardaway T IR 54 Jim Laslavic LB IR 62 Don Macek C IR 80 Kellen Winslow y TE IR Preseason Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance 1 August 4, 1979 at San Francisco 49ers L 10–13 0–1 Candlestick Park 32,275 2 August 11, 1979 Minnesota Vikings W 19–0 1–1 San Diego Stadium 49,037 3 August 18, 1979 at New York Giants W 7–3 2–1 Giants Stadium 22,341 4 August 25, 1979 at Los Angeles Rams L 7–23 2–2 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 50,089 Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap 1 September 2 at Seattle Seahawks W 33–16 1–0 Kingdome 62,887 Recap 2 September 9 Oakland Raiders W 30–10 2–0 San Diego Stadium 50,255 Recap 3 September 16 Buffalo Bills W 27–19 3–0 San Diego Stadium 50,709 Recap 4 September 23 at New England Patriots L 21–27 3–1 Schaefer Stadium 60,916 Recap 5 September 30 San Francisco 49ers W 31–9 4–1 San Diego Stadium 50,893 Recap 6 October 7 at Denver Broncos L 0–7 4–2 Mile High Stadium 74,997 Recap 7 October 14 Seattle Seahawks W 20–10 5–2 San Diego Stadium 50,077 Recap 8 October 21 at Los Angeles Rams W 40–16 6–2 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 64,245 Recap 9 October 25, 1979 at Oakland Raiders L 22–45 6–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 53,709 Recap 10 November 4 at Kansas City Chiefs W 20–14 7–3 Arrowhead Stadium 59,353 Recap 11 November 11 at Cincinnati Bengals W 26–24 8–3 Riverfront Stadium 40,782 Recap 12 November 18 Pittsburgh Steelers W 35–7 9–3 San Diego Stadium 51,910 Recap 13 November 25 Kansas City Chiefs W 28–7 10–3 San Diego Stadium 50,078 Recap 14 December 2 Atlanta Falcons L 26–28 10–4 San Diego Stadium 50,198 Recap 15 December 9 at New Orleans Saints W 35–0 11–4 Louisiana Superdome 61,059 Recap 16 December 17, 1979 Denver Broncos W 17–7 12–4 San Diego Stadium 51,906 RecapNote: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1: at Seattle Seahawks San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary September 2 1:00 p.m. PDT Chargers 0 13 10 10 Seahawks 3 7 0 6 Kingdome, Seattle, Washington 62,887 Dome Ben Dreith NBC Sam Nover and Mike Haffner Box score First quarter SEA – Efren Herrera 34-yard field goal, 8:26. Seahawks 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 3:46. Second quarter SDG – Clarence Williams 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 14:56. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:20. SDG – Rolf Benirschke 31-yard field goal, 11:16. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:52. SEA – Sherman Smith 4-yard run (Efren Herrera kick), 4:51. Tied 10–10. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 6:25. SDG – Rolf Benirschke 42-yard field goal, 0:28. Chargers 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 4:23. Third quarter SDG – Rolf Benirschke 22-yard field goal, 3:41. Chargers 16–10. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:36. SDG – Clarence Williams 13-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:00. Chargers 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:25. Fourth quarter SDG – Mike Thomas 8-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 5:09. Chargers 30–10. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 1:34. SDG – Rolf Benirschke 23-yard field goal, 1:56. Chargers 33–10. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:57. SEA – Sherman Smith 6-yard run (kick blocked), 0:24. Chargers 33–16. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 1:24. Top passers SDG – Dan Fouts – 21/30, 224 yards, INT SEA – Jim Zorn – 16/28, 153 yards, 3 INT Top rushers SDG – Clarence Williams – 14 rushes, 73 yards, 2 TD SEA – Sherman Smith – 18 rushes, 95 yards, 2 TD Top receivers SDG – Artie Owens – 4 receptions, 42 yards SEA – Steve Largent – 2 receptions, 45 yards Seattle led through an early field goal when John Jefferson caught a 25-yard pass to the Seahawks 1-yard line on the final play of the opening quarter. He fumbled the ball into the end zone but was ruled down by contact before losing possession. San Diego kept the ball, and Williams opened the second quarter with his first touchdown run. Three plays later, Fred Dean recovered a fumble by Seattle quarterback Jim Zorn at the Seahawks 12-yard line. San Diego's offense were unable to advance the ball, but Rolf Benirschke's first field goal extended their lead. Seattle tied the score with a 72-yard touchdown drive, then Winslow's 20-yard reception was the longest play as San Diego moved in range for Benirschke's 42-yard kick shortly before halftime, putting them 13–10 up.Kenney Ron Chargers' first '79 step is a win https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate-chargers-33-14-seah/167153438/ Escondido Times-Advocate September 3, 1979 D-1, D-3San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks September 2, 1979 Seattle Seahawks 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook Starting from midway through the 3rd quarter, the Seahawks had a string of five consecutive possessions that ended in turnovers. Firstly, Dean's second fumble recovery set up San Diego at the Seattle 32. Fouts threw a 24-yard pass to Joiner on the next play, and Benirschke soon added a third field goal. Zorn was intercepted by Ray Preston on the following play from scrimmage and Williams had carries of 17 and 13 yards, the latter for another touchdown. Seattle drove from their own 26-yard line to a 4th and 3 at the Chargers 9, but a Pete Shaw interception ended the threat. A fumble recovery by Wilbur Young at the Seattle 34-yard line was followed by runs of 4, 22 and 8 yards by Williams, Bo Matthews and Mike Thomas respectively, the latter for a touchdown. Preston's second interception led to Benirschke's final field goal. San Diego barely outgained Seattle (356 yards to 334) and gave up more penalty yardage (110 to 40), but forced six of the game's seven turnovers.San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks - September 2nd, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197909020sea.htm pro-football-reference.com March 8, 2025 Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 9 1:00 p.m. PDT Raiders 0 3 7 0 Chargers 14 7 2 7 San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California 50,255 73 °F 1 relative humidity 82%, wind 9 mph km/h knots Bob Frederic NBC Jim Simpson and John Brodie Box score First quarter SDG – John Jefferson 24-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 9:22. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:01. SDG – Bob Klein 54-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 1:51. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 61 yards, 0:52. Second quarter OAK – Jim Breech 35-yard field goal, 14:14. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:24. SDG – Woodrow Lowe 32-yard interception return (Rolf Benirschke kick), 7:17. Chargers 21–3. Third quarter OAK – Rich Martini 22-yard pass from Ken Stabler (Jim Breech kick), 11:07. Chargers 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:13. SDG – Safety, Greg McCrary blocked punt out of end zone, 2:19. Chargers 23–10. Fourth quarter SDG – Kellen Winslow 5-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Cliff Olander kick), 11:00. Chargers 30–10. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:50. Top passers OAK – Ken Stabler – 17/34, 183 yards, TD, 2 INT SDG – Dan Fouts – 15/30, 216 yards, 3 TD Top rushers OAK – Arthur Whittington – 10 rushes, 40 yards SDG – Mike Thomas – 7 rushes, 49 yards Top receivers OAK – Raymond Chester – 7 receptions, 91 yards SDG – John Jefferson – 5 receptions, 76 yards, TD The first time they had the ball, San Diego drove 65 yards to Jefferson's touchdown catch without facing a third down. Later in the 1st quarter, Mike Fuller's 17-yard punt return started San Diego off at their own 39-yard line. Two plays later they faced a 3rd and 3; Fouts found Bob Klein open at the Oakland 30 and he completed a 54-yard touchdown. Oakland responded with a field goal, then the Chargers missed a scoring opportunity Fouts fumbled the snap on a 1st and 10 from the Oakland 19-yard line. Woodrow Lowe intercepted a Ken Stabler pass three plays later and ran it back 32 yards for another touchdown. Glen Edwards stopped a Raiders drive with another interception. In the final minutes of the half, Oakland moved from their own 17-yard line to a 4th and 1 from the San Diego 3. They kept their offense on the field, but Preston and Ray Buchanan stuffed Stabler for no gain as time expired, leaving the Chargers 21–3 ahead.Maffei John Chargers put it all together to beat up Raiders https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate-chargers-30-10-raid/135485165/ Escondido Times-Advocate September 10, 1979 D-1, D-3Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers September 9, 1979 San Diego Chargers 4–7 Media gamebook Oakland scored a touchdown on their first possession of the second half, then Fouts lost another snap near midfield. Later, Jeff West pinned the Raiders at their own 2-yard line with a 33-yard punt, and the San Diego defense forced Oakland to go three-and-out. That led to a Chargers safety when Greg McCrary blocked a Ray Guy punt out of the end zone. On Oaklands next drive, Charles DeJurnett sacked Stabler at his own 1-yard line; the Raiders punted from there and San Diego only had to drive 36 yards to Winslow's touchdown on 3rd and 5 from the 6-yard line. Oakland were inside San Diego territory, on their final three drives, but turned the ball over on downs each time. There were again numerous turnovers, with three by each team.Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers - September 9th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197909090sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com March 9, 2025 The game featured the first career touchdowns of both Lowe and Winslow.Woodrow Lowe career touchdowns https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LoweWo20/touchdowns/ pro-football-reference.com March 8, 2025Kellen Winslow career touchdown https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WinsKe00/touchdowns/ pro-football-reference.com March 8, 2025 Week 3: vs. Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Three: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 16 1:00 p.m. PDT Bills 6 6 7 0 Chargers 7 6 7 7 San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California 50,709 79 °F 1 relative humidity 64%, wind 8 mph km/h knots Fred Silva NBC Merle Harmon and George Kunz Box score First quarter BUF – Frank Lewis 21-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (kick failed), 9:44. Bills 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 2:20. SDG – Clarence Williams 5-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 4:46. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:58. Second quarter SDG – Clarence Williams 1-yard run (kick blocked), 13:26. Chargers 13–6. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:35. BUF – Joe Ferguson 10-yard run (kick failed), 0:04. Chargers 13–12. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 9:14. Third quarter BUF – Curtis Brown 84-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Tom Dempsey kick), 9:27. Bills 19–13. Drive: 2 plays, 85 yards, 1:04. SDG – Clarence Williams 55-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 8:25. Chargers 20–19. Drive: 2 plays, 64 yards, 1:02. Fourth quarter SDG – Clarence Williams 2-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 11:14. Chargers 27–19. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:52. Top passers BUF – Joe Ferguson – 16/29, 257 yards, 2 TD SDG – Dan Fouts – 8/13, 100 yards Top rushers BUF – Terry Miller – 8 rushes, 26 yards SDG – Clarence Williams – 18 rushes, 157 yards, 4 TD Top receivers BUF – Curtis Brown – 8 receptions, 157 yards, TD SDG – Mike Thomas – 2 receptions, 53 yards Buffalo scored the game's opening touchdown five plays after Mike Fuller fumbled a punt return in his own territory. San Diego ran on seven out of eight plays on the ensuing possession; Thomas began the drive with a 21-yard gain, while Williams had carries of 17 and 5 yards, the latter for the touchdown. After forcing a three-and-out, they ran the ball nine times in a row, with Williams having two 14-yard runs to set up his 1-yard touchdown. The Bills converted four 3rd downs on a drive that took 9:14 off the clock and culminated in a touchdown 4 seconds before halftime. With Benirschke having had one of his extra point attempts blocked and the Bills having missed both of theirs, San Diego were 13–12 ahead at the interval.Shanahan Tom Williams, Chargers devalue the Bills https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times-chargers-27-19-bills/167340272/ North County Times September 17, 1979 8Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers September 16, 1979 San Diego Chargers 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook Buffalo briefly took the lead in the 3rd quarter when running back Curtis Brown took a short pass 84 yards for a touchdown. Williams responded two plays later, breaking up the left sideline for a 55-yard touchdown. The Bills drove to the San Diego 35-yard line, but were pushed back by a penalty and a Johnson sack, eventually punting. San Diego took over on their own 20, and Fouts combined Thomas for gains of 26 and 27 yards on the drive to Williams' 2-yard touchdown. Buffalo failed to cross the Chargers 40-yard line in the final quarter. Williams was the first Charger to rush for four touchdowns in a game; 2025 y, it remains tied for the most in franchise history.Who has the most rushing touchdowns in a single game for the chargers? https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/who-has-the-most-rushing-touchdowns-in-a-single-game-for-the-chargers statmuse.com March 9, 2025 As a team, the Chargers had 245 rushing yards and only 94 passing yards; it was the only time all season that they rushed for more yardage than they passed. Week 4: at New England Patriots San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Four: San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – Game summary September 23 1:00 p.m. EDT Chargers 0 14 0 7 Patriots 17 3 0 7 Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts 60,916 55 °F 1 relative humidity 72%, wind 14 mph km/h knots Fred Wyant NBC Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen Box score First quarter NE – Sam Cunningham 1-yard run (John Smith kick), 11:01. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 2:46. NE – Don Calhoun 10-yard run (John Smith kick), 4:48. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:52. NE – John Smith 31-yard field goal, 0:30. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:43. Second quarter NE – John Smith 31-yard field goal, 6:45. Patriots 20–0. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 3:46. SDG – John Jefferson 19-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 4:19. Patriots 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 2:26. SDG – Clarence Williams 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:06. Patriots 20–14. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:12. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter NE – Russ Francis 5-yard pass from Steve Grogan (John Smith kick), 14:07. Patriots 27–14. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 3:47. SDG – Clarence Williams 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 4:09. Patriots 27–21. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 2:16. Top passers SDG – Dan Fouts – 20/34, 200 yards, TD, 2 INT NE – Steve Grogan – 13/23, 157 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Clarence Williams – 13 rushes, 34 yards, 2 TD NE – Sam Cunningham – 22 rushes, 75 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – John Jefferson – 4 receptions, 59 yards, TD NE – Russ Francis – 4 receptions, 85 yards, TD San Diego went three-and-out on all three of their 1st quarter possessions. Punting into a strong wind, West had kicks of 21, 28 and 30 yards, setting up New England in Chargers territory on three consecutive drives; they converted these opportunities into seventeen points. New England added a further field goal in the 2nd quarter and led 20–0 before the Chargers began their comeback. Fouts finished the following drive by hitting Jefferson for gains of 33 and 19 yards on successive plays, the latter for a touchdown. New England faced the wind in the 2nd quarter, and they shanked a punt for only 18 yards to set San Diego up at the Patriots 38-yard line. Fouts and Joiner combined for 8 yards on a 3rd and 5, and Williams scored six seconds before halftime to cut the deficit to 20–14.Maffei John Chargers trip again at the wire https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate-chargers-21-27-patr/167345686/ Escondido Times-Advocate September 24, 1979 D-1, D-2San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots September 23, 1979 New England Patriots 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook San Diego had the wind at their backs again in the 3rd quarter, but ran only seven plays from scrimmage during a scoreless period. Early in the 4th quarter, Steve Grogan's touchdown pass made it 27–14. With seven minutes to play, Glen Edwards intercepted Grogan in Patriots territory. Williams ran for 13 yards on a 3rd and 2 and again scored from a yard out to draw the Chargers back within six points. Facing a 3rd and 12 on the first play after the two-minute warning, Grogan threw the ball directly to Bob Horn, who returned it 30 yards to the New England 10-yard line. Two plays netted only a single yard, and Fouts was intercepted at the goal line on 3rd down with 1:28 to play; he had Jefferson open, but misread the defense. New England gained a first down and were able to run the clock out. Despite Williams' two scores, the Chargers' rushing attack could muster only 39 yards total, their worst tally of the season. Thomas gained no yards on his two carries but caught two passes for 46 yards and also threw an 18-yard completion.San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots - September 23rd, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197909230nwe.htm pro-football-reference.com March 9, 2025 Week 5: vs. San Francisco 49ers San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Five: San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 30 1:00 p.m. PDT 49ers 0 3 6 0 Chargers 0 17 0 14 San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California 50,893 72 °F 1 relative humidity 69%, wind 11 mph km/h knots Gene Barth CBS Dick Stockton and George Allen Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SF – Ray Wersching 32-yard field goal, 11:39. 