1964 San Diego Chargers season

American Football League team season June 2023 November 2013 San Diego Chargers 1964 8–5–1 1st Western Division Sid Gillman Sid Gillman Barron Hilton Balboa Stadium Lost AFL Championship(at Bills) 7–20 8 FL Lance Alworth (1st team) LB Frank Buncom (2nd team) DE Earl Faison (1st team) TE Dave Kocourek (2nd team) DT Ernie Ladd (1st team) RB Keith Lincoln (1st team) T Ron Mix (1st team) CB Dick Westmoreland (2nd team) 10 LB Chuck Allen FL Lance Alworth LB Frank Buncom DE Earl Faison QB John Hadl TE Dave Kocourek DT Ernie Ladd RB Keith Lincoln T Ron Mix G Walt Sweeney Chargers seasons thumb|right|273px|alt=Refer to caption|Linebacker Frank Buncom made his first All-Star game in 1964. The 1964 San Diego Chargers season was their fifth as a professional AFL franchise; the team failed to repeat as AFL champions after winning the championship in 1963 with a record of 11–3, and finished at 8–5–1. San Diego struggled at the start and finish of the season, but a six-game winning streak in the middle proved to be enough to win the AFL West, in a league where the two strongest teams were in the Eastern division. San Diego's defense was among the league's best, with defensive linemen Earl Faison and Ernie Ladd both voted All-AFL players, and young defensive backs Dick Westmoreland and Speedy Duncan both contributing, the latter showing ability as a kick returner. On offense, flanker Lance Alworth was the central figure, with over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns. Veteran quarterback Tobin Rote was phased out as the team's starter during the course of the season, replaced by third-year John Hadl. Meanwhile, former Charger quarterback Jack Kemp featured on a Buffalo Bills team that defeated San Diego three times, including in the AFL title game. Alworth missed the title game due to injury, and running back Keith Lincoln was knocked out of it in the opening quarter by Mike Stratton's "Hit Heard ‘Round the World". San Diego led 7–0 before Lincoln's injury, but failed to score afterwards and lost 20–7.Mike Stratton https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/member/mike-stratton/ Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Offseason AFL draft 1964 American Football League draft The 1964 AFL draft took place on November 30, 1963, late in the previous season;Broncos first in AFL draft today https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86007615/afl-draft-30-nov-1963/ II-6 Los Angeles Times 30 November 1963 the Chargers had 28 picks across 26 rounds.1964 San Diego Chargers Draftees https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1964_draft.htm pro-football-reference.com Two days later, the rival NFL conducted their own draft.Dave Parks of Texas Tech first selection in NFL draft https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86007941/nfl-draft-2-dec-1963/ 2–6 Pomona Progress-Bulletin 2 December 1963 San Diego was one of several AFL teams who had trouble signing their top picks.NFL takes big lead in AFL draft battle https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86008118/nfl-vs-afl-14-dec-1963/ 19C New York Daily News 14 December 1963 Of their first eleven choices, they signed only one, offensive lineman Gary Kirner,Chargers sign Gary Kirner https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86008971/kirner-signs-16-june-1964/ 3-D Fresno Bee 16 June 1964 while nine spent 1964 with various NFL clubs. These included the Chargers' first four picks, who had all signed for the other league by mid-January.NFL out front in race to sign grid stars https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86009811/nfl-vs-afl-ii-12-jan-1964/ 5-3 Fort Worth Star-Telegram 12 January 1963 One of these, receiver Dave Parks, made the next three Pro Bowls for San Francisco.Dave Parks Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/ParkDa00.htm pro-football-reference.com Kirner went on to spend his entire six-year career in San Diego, though he only started 29 games in that time.Gary Kirner Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KirnGa20.htm pro-football-reference.com The Chargers had a significant pick in the 13th round with safety Kenny Graham, who they signed in May.Chargers sign Kenny Graham 13 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86011093/graham-signs-28-may-1964/ Redlands Daily Facts 28 May 1964 He started 11 games as a rookie and 75 in six years with the Chargers, being voted to four AFL All-Star games and one AP All-league team. He was also named to the AFL All-time second team in 1970.AFL All-Time Team - Defense - Second Team https://www.profootballhof.com/news/afl-all-time-team-defense/ Pro Football Hall of FameKenny Graham Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahKe01.htm pro-football-reference.com 1964 San Diego Chargers draft Round Pick Player Position College Notes 1 8 Ted Davis Linebacker Georgia Tech 50th pick in NFL draft; signed by Baltimore Colts 2 16 John Kirby Linebacker Nebraska 62nd pick in NFL draft; signed by Minnesota Vikings 3 24 Perry Lee Dunn Running back Mississippi 45th pick in NFL draft; signed by Dallas Cowboys 4 32 Dave Parks * Split end Texas Tech 1st pick in NFL draft; signed by San Francisco 49ers 5 36 Pete Goimarac Center West Virginia 86th pick in NFL draft 5 40 Gary Kirner Guard USC 6 48 Willie Brown Wide receiver USC 32nd pick in NFL draft; signed by Los Angeles Rams 7 51 Roger Anderson Defensive tackle Virginia Union 96th pick in NFL draft; signed by New York Giants 8 56 Pat Batten Fullback Hardin-Simmons 30th pick in NFL draft; signed by Detroit Lions 8 64 George Seals Guard Missouri 52nd pick in NFL draft; signed by Washington Redskins 10 74 Bob Long Split end Wichita State 44th pick in NFL draft; signed by Green Bay Packers 10 80 Dick Bowman End Syracuse 80th pick in NFL draft; signed by Hartford Charter Oaks (ACFL) 11 88 Bob Horton Linebacker Boston University 168th pick in NFL draft 12 96 Ron Carpenter Linebacker Texas A&M 13 104 Kenny Graham * Defensive back Washington State 162nd pick in NFL draft 14 112 Howard Kindig Defensive end Los Angeles State 170th pick in NFL draft 15 120 Ed Mitchell Guard Southern 166th pick in NFL draft 16 128 Bob Daugherty Halfback Tulsa 99th pick in NFL draft; signed by 1966 San Francisco 49ers 17 136 John Farris Guard San Diego State 147th pick in NFL draft 18 144 Bob Robinson Guard Mississippi 135th pick in NFL draft 19 152 Paul Cercel Center Pittsburgh 213th pick in NFL draft; signed by 1965 Philadelphia Bulldogs (COFL) 20 160 Dick Klein Tackle Wichita State 67th pick in NFL draft 21 168 Allen Robinson Halfback BYU 216th pick in NFL draft 22 176 Chuck Hinton Center Mississippi 208th pick in NFL draft; signed by New York Giants 23 184 Ron Smith Quarterback Richmond 131st pick in NFL draft; signed by 1965 Los Angeles Rams 24 192 Bill Van Burkleo Halfback Tulsa Signed by 1966 Toronto Argonauts 25 200 Tommy Lucas Guard Mississippi 268th pick in NFL draft 26 208 Frank Kinard Fullback Mississippi 264th pick in NFL draft #d9e9f9     Made roster   #faecc8  *  Made at least one AFL All-Star game or NFL Pro Bowl during career   #d2f8d2     Played in the NFL in 1964   Departures and arrivals San Diego signed defensive back / kick returner Leslie "Speedy" Duncan as an undrafted rookie.Leslie Duncan signs with S.D. Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110259800/duncan-signs/ Louisiana Weekly April 25, 1964 11 He went on to play in three AFL All-Star games in seven seasons with the Chargers,Speedy Duncan stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DuncSp00.htm pro-football-reference.com September 27, 2022 eventually being inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in 1995.Ooley Geoffrey Quick hits https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110260660/duncan-inducted/ Escondido Times-Advocate September 11, 2022 C2 Guard Sam DeLuca, who had returned from retirement the previous season,Sam DeLuca, Pat Shea ink San Diego pacts https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83951165/deluca-back-21-may-1963/ 8A Chico Enterprise-Record 21 May 1963 was sold to the Jets on July 9 for an undisclosed sum.Jets purchase guard https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86097663/deluca-to-jets-9-july-1964/ 11 Santa Cruz Sentinel 9 July 1964 Paul Maguire was placed on waivers later in July.Chargers ask waivers on Maguire https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86096814/paul-maguire-waivers-20-july-1964/ 10 Escondido Times-Advocate 20 July 1964 Maguire, who had doubled as a linebacker and punter since the Chargers' inaugural campaign in 1960, was claimed by the Bills.Paul Maguire Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MaguPa20.htm pro-football-reference.com In August, fullback Bobby Jackson, who had scored nine touchdowns over the past two seasons, was sent to Oakland on a loan deal of unknown duration. In the event, he never returned to the Chargers.Raiders cut trio, put 1 on reserve https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86098134/jackson-out-18-aug-1964/ C7 Sacramento Bee 18 August 1964Bobby Jackson Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackBo01.htm pro-football-reference.com George Blair, a defensive back who had led the league in field goal percentage the past two seasons, sustained a knee injury early in the season; this proved to be career-ending.Injuries plague Chargers, top players out https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86098701/maguire-injury-26-sep-1964/ 6 Redlands Daily Facts 26 September 1964George Blair Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlaiGe00.htm pro-football-reference.com Herb Travenio was brought in as a replacement, but was released after only three games. He would return the following season with more success.Raiders on short end of odds again https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86099289/travenio-in-and-out-1-nov-1964/ 5E UPI Santa Rosa Press Democrat 1 November 1964Herb Travenio stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TravHe20.htm pro-football-reference.com September 26, 2022 He was replaced by 45-year old Ben Agajanian, back with the team after four years.Ben Agajanian Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AgajBe20.htm pro-football-reference.com Agajanian, too, picked up a career-ending injury, and Keith Lincoln handled the kicking duties for the rest of the season.What they're saying... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86100560/agajanian-injured-26-nov-1964/ B-3 Pasadena Independent 26 November 1964 Personnel Staff 1964 San Diego Chargers Owner – Barron Hilton General manager – Sid Gillman Publicity director - Bob Burdick Business manager - John Gough Head coach – Sid Gillman Offensive backfield coach – Tom Bass Offensive line coach – Joe Madro Defensive line coach – Walt Hackett Defensive backfield coach – Chuck Noll Strength coach - Alvin Roy Chargers open drills here Wednesday George Cordry https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86034508/chargers-coaches-13-july-1964/ Escondido Times-Advocate 8 13 July 1964Service club hosts football representatives https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86035465/chargers-personnel-24-june-1964/ 7 Escondido Times-Advocate 24 July 19641963 San Diego Chargers Media Guide Roster 1964 San Diego Chargers 18 Tobin Rote 21 John Hadl P 20 Gerry McDougall 22 Keith Lincoln K 23 Paul Lowe 24 Keith Kinderman 19 Lance Alworth 29 Jerry Robinson kick returner 88 Don Norton 38 Jacque MacKinnon 83 Dave Kocourek 52 Don Rogers offensive lineman C 61 Ernie Park T 64 Pat Shea American football G 65 Sam Gruneisen G 72 Gary Kirner y G/T 74 Ron Mix T 75 Ernie Wright T 78 Walt Sweeney G 76 Henry Schmidt American football DT 77 Ernie Ladd DT 79 George Gross American football DT 82 Robert Mitinger DE 85 Bob Petrich DE/DT 86 Earl Faison DE 30 Bob Horton y no OLB 50 Chuck Allen MLB 55 Frank Buncom OLB 89 Ron Carpenter y no OLB 25 Dick Westmoreland CB 33 Kenny Graham American football y SS 45 Speedy Duncan y CB 47 Bud Whitehead FS/CB 49 Jimmy Warren y CB Blair injury https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86026891/blair-injured-31-oct-1964/ 41 San Francisco Examiner 31 October 1964Karas suffers double fracture https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86028733/karas-injury-18-nov-1964/ D1 AP Sacramento Bee 18 November 1964Lane injury 4-B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86029136/bobby-lane-injury-19-sep-1964/ Zanesville Times Recorder 19 September 1964 Chargers hold final practice, fly to Buffalo UPI 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86029504/harris-and-mcneil-in-reserve-25-dec-196/ Nevada State Journal 25 December 1964  3 Ben Agajanian K IR 27 Charlie McNeil American football S IR 36 Dick Harris cornerback S IR 39 George Blair American football S/K IR S/K 51 Wayne Frazier C IR 56 Emil Karas LB IR 57 Bobby Lane LB IR 28 Mario Mendez y no RB 35 Herb Travenio y K 68 Lloyd McCoy y no G 71 Fred Moore y no DT TV Rosters https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86019748/title-game-rosters-26-dec-1964/ 30 San Francisco Examiner 26 December 1964 Preseason Lincoln, who had ended the previous season as MVP of the AFL Championship Game, began the new one by scoring the first two Chargers touchdowns of their exhibition schedule. He opened the scoring against Denver with a 13-yard catch from Tobin Rote, then put San Diego ahead to stay with a 45-yard run; Lance Alworth and Keith Kinderman added further touchdowns in a 34–20 win.Chargers burst to 34–20 victory https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86157890/chargers-34-20-broncos-9-aug-1964/ D-3 Long Beach Press-Telegram 9 August 1964 The Chargers followed this with a high-scoring win over the Oilers, played on neutral ground in Little Rock, Arkansas. San Diego trailed 10–0 before Lincoln's touchdown pass to Dave Kocourek sparked a run of 30 consecutive points, with John Hadl throwing three touchdown passes. Houston came back with 21 unanswered points to lead again, and later responded after Lincoln had scored from a yard out, going ahead 38–37. Late in the game, Earl Faison recovered a fumble, and Hadl completed three passes to Alworth on a 12-play, 62-yard drive that culminated in Kinderman's game-winning 3-yard run, 72 seconds from time.Chargers rally for 44–38 win over Houston https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86158398/chargers-44-38-oilers-16-aug-1964/ 1-S, 3-S Fresno Bee 16 August 1964 Lincoln scored again at Kansas City, where the Chargers trailed 14–12 at halftime. Rote and Don Norton combined on touchdown passes of 90 and 18 yards in the second half, giving San Diego their third consecutive win.Unbeaten Chargers defeat Chiefs, 26–14, with Rote's 90-yard TD play https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86158654/chargers-26-14-chiefs-23-aug-1964/ C-4 Long Beach Independent 23 August 1964 The run came to an end in their fourth game, Paul Lowe scoring their lone touchdown in a 34–6 loss to the Jets, a game played before a sparse crowd in Atlanta. Former Charger Dick Wood threw three touchdown passes for New York.Jets score 34–6 upset over Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86159593/chargers-6-34-jets-30-aug-1964/ B-18 San Bernardino County Sun 30 August 1964 Finally, the Chargers returned home and defeated their Californian rivals Oakland 24–10. Rote and Norton once again connected for two touchdowns, either side of a Gerry McDougall run.San Diego whips Raiders 24–10 on Rote's passing https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86160023/chargers-24-10-raiders-6-sep-1964/ D6 Sacramento Bee 6 September 1964 Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance 1 August 8 Denver Broncos W 34–20 1–0 Balboa Stadium 26,293 2 August 15 vs. Houston Oilers W 44–38 2–0 War Memorial Stadium, (Little Rock) 27,000 3 August 22 at Kansas City Chiefs W 26–14 3–0 Municipal Stadium 28,653 4 August 29 vs. New York Jets L 6–34 3–1 Cheney Stadium, (Atlanta) 8,200 5 September 5 Oakland Raiders W 24–10 4–1 Balboa Stadium 16,746 https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/chargers/tcv8eed5f0tt6mxvavys chargers.com 2021 Los Angeles Chargers Media Guide Regular season Summary 284 Ernie Wright 1961 (cropped).jpg Ernie Wright 1961 Don Rogers 1961 (cropped).jpg Don Rogers 1961 Tackle Ernie Wright (left) and center Don Rogers (right) both played in every game for the Chargers in 1964.1964 San Diego Chargers roster & players https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1964_roster.htm pro-football-reference.com May 3, 2023 Rote and Hadl split time at the quarterback position, as they had done the previous year - this time, however, the younger Hadl started eight out of fourteen games, having been exclusively a replacement in 1963.John Hadl Career Game Log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HadlJo00/gamelog/ pro-football-reference.com Hadl finished with 2,157 yards to Rote's 1,156, and threw twice as many touchdowns (18 to 9) against the same number of interceptions (15), while posting a 6–2 record as a starter.1964 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1964.htm pro-football-reference.com Alworth was again the leading receiver, ranking third in the league for yardage with 1,235, and first for touchdowns (13).https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1964_AFL/receiving.htm 1964 AFL Receiving Pro-Football-Reference.com He also rushed for a pair of touchdowns, and averaged 10.5 yards per punt return, second best in the league.1964 AFL Kick & Punt Returns https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1964_AFL/returns.htm pro-football-reference.com End Don Norton and tight end Kocourek added 669 and 593 receiving yards respectively. The ground attack was weakened by an early-season injury to Paul Lowe, who missed two games and finished with only 496 yards on the season.Robinson switched to injured Lowe's spot by Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86270133/lowe-injury-17-sep-1964/ D-5 San Bernardino County Sun 17 September 1964 Lincoln became the leading rusher with 632 yards, but his average yards per carry slipped from 6.5 a year earlier to 4.1 in 1964.Keith Lincoln Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LincKe00.htm pro-football-reference.com The defense continued to be one of the league's better units, ranking 1st against the pass and 4th against the run. Defensive end Faison unofficiallyThe NFL did not keep sack statistics officially until 1982. Members of the Professional Football Researchers Association have largely reconstructed sack data from 1960 onwards based on official gamebooks, but the NFL does not acknowledge pre-1982 sack numbers.NFL not making pre-1982 sack stats official? https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/nfl-not-making-pre-1982-sack-stats-official/ar-AAMeYLw?li=BB15ms5q 16 July 2021 Wassink Zac MSN had a team-high 7 1 2 sacks and was a first-team All-Pro, while linebackers Chuck Allen and Frank Buncom were both voted to the AFL All-Star game,http://www.remembertheafl.com/1964AFLwestAllstars.htm 1964 AFL West All-Stars and second-year cornerback Dick Westmoreland led the team with six interceptions. The kicking game was unreliable after Blair was injured early in the season.https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/email-from-the-afl-san-diego-chargers-george-blair/ Email from the AFL - San Diego Chargers George Blair Herb Travenio and Ben Agajanian played in three games each before Lincoln was given the job in mid-November. Collectively, the team made 12 of 26 field goal attempts, going just 5 of 17 from distances of 20 yards or more. Hadl doubled as the punter – his average of 39.5 yards per kick put him seventh out of eight in the league.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1964_AFL/kicking.htm 1964 AFL Kicking & Punting Pro-Football-Reference.com Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap 1 September 12 Houston Oilers W 27–21 1–0 Balboa Stadium 22,632 Recap 2 September 20 Boston Patriots L 28–33 1–1 Balboa Stadium 20,568 Recap 3 September 26 at Buffalo Bills L 3–30 1–2 War Memorial Stadium 40,167 Recap 4 October 3 at New York Jets T 17–17 1–2–1 Shea Stadium 46,828 Recap 5 October 9 at Boston Patriots W 26–17 2–2–1 Fenway Park 35,095 Recap 6 October 18 Denver Broncos W 42–14 3–2–1 Balboa Stadium 23,332 Recap 7 October 25 at Houston Oilers W 20–17 4–2–1 Jeppesen Stadium 21,671 Recap 8 November 1 Oakland Raiders W 31–17 5–2–1 Balboa Stadium 25,557 Recap 9 November 8 at Denver Broncos W 31–20 6–2–1 Bears Stadium 19,670 Recap 10 November 15 at Kansas City Chiefs W 28–14 7–2–1 Municipal Stadium 19,792 Recap 11 Bye 12 November 26 Buffalo Bills L 24–27 7–3–1 Balboa Stadium 34,865 Recap 13 December 6 New York Jets W 38–3 8–3–1 Balboa Stadium 25,753 Recap 14 December 13 Kansas City Chiefs L 6–49 8–4–1 Balboa Stadium 26,562 Recap 15 December 20 at Oakland Raiders L 20–21 8–5–1 Frank Youell Field 20,124 Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Game summaries All game reports use the Pro Football Researchers' gamebook archive as a source.Members area profootballresearchers.com https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Week 1: vs. Houston Oilers San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 12 Oilers 0 7 7 7 Chargers 7 0 14 6 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 22,632 69 °F 1, relative humidity 81%, wind 8 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 1-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 2:53. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards. Second quarter HOU – Willie Frazier 2-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 8:41. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards. Third quarter SDG – Gerry McDougall 2-yard run (George Blair kick), 10:15. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards. HOU – Bob McLeod 5-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 5:08. Tied 14–14. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards. SDG – Don Norton 19-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 1:39. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 27-yard pass from Tobin Rote (kick failed), 11:50. Chargers 27–14. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards. HOU – Bobby Jackson 1-yard run (George Blanda kick), 0:02. Chargers 27–21. Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards. Top passers HOU – George Blanda – 28/47, 255 yards, 2 TD SDG – Tobin Rote – 15/26, 235 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers HOU – Charley Tolar – 20 rushes, 67 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 10 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers HOU – Sid Blanks – 13 receptions, 131 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 6 receptions, 119 yards, TD Rote threw three touchdowns as San Diego began their title defense with a win.Rote wins personal battle as Chargers capture opener, 27–21 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86324921/chargers-27-21-oilers-14-sep-1964/ 9 Escondido Times-Advocate 14 September 1964 Houston had the first scoring chance - they opted to fake a 33-yard field goal, but George Blanda was brought down by Westmoreland and Emil Karas for a loss of 14 yards. The Chargers responded by driving 60 yards in five plays, with Alworth catching a 31-yard pass and Rote finding Kocourek for the opening score from a yard out. Blanda responded with a touchdown pass on 4th and goal, Blair missed a 31-yard kick for San Diego, and it was 7–7 at halftime.1964 week 1 gamebook, Oilers at Chargers September 12, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription The first three drives of the second half resulted in touchdowns. San Diego went 66 yards in 8 plays, with Gerry MacDougall scoring from close range. After another Blanda touchdown pass, the Chargers drove 80 yards in 7 plays, with Alworth picking up two first downs, and Don Norton scoring with a 19-yard catch. After forcing a punt, the Chargers had a 5-play, 64-yard drive, Alworth scoring this time from 27 yards out. The next two Oiler drives ended with Westmoreland blocking a field goal and the San Diego defensive line stuffing a 4th and 1 attempt. By the time former Charger Bobby Jackson scored from inches out, there were only two seconds left. Rote finished with 15 completions from 26 attempts for 235 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception. Alworth had 6 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. Week 2: vs. Boston Patriots San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: Boston Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 20 Patriots 10 3 10 10 Chargers 0 10 0 18 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 20,568 65 °F 1, relative humidity 82%, wind 9 mph Box score First quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 17-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 11:19. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards. BOS – Gino Cappelletti 41-yard field goal, 2:05. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards. Second quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 8-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 2:21. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 1 play, 8 yards. BOS – Gino Cappelletti 32-yard field goal, 0:44. Patriots 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards. SDG – George Blair 30-yard field goal, 0:06. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 3 plays, 48 yards. Third quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 37-yard field goal, 9:38. Patriots 16–10. Drive: 12 plays, 40 yards. BOS – Art Graham 17-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 7:20. Patriots 23–10. Drive: 3 plays, 22 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Gerry McDougall 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 14:57. Patriots 23–17. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards. BOS – Gino Cappelletti 37-yard field goal, 12:26. Patriots 26–17. Drive: 4 plays, -5 yards. BOS – Larry Garron 13-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 9:34. Patriots 33–17. Drive: 3 plays, 26 yards. SDG – Don Norton 15-yard pass from John Hadl (Gerry McDougall pass from John Hadl), 6:16. Patriots 33–25. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards. SDG – George Blair 12-yard field goal, 2:47. Patriots 33–28. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards. Top passers BOS – Babe Parilli – 15/32, 174 yards, 3 TD SDG – Tobin Rote – 10/18, 175 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers BOS – Larry Garron – 22 rushes, 93 yards SDG – Gerry McDougall – 9 rushes, 44 yards, TD Top receivers BOS – Art Graham – 4 receptions, 51 yards, TD SDG – Lance Alworth – 5 receptions, 67 yards, TD Five turnovers proved too much for the Chargers to overcome in their home opener.Chargers jolted by Boston, 33–28 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86325467/chargers-28-33-boston-21-sep-1964/ 11 Escondido Times-Advocate 21 September 1964 The first significant takeaway was by the Charger defense - down 10–0 in the 2nd quarter, the pass rush of Karas forced a fumble from Babe Parilli, which Buncom recovered at the Patriot 8-yard line. Hadl, on for a struggling Rote, hit Alworth for a touchdown on the next play. The Patriots added a field goal 44 seconds before halftime, but two 20+ yard completions by Hadl moved San Diego into Blair's field goal range; his 30-yarder reduced the deficit to 13–10 at the break.1964 week 2 gamebook, Patriots at Chargers September 12, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Boston added another field goal at the start of the second half. Hadl then fumbled while being sacked, and Parilli threw his second touchdown of the game. After a Charger punt, Karas again forced a fumble from Parilli, this time making the recovery himself on the Patriot 16-yard line. Jerry MacDougall converted a 4th and 1 before scoring from a yard out, leaving the score at 23–17. After a further Patriot field goal (Gino Cappelletti hit 4 of 7 on the day), Rote returned to the game and was immediately intercepted in his own territory. Boston did nothing with that opportunity, but Alworth fumbled on the next Charger play from scrimmage, and Parilli's third touchdown made it 33–17. Hadl was again inserted at quarterback; he threw nine times on the ensuing drive, completing five for 80 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown to Don Norton; he also found MacDougall for a two-point conversion, reducing the deficit to eight points. Boston went three-and-out, and Alworth's 42-yard punt return had San Diego starting out only six yards from a potential tie. After three plays netted only two yards, head coach Sid Gillman opted to take the short field goal with 2:47 to play. Blair converted to pull his team with five points. His onside kick was then covered by the Patriots, but Boston again went three-and-out. Starting from his own 20 with 1:14 left to play, Hadl hit Alworth for 14 yards and MacDougall for 24, advancing to the Boston 42-yard line. His next pass went deep, but Patriot defensive back Ron Hall secured victory with his third interception of the day at his own 17-yard line. The game was a rematch of the previous season's title game, won easily by San Diego. With Paul Lowe out injured,Chargers play Bills in east https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86325648/lowe-injury-25-sep-1964/ 11 Escondido Times-Advocate 25 September 1964 the Chargers' running game could muster only 84 yards. Week 3: at Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Three: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary September 26 Chargers 0 3 0 0 Bills 7 7 3 13 War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York 40,167 59 °F 1, relative humidity 63%, wind 13 mph Box score First quarter BUF – Butch Byrd 75-yard interception return (Pete Gogolak kick), 9:15. Bills 7–0. Second quarter SDG – George Blair 12-yard field goal, 13:32. Bills 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards. BUF – Hagood Clarke 53-yard punt return (Pete Gogolak kick), 2:17. Bills 14–3. Third quarter BUF – Pete Gogolak 13-yard field goal, 6:34. Bills 17–3. Drive: 14 plays, 61 yards. Fourth quarter BUF – Joe Auer 2-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 6:19. Bills 24–3. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards. BUF – Elbert Dubenion 40-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (kick failed), 0:24. Bills 30–3. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards. Top passers BUF – Jack Kemp – 8/19, 95 yards, INT SDG – Tobin Rote – 8/20, 155 yards, INT Top rushers BUF – Cookie Gilchrist – 23 rushes, 81 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 21 rushes, 94 yards Top receivers BUF – Elbert Dubenion – 5 receptions, 123 yards, TD SDG – Don Norton – 4 receptions, 110 yards A pair of return touchdowns sparked a one-sided game.Outlook appears dark for sagging Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86326350/chargers-3-30-bills-28-sep-1964/ 14 Escondido Times-Advocate 28 September 1964 After receiving the opening kickoff, San Diego advanced steadily from their own 20 to a 3rd and 3 at the Buffalo 27-yard line, whereupon Butch Byrd cut in front of a quick sideline pass and went 75 yards the other way for a touchdown. Norton later fumbled at the end of a 42-yard gain, and Buffalo recovered. A Schmidt fumble recovery gave the Chargers a second chance, and Blair kicked their only points of the game from 12 yards out. After the Bills missed a field goal, Rote led San Diego from their own 20 to a 4th and 1 at the Buffalo 26-yard line, from where Lincoln was stopped short of a first down.1964 week 3 gamebook, Chargers at Bills September 26, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription San Diego found themselves backed up near their goal line the next time they had the ball. Hadl's punt was fielded by Hagood Clarke at his own 47 – he broke through two tackles en route to a touchdown. The Chargers failed to enter the opposing red zone in the second half, while Buffalo added 16 further points. With Lowe still out injured, Lincoln rushed 21 times for 94 yards. Norton caught 4 passes for 112 yards. Week 4: at New York Jets San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Four: San Diego Chargers at New York Jets – Game summary October 3 Chargers 3 7 0 7 Jets 0 3 7 7 Shea Stadium, New York, New York 46,828 63 °F 1, relative humidity 61%, wind 13 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 47-yard field goal, 2:27. Chargers 3–0. Second quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 30-yard pass from Tobin Rote (Keith Lincoln kick), 12:30. Chargers 10–0. NYJ – Jim Turner 34-yard field goal, 4:10. Chargers 10–3. Third quarter NYJ – Bake Turner 23-yard pass from Dick Wood (Jim Turner kick), 12:07. Tied 10–10. Fourth quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 17-yard pass from Tobin Rote (Keith Lincoln kick), 3:49. Chargers 17–10. NYJ – Don Maynard 68-yard pass from Dick Wood (Jim Turner kick), 0:56. Tied 17–17. Top passers SDG – Tobin Rote – 15/29, 225 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT NYJ – Dick Wood – 19/43, 302 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 19 rushes, 64 yards NYJ – Bill Mathis – 7 rushes, 22 yards Top receivers SDG – Keith Lincoln – 6 receptions, 94 yards NYJ – Don Maynard – 4 receptions, 113 yards, TD Lincoln's late field goal attempt was blocked as San Diego played out the first tie in franchise history.Favored Chargers tied by Jets, 17–17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86327144/chargers-17-17-jets-4-oct-1964/ D2 Lincoln Journal Star 4 October 1964Charger ties, ordered by date https://stathead.com/tiny/lR5vA stathead.com Lincoln, who had been handed the placekicking duties on account of Blair's injury, had opened the scoring with a 47-yard kick, tying Ben Agajanian's club record set in 1960.Charger field goals by distance through 1964 https://stathead.com/tiny/UfRph stathead.com The running back also played a role in San Diego's first touchdown, taking a pass in the flat from an under-pressure Rote and skipping out of two tackles in the backfield en route to a 32-yard gain. That led to a 30-yard touchdown for Kocourek, who fought through a last-ditch tackle inside the five.1964 week 4 gamebook, Chargers at Jets October 3, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription After former Charger Dick Wood had tied the game with a 3rd-quarter touchdown pass, Lowe's 17-yard reception restored the lead. Rookie cornerback Jimmy Warren was then beaten on a deep throw from Wood to Don Maynard, whose 68-yard touchdown provided the game's final points. Lincoln's late chance came from 40 yards out, but Wahoo McDaniel made his second block of the game with 23 seconds to play. Rote finished on 15 of 29 for 225 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Lowe gained 64 yards on the ground and 31 through the air on his return to action, as well as scoring a touchdown; Lincoln had 26 yards on the ground and 94 through the air. The attendance of nearly 47,000 set a new AFL record. Week 5: at Boston Patriots San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Boston Patriots – Game summary October 9 Chargers 0 10 13 3 Patriots 3 0 7 7 Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts 35,095 50 °F 1, relative humidity 97%, wind 9 mph Box score First quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 48-yard field goal, 2:27. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards. Second quarter SDG – Herb Travenio 16-yard field goal, 12:30. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 27-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 4:10. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards. Third quarter SDG – Don Norton 15-yard pass from John Hadl (kick failed), 13:02. Chargers 16–3. Drive: 2 plays, 27 yards. BOS – Larry Garron 1-yard run (Gino Cappelletti kick), 7:47. Chargers 16–10. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 12-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 0:35. Chargers 23–10. Drive: 9 plays, 93 yards. Fourth quarter BOS – Larry Garron 9-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 12:45. Chargers 23–17. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 17-yard field goal, 1:11. Chargers 26–17. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 17/30, 228 yards, 3 TD BOS – Babe Parilli – 17/35, 205 yards, TD, 4 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 15 rushes, 69 yards BOS – Larry Garron – 23 rushes, 79 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 8 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD BOS – Gino Cappelletti – 6 receptions, 101 yards, TD Hadl came off the bench to lead San Diego past the previously undefeated Patriots.Chargers in "tea" party https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86329613/chargers-26-17-patriots-10-oct-1964/ A-9 Long Beach Press-Telegram 10 October 1964 Hadl was introduced after Rote's 1st-quarter interception led to a Boston field goal; on his first drive, the Chargers went 62 yards before settling for a field goal by new kicker Herb Travenio. Hadl gained 22 yards on a quarterback keeper early in the next drive, then completed passes of 11, 17 and 16 yards before finding Alworth in the back of the end zone on 3rd and goal from the 2-yard line. Westmoreland thwarted the Patriots with an end zone interception, and it remained 10–3 at halftime.1964 week 5 gamebook, Chargers at Patriots October 9, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Despite kicking off, San Diego extended their lead three plays into the second half: Allen recovered a fumble on the Boston 27-yard line, Lowe shaped to pass before cutting up the middle for 12 yards, and Norton pulled in a 15-yard touchdown. Travenio missed the extra point, and Boston converted three third downs while responding with a 13-play, 68-yard touchdown drive. Later, San Diego went 93 yards in 9 plays to extend their lead - Lowe had an 18-yard reception and a 23-yard carry on consecutive plays before Alworth took a quick pass in the right flat, wrong-footed his marker and scored from 13 yards out. The Patriots again responded with a touchdown, reducing their deficit to six points with 12:45 still to play. Following an exchange of punts, San Diego ran the clock down on a 12-play drive from their own 17-yard line to the Boston 14-yard line, but Lowe fumbled the ball and the Patriots recovered. Charlie McNeil's interception and 13-yard return gave his offense another chance, and Travenio kicked the clincher from 17 yards out with only 1:11 to play. Hadl was 17 of 29 for 228 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, and Alworth caught 8 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 18 Broncos 7 0 0 7 Chargers 7 14 14 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 23,332 67 °F 1, relative humidity 77%, wind 8 mph Box score First quarter DEN – Bob Scarpitto 11-yard pass from Jacky Lee (Gene Mingo kick), 9:29. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 17 plays, 80 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 5-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 13:18. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards. Second quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 4-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 8:47. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 2-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 13:03. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards. Third quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 46-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 2:41. Chargers 28–7. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards. SDG – John Hadl 18-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 10:30. Chargers 35–7. Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards. Fourth quarter DEN – Bob Scarpitto 8-yard pass from Jacky Lee (Gene Mingo kick), 7:00. Chargers 35–14. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 1-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 12:32. Chargers 42–14. Drive: 3 plays, 67 yards. Top passers DEN – Jacky Lee – 16/32, 100 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT SDG – John Hadl – 18/28, 216 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DEN – Charley Mitchell – 15 rushes, 52 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 15 rushes, 83 yards Top receivers DEN – Dave Kocourek – 4 receptions, 113 yards, TD SDG – Lionel Taylor – 6 receptions, 54 yards San Diego easily defeated Denver in Hadl's first start since the 1962 finale.Chargers back on top, and look it https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86330716/chargers-42-14-broncos-19-oct-1964/ III-8 Los Angeles Times 19 October 1964 Denver scored first, taking the opening kickoff and going 80 yards in 17 plays, scoring a touchdown while running over nine minutes off the clock. Lincoln led the Charger response, gaining 22 yards around left end and later scoring untouched from five yards out. In the 2nd quarter, a 42-yard gain by Kocourek led to a juggling 4-yard touchdown catch by Alworth, and Lincoln's second touchdown made it 21–7.1964 week 6 gamebook, Broncos at Chargers October 18, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription The Chargers continued to pull