49ers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:33. SDG – Clarence Williams 3-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 5:04. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 6:35. SDG – Roy Gerela 26-yard field goal, 0:42. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 41 yards, 3:18. SDG – Charlie Joiner 24-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Roy Gerela kick), 0:05. Chargers 17–3. Drive: 1 play, 24 yards, 0:06. Third quarter SF – O. J. Simpson 1-yard run (kick blocked), 9:06. Chargers 17–9. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 2:39. Fourth quarter SDG – Kellen Winslow 24-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Roy Gerela kick), 9:58. Chargers 24–9. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:32. SDG – Hank Bauer 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 0:08. Chargers 31–9. Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards, 1:27. Top passers SF – Steve DeBerg – 13/23, 147 yards, 2 INT SDG – Dan Fouts – 26/34, 251 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers SF – O. J. Simpson – 16 rushes, 89 yards, TD SDG – Clarence Williams – 14 rushes, 37 yards, TD Top receivers SF – Paul Hofer – 3 receptions, 57 yards SDG – Kellen Winslow – 7 receptions, 72 yards, TD Roy Gerela had a chance to put the Chargers ahead on the game's opening possession, but his 43-yard field goal try was blocked. San Francisco reached the Chargers' 41-yard line before being stopped by Lowe's interception; San Diego drove to the 49ers 25-yard line before Fouts was also intercepted. The 49ers opened the scoring with a field goal early in the 2nd quarter. In response, Fouts converted 3rd downs with passes to Thomas and Williams, the latter of whom put the Chargers ahead with his 3-yard touchdown run. San Diego added a field goal on their next drive, and the 49ers were at their own 29-yard line with 21 seconds to play in the half. Horn then intercepted Steve DeBerg and ran the ball back to the 24. Fouts found Joiner for a touchdown on the next play for a 17–3 lead.Chargers rip 49ers, 31–9 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-press-democrat-chargers-31-9-49ers/167352741/ Santa Rosa Press Democrat UPI October 1, 1979 1B, 2BSan Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers September 30, 1979 San Diego Chargers 5–6, 8–9 Media gamebook When San Francisco scored a touchdown in the 3rd quarter, Johnson blocked the extra point to keep the Chargers two scores ahead. San Diego were at the 49ers 9-yard line later in the quarter, but Fouts lost a fumble. Artie Owens' 24-yard catch moved the Chargers across midfield on their next possession; the drive appeared to have ended with a missed 41-yard kick by Gerela, but a 49ers offside penalty gave San Diego a first down. Two plays later, Winslow took a short pass in for a 24-yard touchdown. Johnson recovered a late fumble and returned it 36 yards to the San Francisco 4, allowing Hank Bauer to score from close range with 8 seconds on the clock. Williams' rushing touchdown was his ninth of the season, already tying Paul Lowe's club record after only five games.When San Diego has the ball https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate-williams-record/167696308/ Escondido Times-Advocate October 4, 1979 D-6 Owens had 6 rushes for 21 yards, 3 catches for 31 yards, and 3 kickoff returns for 87 yards.San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers - September 30th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197909300sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com March 10, 2025 Week 6: at Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary October 7 1:00 p.m. MDT Chargers 0 0 0 0 Broncos 0 0 7 0 Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado 74,997 67 °F 1 relative humidity 26%, wind 11 mph km/h knots Red Cashion NBC Sam Nover and Bob Trumpy Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter DEN – Norris Weese 3-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 11:01. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:51. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers SDG – Dan Fouts – 27/45, 305 yards, 3 INT DEN – Norris Weese – 6/11, 35 yards Top rushers SDG – Clarence Williams – 13 rushes, 29 yards DEN – Otis Armstrong – 9 rushes, 78 yards Top receivers SDG – Charlie Joiner – 7 receptions, 115 yards DEN – Riley Odoms – 2 receptions, 29 yards Neither side crossed midfield until early in the 2nd quarter, when Fouts' 30-yard pass to Winslow converted a 3rd and 3 and brought the Chargers to Denver's 22-yard line. The drive stalled near the goal line, and Gerela had a field goal blocked. A Denver offsides penalty let him try again, but he missed from 20 yards out. He had a longer chance on the next drive and struck the left upright from 45 yards out. Lowe recovered a fumble on the Denver 45-yard line, but the Chargers gained only seven yards before punting. Denver reached the San Diego 35 late in the half before Wilbur Young sacked Norris Weese to push them out of field goal range, and the half finished scoreless.Turnovers give Broncos victory https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-chargers-0-7-broncos/137825314/ Palm Beach Post AP October 8, 1979 B11San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos October 7, 1979 Denver Broncos 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook Winslow fumbled early in the 3rd quarter; Denver recovered and returned the ball to the Chargers 11-yard line. Their touchdown came two plays later. San Diego drove to around midfield on their next two drives, which ended with a punt and an interception. Joiner's 39-yard catch set up a 34-yard Gerela field goal, which struck the right upright for his third miss. In the final minutes, Joiner's 20-yard catch on 4th and 5 gave the Chargers a first down at the Denver 44, but Fouts was intercepted again on the following play. Young's fumble recovery gave San Diego's offense a last chance from their own 33-yard line, but Fouts threw his third interception two plays later. Despite being shut out, the Chargers outgained Denver by 374 yards to 193, including a 305–33 advantage in passing yards.San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos - October 7th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197910070den.htm pro-football-reference.com March 13, 2024 The result produced a three-way tie at the top of the AFC West, with the Chargers, Broncos and Chiefs all at 4–2.Red Miller lauds defense in Bronco win https://www.newspapers.com/article/casper-star-tribune-three-way-tie/167920774/ Casper Star-Tribune UPI October 11, 1979 16 Week 7: vs. Seattle Seahawks San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seven: Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 14 1:00 p.m. PDT Seahawks 0 3 0 7 Chargers 7 0 7 6 San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California 50,077 72 °F 1 relative humidity 78%, wind 9 mph km/h knots Chuck Heberling NBC Merle Harmon and George Kunz Box score First quarter SDG – Lydell Mitchell 20-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Roy Gerela kick), 6:56. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 4:49. Second quarter SEA – Efren Herrera 19-yard field goal, 0:26. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 3:26. Third quarter SDG – John Jefferson 9-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Roy Gerela kick), 3:11. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:57. Fourth quarter SEA – Sherman Smith 8-yard run (Efren Herrera kick), 14:13. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 3:58. SDG – John Jefferson 9-yard pass from Dan Fouts (kick failed), 4:34. Chargers 20–10. Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 1:26. Top passers SEA – Jim Zorn – 19/43, 192 yards, INT SDG – Dan Fouts – 28/35, 315 yards, 3 TD Top rushers SEA – Sherman Smith – 13 rushes, 78 yards, TD SDG – Clarence Williams – 17 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers SEA – Steve Largent – 2 receptions, 45 yards SDG – Dan Doornink – 8 receptions, 81 yards San Diego went ahead to stay on their first drive of the game: Joiner had a 16-yard catch on 3rd and 2, Williams a 2-yard run on 4th and 1, and Fouts opened the scoring with his first touchdown pass. In the 2nd quarter, Owens' 20-yard run moved the Chargers into position for a field goal, missed by Gerela from 40 yards out. San Diego's defense kept the Seahawks out of the end zone after they had driven to a 1st and goal at the Chargers 5-yard line, leading to a 7–3 halftime lead.Keteyian Armen Pressure points foretell fate in Chargers' victory https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-chargers-20-10-seahawks/141531213/ Escondido Times-Advocate October 15, 1979 D-1, D-3 newspapers.comSeattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers October 14, 1979 San Diego Chargers 4–5, 7–9 Media gamebook A 65-yard Chargers drive to open the 3rd quarter led to no points after Gerela missed from 38 yards out. Seattle went three-and-out, and San Diego drove 67 yards for a touchdown: Fouts began the drive with a 26-yard pass to Bob Klein, and end it with a 9-yard touchdown to Jefferson on a 3rd and 5. Seattle answered with a touchdown early in the 4th quarter, then executed an onside kick but went three-and-out. The Seahawks gained a first down at the San Diego 27-yard line on their next drive, but Edwards intercepted Jim Zorn in the end zone. With six minutes left, Seattle tried a fake punt on 4th and 8 from the Chargers 45-yard line, but Shaw tackled the ball carrier for no gain. Two plays gained five yards, then Fouts found Jefferson for the clinching touchdown. Jefferson had 137 receiving yards after gaining only 273 yards in the first six games combined.John Jefferson 1979 game log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JeffJo00/gamelog/1979/ pro-football-reference.com March 16, 2025 San Diego fumbled five times and the Seahawks twice: each time, the fumbling team retained possession.Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers - October 14th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197910140sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com March 16, 2025 Week 8: at Los Angeles Rams San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary October 21 1:00 p.m. PDT Chargers 7 7 17 9 Rams 7 0 0 9 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California 64,245 63 °F 1 relative humidity 55%, wind 14 mph km/h knots Gordon McCarter NBC Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen Box score First quarter SDG – Hank Bauer 1-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 7:59. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 4:08. RAM – Wendell Tyler 3-yard run (Frank Corral kick), 1:00. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:28. Second quarter SDG – John Jefferson 65-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 0:56. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 70 yards, 0:46. Third quarter SDG – Wilbur Young 3-yard defensive fumble return (Mike Wood kick), 13:41. Chargers 21–7. SDG – Mike Wood 37-yard field goal, 6:26. Chargers 24–7. Drive: 7 plays, 11 yards, 2:19. SDG – Bob Klein 6-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 1:42. Chargers 31–7. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:32. Fourth quarter RAM – Preston Dennard 31-yard pass from Pat Haden (Frank Corral kick, 14:45. Chargers 31–14. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 1:57. SDG – Mike Wood 31-yard field goal, 11:36. Chargers 34–14. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 3:02. SDG – Hank Bauer 1-yard run, 4:33. Chargers 40–14. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:03. RAM – Safety, Jeff West stepped out of end zone, 0:53. Chargers 40–16. Top passers SDG – Dan Fouts – 17/32, 326 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT RAM – Pat Haden – 17/30, 248 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers SDG – Lydell Mitchell – 12 rushes, 48 yards RAM – Wendell Tyler – 20 rushes, 79 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Charlie Joiner – 7 receptions, 168 yards RAM – Elvis Peacock – 5 receptions, 97 yards The Chargers scored on their second possession: Joiner's 26-yard catch on 3rd and 3 moved the ball to the Rams 15-yard line, Jefferson drew pass interference in the end zone on 3rd and 2, and Bauer scored from a yard out. Joiner added a 35-yard catch on San Diego's next drive, but Fouts was intercepted on a 2nd and 12 from the Los Angeles 21-yard line. Mike Williams was flagged for a 37-yard pass interference penalty soon afterwards, and the Rams tied the score two plays later. They were poised to take the lead in the 2nd quarter, but Lowe blocked a 42-yard field goal attempt. The Chargers went ahead to stay with 56 seconds to play in the half: Fouts found Jefferson at the Rams 36 and he went in for a 65-yard touchdown and 14–7 half time lead.Maffei John Charger KO leaves Rams reeling https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate-chargers-40-16-rams/167374106/ Escondido Times-Advocate October 22, 1979 D-1, D-4San Diego Chargers at Los Angeles Rams October 21, 1979 Los Angeles Rams 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook Shortly after half time, Dean's sack caused the ball to pop into the air for Young to gather as he stepped into the end zone. A Shaw interception and 30-yard return set up a field goal for Mike Wood. Soon afterwards, Shaw forced a fumble which Jerome Dove recovered at the San Diego 45. Fouts connected with Joiner for 33-yards on the following drive, and found Klein for a touchdown on the next play. After a Rams touchdown, Jefferson had a 40-yard catch to set up another field goal. The Rams reached the San Diego 2-yard line, Lowe ended that threat by forcing a fumble which went through the end zone. Williams later set up a second Bauer touchdown when he ran an interception back 50 yards to the 1-yard line. A loss by Denver the next day left the Chargers a game clear in the division.Steelers break Broncos https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-week-8-standings/168145386/ Florida Today AP October 23, 1979 1C The Chargers had two 100-yard receivers: Joiner caught 7 passes for 168 yards, while Jefferson added 3 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. Fuller had two of the Chargers' four interceptions; they forced eight of the game's ten takeaways.San Diego Chargers at Los Angeles Rams - October 21st, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197910210ram.htm pro-football-reference.com March 16, 2025 Week 9: at Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary October 25 6:00 p.m. PDT Chargers 0 6 16 0 Raiders 14 10 7 14 Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California 53,709 66 °F 1 relative humidity 79%, wind 17 mph km/h knots Ben Dreith ABC Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton and Howard Cosell Box score First quarter OAK – Raymond Chester 34-yard pass from Ken Stabler (Jim Breech kick), 9:28. Raiders 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 41 yards, 2:03. OAK – Booker Russell 1-yard run (Jim Breech kick), 6:28. Raiders 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 1:20. Second quarter OAK – Mark van Eeghen 4-yard run (Jim Breech kick), 6:54. Raiders 21–0. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:32. SDG – John Jefferson 57-yard pass from Dan Fouts (kick blocked), 1:46. Raiders 21–6. Drive: 4 plays, 86 yards, 0:47. OAK – Jim Breech 38-yard field goal, 0:23. Raiders 24–6. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 1:16. Third quarter SDG – Mike Wood 28-yard field goal, 10:15. Raiders 24–9. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:45. SDG – Dan Fouts 1-yard run (kick failed), 7:24. Raiders 24–15. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:45. OAK – Ira Matthews 104-yard kickoff return (Jim Breech kick), 7:04. Raiders 31–15. SDG – Bob Klein 7-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 0:48. Raiders 31–22. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 2:11. Fourth quarter OAK – Booker Russell 1-yard run (Jim Breech kick), 8:40. Raiders 38–22. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 3:13. OAK – Booker Russell 1-yard run (Jim Breech kick), 11:23. Raiders 45–22. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:57. Top passers SDG – Dan Fouts – 21/37, 303 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT OAK – Ken Stabler – 13/17, 212 yards, TD Top rushers SDG – Clarence Williams – 7 rushes, 40 yards OAK – Mark van Eeghen – 22 rushes, 95 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – John Jefferson – 4 receptions, 109 yards, TD OAK – Dave Casper – 3 receptions, 88 yards Oakland scored touchdowns on their second and third possessions, while the Chargers opened with a pair of three-and-outs. They reached 1st and 5 at the 11-yard line in response, but Fouts was intercepted by Lester Hayes. An 80-yard touchdown increased the Raiders' lead to twenty-one points before San Diego scored on Jefferson's 57-yard touchdown reception. The extra point was blocked, and Oakland increased their lead to 24–6 with a field goal shortly before halftime.Chargers 'raided' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-times-chargers-22-45-raiders/168233286/ Racine Journal Times AP October 26, 1979 1DSan Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders October 25, 1979 Oakland Raiders 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook Wood made a short field goal on the opening possession of the 3rd quarter, then followed up with a surprise onside kick, which San Diego recovered. On the ensuing possession, Joiner had a 25-yard catch, Jefferson converted a 4th and 4, and Fouts ran the