away in the second half, with Kocourek scoring after less than three minutes; the tight end took Hadl's pass at the Denver 32-yard line and shrugged off a weak tackle before completing a 46-yard touchdown. Hadl scored the fifth Charger touchdown himself on an 18-yard keeper, and following a consolation score for the Broncos, Jacque MacKinnon went 48 yards on a draw play before scoring from a yard out on the next play. Hadl finished 18 of 28 for 216 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, while Kocourek caught 4 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers had combined rushing stats of 39 carries for 272 yards, with 4 touchdowns. San Diego outgained an opponent by 300 yards for the first time in a regular season game, with a 486–186 advantage.Total yardage margin of 300+, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/qGNaC stathead.com Week 7: at Houston Oilers San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers – Game summary October 25 Chargers 0 20 0 0 Oilers 7 10 0 0 Jeppesen Stadium, Houston, Texas 21,671 62 °F 1, relative humidity 84%, wind 7 mph Box score First quarter HOU – Charley Hennigan 8-yard pass from Sid Blanks (George Blanda kick), 0:45. Oilers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards. Second quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 12-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 11:11. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 35-yard run (kick blocked), 6:27. Chargers 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards. SDG – Henry Schmidt 58-yard interception return (Herb Travenio kick), 3:46. Chargers 20–7. HOU – Charley Hennigan 21-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 1:01. Chargers 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards. HOU – George Blanda 32-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 20–17. Drive: 2 plays, 12 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 19/30, 226 yards, TD, INT HOU – George Blanda – 22/36, 312 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Keith Lincoln – 12 rushes, 65 yards HOU – Charley Tolar – 10 rushes, 48 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 5 receptions, 76 yards HOU – Charley Hennigan – 8 receptions, 145 yards, 2 TD Three 2nd-quarter touchdowns in the span of 7:25 proved to be just enough to carry the Chargers past Houston.Chargers hold on to defeat Oilers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86353953/chargers-20-17-oilers-26-oct-1964/ III-6 Los Angeles Times 26 October 1964 In the opening quarter, Allen's tackle stopped the Oilers on a 4th and 1, Travenio missed from 42 yards out, and rookie Oilers halfback Sid Blanks capped an 80-yard drive with a touchdown pass to Charley Hennigan. Hadl, who had a string of 13 consecutive completions in the first half, led a 72-yard drive and found Kocourek in the front of the end zone to tie the score. Following a Houston three-and-out, Alworth had receptions of 14 and 11 yards before scoring untouched on a 35-yard reverse. Houston responded by driving into Charger territory, but Faison hit George Blanda as he attempted to pass, and the ball fluttered straight to Hank Schmidt, whose 58-yard scoring return made it 20–7. Blanda responded with a touchdown pass to Hennigan, and after Lincoln had a field goal try blocked, Blanda made a kick of his own as time expired in the half.1964 week 7 gamebook, Chargers at Oilers October 25, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription There were no points scored in a rain-soaked second half, though both teams had chances. In the 3rd quarter, Travenio missed a 21-yard kick and Warren intercepted Blanda's long pass in the end zone (his first career interception).https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WarrJi00/gamelog/1964/ Jimmy Warren 1964 Game Log Pro-Football-Reference.com Blanda missed a 26-yard field goal on the first play of the final quarter. Hadl was intercepted twice as the period wore on, the second of these on the Houston two yard line. The Oilers drove all the way to the Charger 14-yard line inside the final two minutes, before a pair of penalties prompted Blanda to again attempt a game-tying field goal. His kick from 27 yards out was wide right, and San Diego hung on for their third straight win. Alworth had 5 catches for 76 yards, to go with his first career rushing touchdown.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlwoLa00/touchdowns/ Lance Alworth Career Touchdown Log Pro-Football-Reference.com Ernie Ladd was ejected from the game after tearing the helmet from a Houston lineman and striking him on the head with it. He was later fined $500 for the incident.Chargers' Ladd fined $500 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86354410/ladd-fine-31-oct-1964/ B-2 Long Beach Independent 31 October 1964 Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 1 Raiders 3 7 0 7 Chargers 14 0 3 14 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 25,557 64 °F 1, relative humidity 78%, wind 7 mph Box score First quarter OAK – Mike Mercer 33-yard field goal, 8:54. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 76-yard pass from John Hadl (Ben Agajanian kick), 8:15. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 1 play, 76 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 9-yard run (Ben Agajanian kick), 4:08. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards. Second quarter OAK – Art Powell 14-yard pass from Cotton Davidson (Mike Mercer kick), 3:50. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards. Third quarter SDG – Ben Agajanian 32-yard field goal, 4:45. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 12-yard run (Ben Agajanian kick), 13:24. Chargers 24–10. OAK – Jan Barrett 41-yard pass from Cotton Davidson (Mike Mercer kick), 11:46. Chargers 24–17. SDG – Lance Alworth 47-yard pass from Tobin Rote (Ben Agajanian kick), 7:35. Chargers 31–17. Top passers OAK – Cotton Davidson – 19/45, 317 yards, 2 TD, 6 INT SDG – John Hadl – 15/29, 261 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers OAK – Clem Daniels – 9 rushes, 55 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 10 rushes, 44 yards, 2 TD Top receivers OAK – Clem Daniels – 4 receptions, 96 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 8 receptions, 203 yards, 2 TD The Charger defense intercepted Cotton Davidson six times, and Alworth had his third career 200-yard game as San Diego defeated the Raiders.Chargers shackle Raiders https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86357130/chargers-31-17-raiders-2-nov-1964/ III-5 Los Angeles Times 2 November 1964Lance Alworth Career Game Log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlwoLa00/gamelog/ pro-football-reference.com Hadl threw the game's first interception, leading to a Raider field goal, but his next pass was a 76-yard touchdown, Alworth sprinting up the right sideline and pulling in the ball