ball in himself with a quarterback sneak from a yard out. Wood missed the exter point, and Ira Matthews returned the ensuing kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown. Klein pulled San Diego back within nine points with a quarter still to play, but they didn't cross midfield again until the final minutes, by which time Oakland had safely padded their lead with two touchdowns either side of a Fouts interception. Chargers backup quarterback James Harris was also intercepted, his coming in the end zone in the final minute. Denver won later in the week to move back into a first-placed tie with the Chargers.Denver QB credits protection as key to picking Chiefs apart https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-week-9-standings/168234955/ St. Joseph News-Press UPI October 29, 1979 6A Fouts fourth consecutive 300-yard game set an NFL record at the time.Sargis Joe Raiders crush Chargers 45–22 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93905755/fouts-300-yards-26-oct-1979/ Chico Enterprise-Record 1B 26 October 1979 For the second consecutive game, both starting wide receivers crossed the 100-yard mark: Joiner caught 9 passes for 107 yards while Jefferson had 4 for 109 and a touchdown.San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders - October 25th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197910250rai.htm pro-football-reference.com March 18, 2025 Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary November 4 1:00 p.m. CST Chargers 10 0 3 7 Chiefs 0 0 0 14 Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 59,353 47 °F 1 relative humidity 45%, wind 16 mph km/h knots Jim Tunney NBC Jay Randolph and Paul Maguire Box score First quarter SDG – John Jefferson 13-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 11:21. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 2:34. SDG – Mike Wood 31-yard field goal, 2:59. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 6:37. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter SDG – Mike Wood 26-yard field goal, 3:03. Chargers 13–0. Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 7:32. Fourth quarter KAN – Steve Fuller 18-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 14:06. Chargers 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:57. SDG – Clarence Williams 5-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 5:45. Chargers 20–7. Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 8:21. KAN – J. T. Smith 24-yard pass from Steve Fuller (Jan Stenerud kick), 3:05. Chargers 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:40. Top passers SDG – Dan Fouts – 28/44, 236 yards, TD, 2 INT KAN – Steve Fuller – 15/26, 170 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Lydell Mitchell – 13 rushes, 43 yards KAN – Tony Reed – 11 rushes, 47 yards Top receivers SDG – John Jefferson – 6 receptions, 56 yards, TD KAN – J. T. Smith – 4 receptions, 56 yards, TD There were three turnovers in the opening 65 seconds of the game: Edwards recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff, Fouts was intercepted two plays later, and Edwards recovered a second fumble on Kansas City's first play from scrimmage. The ensuing Chargers drive was extended when the Chiefs were flagged for running into the punter, and ended with Jefferson's 13-yard touchdown on 3rd and 7. On the next two drives, Wood made a 31-yard field goal and Kansas City kicker Jan Stenerud missed a 44-yarder. The next five drives resulted in punts, and San Diego led 10–0 at halftime.Keteyian Armen Charger victory leaves questions unanswered https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate-chargers-20-14-chie/167377102/ Escondido Times-Advocate November 5, 1979 D-1, D-3San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs November 4, 1979 Kansas City Chiefs 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook Fouts threw another interception two plays into the 3rd quarter; Kansas City drove to the San Diego 17-yard line before Preston made an interception of his own to end the threat. The Chargers then embarked on a field goal drive: Wood missed from 21 yards out, but was given a second chance because the Chargers had been flagged for delay of game, and converted from 26 yards. Kansas City scored their first touchdown on the next drive. San Diego responded by driving 73 yards in 14 plays; Joiner had a 6-yard catch on 3rd and 3, and Williams scored on 3rd and 2 from the 5-yard line. The Chiefs produced their second consecutive touchdown drive, then forced a punt. Taking over on their own 30-yard line with 90 seconds left, Kansas City were at midfield when Edwards produced his third turnover of the game, this one a clinching interception with 41 seconds left. Kansas City's late touchdown drives of 80 and 73 yards accounted for more than half of their 283 total yards. San Diego ran 75 total plays compared to the Chiefs' 53.San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs - November 4th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197911040kan.htm pro-football-reference.com March 19, 2025 Week 11: at Cincinnati Bengals San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary November 11 1:00 p.m. EST Chargers 0 13 3 10 Bengals 14 0 0 10 Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio 40,782 35 °F 1 relative humidity 78%, wind 11 mph km/h knots, wind chill 27 F C 1 Jerry Seeman NBC Phil Stone and Paul Maguire Box score First quarter CIN – Pete Johnson 1-yard run (Chris Bahr kick), 10:39. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:21. CIN – Ray Griffin 96-yard interception return (Chris Bahr kick), 3:43. Bengals 14–0. Second quarter SDG – Mike Wood 22-yard field goal, 11:14. Bengals 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:41. SDG – Charlie Joiner 4-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 7:17. Bengals 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 2:31. SDG – Mike Wood 42-yard field goal, 0:47. Bengals 14–13. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 1:18. Third quarter SDG – Mike Wood 34-yard field goal, 11:06. Chargers 16–14. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 1:20. Fourth quarter CIN – Pete Johnson 2-yard run (Chris Bahr kick), 14:57. Bengals 21–16. Drive: 11 plays, 48 yards, 4:21. CIN – Chris Bahr 28-yard field goal, 4:34. Bengals 24–16. Drive: 13 plays, 57 yards, 7:44. SDG – Artie Owens 32-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 3:13. Bengals 24–23. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 1:21. SDG – Mike Wood 32-yard field goal, 0:19. Chargers 26–24. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 1:31. Top passers SDG – Dan Fouts – 21/40, 295 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT CIN – Ken Anderson – 9/22, 91 yards Top rushers SDG – Lydell Mitchell – 6 rushes, 22 yards CIN – Archie Griffin – 15 rushes, 85 yards Top receivers SDG – Charlie Joiner – 5 receptions, 99 yards, TD CIN – Don Bass – 4 receptions, 48 yards Cincinnati took the opening kickoff and drove 67 yards on 8 plays for the opening touchdown. San Diego appeared poised to tie the scores later in the quarter after Cliff Thrift blocked a punt and set up the offense on the Bengals 8-yard line. Two plays later, Ray Griffin intercepted a Fouts throw and ran 96 yards untouched to double the lead. San Diego's first points came early in the 2nd quarter when a 32-yard Thomas catch set up Wood's first field goal. The Bengals were quickly forced to punt, and San Diego had to drive only 28 for Joiner's touchdown catch on 3rd and goal from the 4. John Floyd's 40-yard catch set up a second field goal late in the half, reducing the deficit to 14–13.Distel Dave Wood's kick wins for Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-chargers-26-24-ben/167450332/ Los Angeles Times November 12, 1979 III-1, III-12San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals November 11, 1979 Cincinnati Bengals 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook Joiner's 29-yard catch moved the Chargers into position for Wood's third field goal, which put them ahead for the first time. Later, the Bengals drove for a touchdown and a field goal either side of a Fouts interception, putting them eight points clear with only 4:32 on the clock. Fouts passed seven times in a row, completing on a 77-yard drive that culminated in a 32-yard touchdown for Owens with 3:13 still to play. After holding the Bengals to a three-and-out and benefitting from a 19-yard punt, the Chargers began the winning drive on their own 49 with 1:50 left. Following two incompletions and a sack, Fouts converted a 4th and 18 with a 31-yard completion to the uncovered Joiner, then found the same receiver for 13 yards on the next play. Three plays later, Wood kicked the winner from 32 yards out. San Diego won despite committing all four of the game's turnovers.San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals - November 11th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197911110cin.htm pro-football-reference.com March 19, 2025 They gave up a season-high 194 yards on the ground, but allowed only 60 through the air. Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 18 1:00 p.m. PST Steelers 0 0 7 0 Chargers 7 14 7 7 San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California 51,910 63 °F 1 relative humidity 78%, wind 9 mph km/h knots Red Cashion NBC Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen Box score First quarter SDG – John Jefferson 16-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 8:33. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 37 yards, 0:52. Second quarter SDG – Bob Klein 6-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 6:29. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:48. SDG – Bo Matthews 2-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 4:37. Chargers 21–0. Drive: 1 play, 2 yards, 0:04. Third quarter PIT – Rocky Bleier 2-yard run (Matt Bahr kick), 8:30. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 3:29. SDG – Woodrow Lowe 77-yard interception return (Mike Wood kick), 1:19. Chargers 28–7. Fourth quarter SDG – Hank Bauer 2-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 5:53. Chargers 35–7. Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 1:38. Top passers PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 18/36, 153 yards, 5 INT SDG – Dan Fouts – 11/24, 137 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers PIT – Franco Harris – 20 rushes, 44 yards SDG – Mike Thomas – 13 rushes, 53 yards Top receivers PIT – John Stallworth – 4 receptions, 55 yards SDG – John Jefferson – 5 receptions, 106 yards, TD The opening quarter featured seven turnovers, starting with a Preston interception of Terry Bradshaw and 25-yard return to the Steelers' 37-yard line. The Chargers needed only three plays to converted the opportunity into a Fouts-to-Jefferson touchdown. Pittsburgh fumbled the ensuing kickoff, but Fouts was intercepted in the end zone when he looked for Jefferson again. Following a Steelers punt, both sides lost fumbles in quick succession; Pittsburgh then touched a Charger punt, allowing San Diego to recover inside the ten. Three plays later, Fouts was intercepted again. In the 2dn quarter, Jefferson's 31-yard catch was the biggest play on a 72-yard drive that ended with Klein's touchdown. Four plays later, Bradshaw was intercepted by Preston again—he ran the ball back 35 yards and Williams scored from the 2-yard line a play later. That put the Chargers up 21–0, and they carried that lead into the second half.Chargers stun Steelers, 35–7 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-news-chargers-35-7-steelers/167453992/ Lebanon Daily News UPI November 19, 1979 23Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers November 18, 1979 San Diego Chargers 5–7, 9–10 Media gamebook In the 3rd quarter, Pittsburgh got on the scoreboard through Rocky Bleier and converted two 4th downs on their next drive. When Pittsburgh went for it again on 4th and 10 from the San Diego 37-yard line, Edwards deflected the ball for Lowe to intercept and return 77 yards for a touchdown. Johnson stopped two further 4th down conversion attempts with a sack and a tackle, and Mike Williams later set up a Bauer touchdown with an interception. Lowe claimed a further interception in the final minutes. San Diego had five interceptions in total, four by linebackers. Jefferson gained 106 receiving yards while his teammates had 31 between them.Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers - November 18th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197911180sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com March 20, 2025 Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 25 1:00 p.m. PST Chiefs 7 0 0 0 Chargers 7 7 7 7 San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California 50,078 60 °F 1 relative humidity 70%, wind 5 mph km/h knots Bob Frederic NBC Sam Nover and Bob Trumpy Box score First quarter KAN – Mike Williams 8-yard pass from Steve Fuller (Jan Stenerud kick), 8:58. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 6:02. SDG – Charlie Joiner 29-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 4:20. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:38. Second quarter SDG – John Jefferson 42-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 2:29. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 91 yards, 3:48. Third quarter SDG – Bob Klein 8-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 5:05. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 6:26. Fourth quarter SDG – Artie Owens 8-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 8:11. Chargers 28–7. Drive: 14 plays, 87 yards, 6:37. Top passers KAN – Steve Fuller – 14/22, 144 yards, TD, INT SDG – Dan Fouts – 27/43, 350 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers KAN – Ted McKnight – 9 rushes, 24 yards SDG – Clarence Williams – 13 rushes, 63 yards Top receivers KAN – Henry Marshall – 2 receptions, 43 yards SDG – Charlie Joiner – 9 receptions, 123 yards, TD Kansas City's only points came on the game's opening possession after a 72-yard touchdown drive. Fouts twice faced difficult situations on the Chargers' first drive: he converted a 3rd and 18 with a 29-yard completion to Owens and a 3rd and 19 with a 29-yard touchdown to Joiner. The Chiefs started a drive at the San Diego 29-yard line after a Fouts interception, but were pushed back by a penalty and Young's 3rd-down sack, eventually punting. San Diego took the lead with a 91-yard touchdown drive—Bo Matthews had a 7-yard catch on 3rd and 5 and Jefferson caught Fouts' 42-yard touchdown at full stretch near the goal line. DeJurnett's 3rd-down sack stopped another Chiefs drive, and San Diego led 14–7 at halftime.Rand Jonathan Fouts feasts on Chiefs in 28–7 picnic https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-times-chargers-28-7-chie/167455982/ Kansas City Times November 26, 1979 1DKansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers November 25, 1979 San Diego Chargers 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook San Diego extended their lead with two 14-play touchdown drives. In the 3rd quarter, Fouts converted a trio of 3rd downs with completions to Clarence Williams, Joiner and Klein, the latter for a touchdown. In the final quarter, Joiner had another 3rd-down catch, Bauer converted on 3rd and 1 twice, and Owens scored the final touchdown. Kansas City, who had punted on seven consecutive possessions after their opening drive, reached the San Diego 9-yard line in the final minutes, but Mike Williams made an end zone interception. The Chargers outgained Kansas City by 460 yards to 190, and gained 30 first downs to the Chiefs' 9.Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers - November 25th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197911250sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com March 22, 2025 249 of Fouts' 350 passing yards came in the first half. Denver lost to Oakland the same day, again leaving San Diego a game clear at the top of the AFC West.Chargers alone in first; Raiders stun Broncos https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-week-13-standings/168581880/ Louisville Courier-Journal Associated Press November 26, 1979 D3 Week 14: vs. Atlanta Falcons San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: Atlanta Falcons at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 2 1:00 p.m. PST Falcons 7 7 7 7 Chargers 7 3 7 9 San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California 50,198 64 °F 1 relative humidity 32%, wind 6 mph km/h knots Gordon McCarter CBS Frank Glieber and John Madden Box score First quarter ATL – Haskel Stanback 1-yard run (Tim Mazzetti kick), 6:18. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:35. SDG – Hank Bauer 1-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 1:20. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 4:58. Second quarter SDG – Mike Wood 35-yard field goal, 13:01. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 1:48. ATL – William Andrews 11-yard pass from Steve Bartkowski (Tim Mazzetti kick), 1:52. Falcons 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 2:22. Third quarter SDG – John Floyd 19-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 8:30. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 2:24. ATL – Wallace Francis 31-yard pass from Steve Bartkowski (Tim Mazzetti kick), 4:40. Falcons 21–17. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:50. Fourth quarter SDG – Clarence Williams 2-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 7:35. Chargers 24–21. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 3:14. SDG – Safety, Wilbur Young sacked Steve Bartkowski in end zone, 4:39. Chargers 26–21. ATL – Wallace Francis 6-yard pass from Steve Bartkowski (Tim Mazzetti kick), 0:21. Falcons 28–26. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 1:44. Top passers ATL – Steve Bartkowski – 17/30, 225 yards, 3 TD, INT SDG – Dan Fouts – 28/37, 338 yards, TD, INT Top rushers ATL – William Andrews – 21 rushes, 131 yards SDG – Dan Fouts – 5 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers ATL – Wallace Francis – 6 receptions, 90 yards, 2 TD SDG – John Jefferson – 5 receptions, 103 yards Thomas fumbled near midfield early in the game. Atlanta didn't take immediate advantage, but did open the scoring after an exchange of punts. The Chargers responded; Joiner had a 5-yard catch on 3rd and 3, then a 28-yard catch to the Atlanta 1-yard line to set up Bauer's touchdown two plays later. Jefferson's 43-yard reception led to a Wood field goal the next time San Diego had the ball. Falcons quarterback Steve Bartkowski moved his team 56 yards in only four plays shortly before halftime to put Atlanta back ahead. Fouts completed six out of seven passes to take San Diego from their own 25 to the Atlanta 14-yard line with 18 seconds on the clock, but was intercepted and the Falcons led 14–10 at halftime.Falcons upset Chargers, 28–26 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-chargers-26-28-falcons/167457305/ Scranton Tribune UPI December 3, 1979 11Atlanta Falcons at San Diego Chargers December 2, 1979 San Diego Chargers 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook Atlanta moved into San Diego territory early in the second half, but Buchanon forced and recovered a fumble that he returned for 24 yards to midfield. Six plays later, Fouts threw a 19-yard touchdown to John Floyd on 3rd and 8. Bartkowski responded immediately, leading an 80-yard drive to put Atlanta back in front. Following an exchange of punts, Fouts scrambled for 26 yards, Joiner drew a 25-yard pass interference penalty Williams scored on a short run with 7:35 to play. Lowe intercepted Bartkowski and returned the ball to the Atlanta 33 shortly afterwards. San Diego were forced to punt, and West pinned Atlanta at their own 3-yard line, setting up a sack and safety for Young. San Diego then went three-and-out, and West shanked a 10-yard punt to the Atlanta 49. Bartkowski's game-winning touchdown pass came on a 3rd and goal with 21 seconds left. That still left time for a 27-yard reception by Jefferson, but the Chargers were pushed back five yards by an illegal motion penalty, and Wood's 53-yard field goal attempt fell short as time expired. The result was a surprise, as Atlanta had entered the game with a 4–9 record compared to San Diego's 10–3. Jefferson and Joiner had 103 and 99 yards receiving yards respectively.Atlanta Falcons at San Diego Chargers - December 2nd, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197912020sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com March 22, 2025 Denver had won earlier, so the tie at the top of the division was restored.Sachare Alex Broncos 19, Bills 16 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-union-week-14-standings/168603665/ Grass Valley Union AP December 3, 1979 10 Week 15: at New Orleans Saints San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary December 9 3:00 p.m. CST Chargers 14 21 0 0 Saints 0 0 0 0 Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana 61,059 Dome Ben Dreith NBC Charlie Jones and Len Dawson Box score First quarter SDG – Hank Bauer 1-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 8:34. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:26. SDG – Clarence Williams 5-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 3:09. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 3:44. Second quarter SDG – John Jefferson 26-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 10:58. Chargers 21–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:20. SDG – Hank Bauer 1-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 1:18. Chargers 28–0. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:35. SDG – Hank Bauer 1-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 0:00. Chargers 35–0. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 1:10. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers SDG – Dan Fouts – 17/23, 253 yards, TD NO – Archie Manning – 20/32, 185 yards Top rushers SDG – Clarence Williams – 17 rushes, 88 yards, TD NO – Chuck Muncie – 10 rushes, 39 yards Top receivers SDG – John Jefferson – 5 receptions, 104 yards, TD NO – Wes Chandler – 4 receptions, 51 yards San Diego took the game's opening kickoff and drove 69 yards for the opening touchdown; Bauer's 1-yard touchdown converted the only 3rd down they faced. After the Saints missed a field goal, Jefferson had a 22-yard catch on 3rd and 3, and Williams scored three plays later. After the Saints went three-and-out, San Diego made it three touchdowns from three drives: Jefferson drew a 20-yard pass interference penalty on a 3rd and 19, and scored his touchdown on a 2nd and 21. New Orleans went three-and-out, then forced the Chargers to punt for the first time. Mike Fuller came up with an interception at the Saints 48-yard line on the next play. San Diego drove to another 3rd and goal from the 1-yard line, with Bauer scoring again. The Saints fumbled the ensuing kickoff, with Dove recovering. Jefferson had a 22-yard catch on 3rd and 15, and Chargers the 1-yard line with four seconds on the clock. They elected to run another play, and Bauer scored for the third time as the half ended. San Diego led 35–0, having gained 27 first downs to 1 and outgained the Saints by 323 yards to 45.Chargers rout Saints, 35–0 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93908507/chargers-35-0-saints-10-dec-1979/ AP C-3 San Bernardino County Sun 10 December 1979San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints December 9, 1979 New Orleans Saints 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook The Saints improved in the second half, but turned the ball over on downs three times in Chargers territory and once at midfield as they failed to prevent the shutout. The Chargers also came close to scoring, but Bauer was stopped on 4th and goal from the 15-yard line. The Chargers rushed a season-high 42 times, covering 166 yards on the ground with four touchdowns. Bauer scored three times from a yard out, and lost two yards on his only other carry, giving him an unusual stat line: 4 carries, 1 yard, 3 touchdowns.San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints - December 9th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197912090nor.htm pro-football-reference.com March 22, 2025 San Diego clinched a playoff berth with the win. Denver lost, but could still win the division from the Chargers on the head-to-head tiebreaker by winning the following week's game between the teams.'If'—playoff puzzle word https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-modesto-bee-week-15-standings/168610046/ Modesto Bee Associated Press December 10, 1979 B-2 Week 16: vs. Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Sixteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 17 6:00 p.m. PST Broncos 7 0 0 0 Chargers 0 7 7 3 San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California 51,906 61 °F 1 relative humidity 28%, wind 7 mph km/h knots Chuck Heberling ABC Howard Cosell, Don Meredith and Frank Gifford Box score First quarter DEN – Otis Armstrong 3-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 7:19. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 2:25. Second quarter SDG – Dan Fouts 4-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 11:07. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:54. Third quarter SDG – Charlie Joiner 32-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Mike Wood kick), 12:02. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 3 plays, 52 yards, 0:50. Fourth quarter SDG – Mike Wood 24-yard field goal, 5:58. Chargers 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:14. Top passers DEN – Craig Morton – 27/41, 236 yards, 4 INT SDG – Dan Fouts – 17/29, 230 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers DEN – Otis Armstrong – 13 rushes, 45 yards, TD SDG – Clarence Williams – 16 rushes, 50 yards Top receivers DEN – Jim Jensen – 8 receptions, 65 yards SDG – Bob Klein – 4 receptions, 69 yards Fouts was intercepted only four plays into the game that would decide the AFC West champions. There was an exchange of punts, then Denver drove 59 yards for their only points of the day. The Chargers missed their first scoring chance when Wood was short on a 51-yard field goal try. Three plays later, Dean forced a fumble that Jones recovered, setting the San Diego offense up at the Denver 41-yard line. Fouts found Klein for 20 yards on the next play, and finished the drive off himself when he followed Ed White's lead block and ran the ball in from the 4-yard line. Klein opened the next Chargers drive with a 22-yard catch; they gained a first down at the Denver 25-yard line, but Fouts was intercepted on the next play. Denver embarked on a 14-play, 81-yard drive that took them to a 2nd and 4 at the Chargers 9-yard line before Pete Shaw came up with a goal line interception 51 seconds before halftime. The teams went into the interval tied at 7–7.Chargers: the new champions https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93909920/chargers-17-7-broncos-18-dec-1979/ UPI 45 San Francisco Examiner 18 December 1979Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers December 17, 1979 San Diego Chargers 4–7 Media gamebook Denver went three-and-out to start the second half, and San Diego needed only three plays to take the lead on Joiner's 32-yard touchdown catch. They had the chance to extend their lead shortly afterwards, but a botched hold prevented Wood from taking a 35-yard kick. Denver reached a 2nd and 7 at the San Diego 19-yard line early in the final quarter, but Don Goode came up with an interception. Long passes from Fouts and Morton were intercepted on the following two plays, with Mike Williams getting the Chargers' interception at his own 7-yard line. Following a punt, Fuller came up with San Diego's fourth interception and returned it to the Denver 25-yard line, leading to a short Wood field goal and a ten point lead with only 5:58 left. Denver reached a 4th and 6 at the Chargers 25 in response, but gained only 5 yards and turned the ball over on downs; San Diego ran out the last two minutes of the game. In a statistically even game, Denver outgained San Diego by eight yards (335–327), but committed five turnovers to four for the Chargers.Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers - December 17th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197912170sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com March 23, 2025 Joiner had 3 catches for 58 yards and the winning touchdown despite twice having to leave the field to receive treatment for various injuries.Distel Dave Don't strike up band, just give Charlie Joiner a hand https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-near-retirement/133754497/ Los Angeles Times December 13, 1986 III-1, III-24 newspapers.com Standings Postseason 1979–80 NFL playoffs Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Attendance Recap Divisional December 29 Houston Oilers (4) L 14–17 0–1 San Diego Stadium 51,192 Recap Game summary AFC Divisional Playoffs: Oilers at Chargers 1979-80 NFL playoffs San Diego Chargers 1979 2;text-align:center; AFC Divisional Playoffs: (#4) Houston Oilers at (#1) San Diego Chargers – Game summary Oilers 0 10 0 7 Chargers 7 0 7 0 San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California December 29 1:00 p.m. PST 60 °F °C 1, relative humidity 37%, wind 8 mph km/h knots NBC Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator) Ben Dreith 51,192 Box score First quarter SDG – Clarence Williams 1-yard run (Mike Wood kick), 4:49. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 4:08. Second quarter HOU – Toni Fritsch 26-yard field goal, 4:02. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:08. HOU – Boobie Clark 1-yard run (Toni Fritsch kick), 0:19. Oilers 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 2:40. Third quarter SDG – Lydell Mitchell 8-yard pass run (Mike Wood kick), 13:08. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:52. Fourth quarter HOU – Mike Renfro 47-yard pass from Gifford Nielsen (Toni Fritsch kick), 2:05. Oilers 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 46 yards, 0:57. Top passers HOU – Gifford Nielsen – 10/19, 111 yards, TD, INT SDG – Dan Fouts – 25/47, 333 yards, 5 INT Top rushers HOU – Rob Carpenter – 18 rushes, 67 yards SDG – Lydell Mitchell – 8 rushes, 33 yards, TD Top receivers HOU – Mike Renfro – 1 reception, 47 yards SDG – Charlie Joiner – 4 receptions, 81 yards Houston were missing their starting quarterback and running back, making the Chargers strong favorites. The Oilers punted on the game's opening possession, and San Diego drove 81 yards for their first touchdown—Fouts kept the drive going with completions of 34 yards for Greg McCrary on 3rd and 1, and 17 yards to Jefferson on 3rd and 15. The Chargers had a 3rd and 3 at the Houston 48-yard line on their next drive, but Fouts was intercepted by Vernon Perry. Fouts began his next opportunity with three consecutive completions for 38 yards, and narrowly converted on 3rd and 11 with a pass to Floyd. The drive eventually stalled on the Oilers 8-yard line. Wood came on for a 26-yard field goal try, which was blocked by Perry and returned for 57 yards to the San Diego 28 before Fuller made the tackle. Houston turned that play into a field goal. Perry intercepted Fouts again three plays later, and the Oilers scored on 4th and goal from the 1 to take a 10–7 lead 19 seconds before halftime.Phillips: 'character exhibited' https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119690816/chargers-17-14-oilers/ Lancaster Sunday News AP December 30, 1979 C-3Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers December 29, 1979 San Diego Chargers 4–5, 7–8 Media gamebook In the second half, San Diego again scored a touchdown on their first possession, with Joiner's 20-yard catch on 3rd and 10 the biggest play. After an exchange of punts, Houston drove to the San Diego 18, from where Mike Williams made an end zone interception. The Chargers advanced to a 3rd and 7 from their own 38-yard line. From there, Joiner's 8-yard catch was ruled out when Billy Shields was flagged for holding, then Fouts was intercepted. Houston's game-winning touchdown came three plays later. Before teams punted from near midfield on their next possessions, and San Diego took over at their own 10-yard line with 6:34 left to play. Fouts completed consecutive passes of 15 yards to Klein and 30 yards to Joiner. Fouts was then sacked for a loss of 8 yards, but threw a 17-yard completion to Floyd and Clarence Williams gained a yard to bring up 1st and 10 from the Houston 35. Perry intercepted Fouts on the next play. The Chargers had a final chance, starting from their own 5-yard line with 1:08 to play. They were able to reach their own 40 before Perry made a game-clinching interception with two seconds left. Four of Fouts' five interceptions went to Perry; 2025 y, Perry has the playoff record for interceptions in a single game.Record for most interceptions caught in one playoff game https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/record-for-most-interceptions-caught-in-one-playoff-game statmuse.com March 23, 2025 San Diego had more total yards (380–259) and picked up 25 first downs to 15 for Houston.Divisional Round - Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers - December 29th, 1979 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197912290sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com March 23, 2025 A week after the game, Sports Illustrated published an article entitled "The Stolen Signals Caper." For the season, San Diego's standard game method was for offensive coordinator Joe Gibbs to stay upstairs in the booth and phone plays down to Head Coach Don Coryell and Jim Hanifan on the sidelines. The two of them would confer, and then Hanifan would signal in the plays using hand signals much like baseball teams use. Houston Defense Coordinator Eddie Biles broke the code and the Oilers did not overplay their hand. Biles merely signaled the play to Oiler middle linebacker Gregg Bingham who called the Houston defense on the field. Bingham stated, "My job was to put us into the right defense — I guess you'd say the perfect defense." One result is that Houston strong safety Vernon Perry intercepted four of Fouts' passes, three of them while playing double coverage. Oiler J.C. Wilson also had one interception. The article stated, "People who have been around the Chargers for years said they had never seen him [Fouts] throw into so much double coverage."https://www.si.com/vault/1980/01/07/824286/the-stolen-signals-caper The Stolen Signals Caper Sports Illustrated Paul Zimmerman January 7, 1980 Chargers lost and in 1980 finished 11-5 the same as the Raiders the two faced in the AFC Championship Game but lost 34-27. Awards Seven Chargers were named to the 1980 Pro Bowl,1979 NFL Pro Bowlers https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1979/probowl.htm pro-football-reference.com April 19, 2025 and four were named first or second team Associated Press (AP) All-Pros.1979 NFL All-Pros https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1979/allpro.htm pro-football-reference.com April 19, 2025 Fouts was runner-up to Earl Campbell in the voting for AP NFL Most Valuable Player (34 votes to 27) and for the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (39 votes to 34), and Coryell finished in third place for NFL Coach of the Year with 10 of the 80 votes available.1979 awards voting https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_1979.htm pro-football-reference.com April 19, 2025 Player Position Pro Bowl starter Pro Bowl reserve Pro Bowl alternate AP 1st team All-Pro AP 2nd team All-Pro Fred Dean Defensive end Dan Fouts Quarterback John Jefferson Wide receiver Charlie Joiner Wide receiver Gary Johnson Defensive tackle Russ Washington Tackle Ed White Guard References External links 1979 San Diego Chargers at pro-football-reference.com 1979 San Diego Chargers at jt-sw.com 1979 San Diego Chargers at the Football Database (FootballDB.com) Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers — 1979 AFC Playoffs, video of game highlights San Diego Chargers Category:San Diego Chargers seasons Category:1970s in San Diego Category:AFC West championship seasons San Diego Chargers season