at the Oakland 30-yard line en route to the end zone. Oakland responded with a drive into Charger territory, but Graham intercepted Davidson in the end zone. Kocourek's 49-yard catch was the biggest play on the ensuing drive, which ended with Lincoln's 9-yard touchdown run through the left guard area. Further interceptions by Allen and Harris gave San Diego openings in opposition territory, but Ben Agajanian missed a field goal, and Alworth later fumbled after making a catch. Davidson found Art Powell for a touchdown, and the halftime score was 14–10.1964 week 8 gamebook, Raiders at Chargers November 1, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription In the 3rd quarter, Westmoreland intercepted an overthrown ball and ran it back 38 yards to the Oakland 24-yard line, setting up a 32-yard Agajanian kick. Next, Lincoln doubled the Charger lead with a 12-yard run up the middle. Oakland pulled back within seven after Davidson's second touchdown pass of the day, but Alworth had the final score, making a juggling, one-handed catch of a deep ball from Rote while fending off a defensive back. Dick Harris intercepted Davidson in the end zone to end the final Raider threat. Harris and Westmoreland each had two interceptions. Alworth caught 8 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Davidson was the first quarterback to throw six interceptions in a game against the Chargers - the next was Peyton Manning, 43 years later, during the 2007 season.5+ interceptions thrown vs. Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/nB4dX stathead.com Week 9: at Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary November 8 Chargers 7 3 7 14 Broncos 0 9 11 0 Bears Stadium, Denver, Colorado 19,670 51 °F 1, relative humidity 25%, wind 10 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 5-yard pass from John Hadl (Ben Agajanian kick), 5:53. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards. Second quarter SDG – Ben Agajanian 7-yard field goal, 14:12. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards. DEN – Jacky Lee 8-yard run (Dick Guesman kick), 5:40. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards. DEN – Safety, Willie Brown tackled John Hadl in end zone, 1:51. Chargers 10–9. Third quarter DEN – Jim McMillin fumble recovery in end zone (Mickey Slaughter run), 13:51. Broncos 17–10. DEN – Dick Guesman 44-yard field goal, 8:20. Broncos 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 30 yards. SDG – Don Norton 20-yard pass from Tobin Rote (Ben Agajanian kick), 2:02. Broncos 20–17. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 2-yard pass from Tobin Rote (Ben Agajanian kick), 3:11. Chargers 24–20. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 7-yard run (Ben Agajanian kick), 2:22. Chargers 31–20. Drive: 2 plays, 7 yards. Top passers SDG – Tobin Rote – 5/12, 84 yards, 2 TD, INT DEN – Jacky Lee – 12/23, 171 yards, 3 INT Top rushers SDG – Keith Lincoln – 20 rushes, 100 yards DEN – Charley Mitchell – 18 rushes, 63 yards Top receivers SDG – Don Norton – 7 receptions, 78 yards, TD DEN – Al Denson – 4 receptions, 83 yards San Diego scored the final 21 points to win a seesaw game.Rote rescues Chargers with payoff passes https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86359411/chargers-31-20-broncos-9-nov-1964/ 3–7 Los Angeles Times 9 November 1964 The Broncos received the opening kickoff, and drove into Charger territory before Faison deflected a pass and Harris intercepted it. San Diego then drove 65 yards the other way, and Alworth's catch on a 5-yard out route gave them the lead. Agajanian added a short field goal early in the 2nd quarter, but the next four scores were all by Denver. Firstly, quarterback Jacky Lee broke the grasp of Faison and scrambled for a touchdown from eight yards out. The lead was cut to a single point at the break when Hadl was unable to get his punt away after a high snap, and was downed in the end zone for a safety. There were further long snapping issues shortly after halftime - this time, Hadl couldn't handle a low snap, and the ball was knocked into San Diego's end zone where Denver recovered it, before adding a two-point conversion on a fake kick. A Bronco field goal made it 20–10 with 8:20 to play in the third quarter.1964 week 9 gamebook, Raiders at Chargers November 8, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription After the Chargers were forced to punt on their next possession, the struggling Hadl was removed from the game and replaced by Rote; he came in with a golden chance to score after Lee's ill-advised lateral was recovered by Allen on the Denver 11-yard line. Rote was sacked to push the Chargers back to a 3rd and 19 from the 20-yard line, but he responded by finding Norton for a touchdown on the next play. Late in the game, Buncom intercepted a deflected screen pass, and San Diego took over at the Denver 15-yard line. Norton kept the offense on the field with a 15-yard catch on 3rd and 15, before Lincoln caught the go-ahead score from two yards out with 3:11 to play. Bob Petrich intercepted Lee's next pass (the defensive end's lone career interception)https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PetrBo21.htm Bob Petrich Stats Pro-Football-Reference.com and Mackinnon ran in an insurance touchdown two plays later. Whitehead's fumble recovery stopped the final Bronco drive. Lincoln rushed 20 times for 100 yards. It was the only 100-yard game by a Chargers runner all season.Most rushing yards, game, Chargers, 1964 https://stathead.com/tiny/xDIlO stathead.com Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary November 15 Chargers 0 28 0 0 Chiefs 0 7 0 7 Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 19,792 67 °F 1, relative humidity 76%, wind 11 mph Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 50-yard run (Keith Lincoln kick), 12:39. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 89 yards. SDG – Dave Kocourek 38-yard pass from John Hadl (Keith Lincoln kick), 11:55. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 47-yard pass from John Hadl (Keith Lincoln kick), 1:21. Chargers 21–0. Drive: 1 play, 47 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 19-yard run (Keith Lincoln kick), 0:27. Chargers 28–0. Drive: 1 play, 19 yards. KAN – Abner Haynes fumble recovery in end zone (Tommy Brooker kick), 0:00. Chargers 28–7. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter KAN – Len Dawson 1-yard run (Tommy Brooker kick), 13:29. Chargers 28–14. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 11/19, 238 yards, 2 TD KAN – Len Dawson – 17/34, 176 yards, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 7 rushes, 41 yards, TD KAN – Mack Lee Hill – 8 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 5 receptions, 168 yards, TD KAN – Abner Haynes – 7 receptions, 70 yards A 28-point 2nd quarter gave San Diego victory over their closest challengers in the AFL West.Chargers prove best in rain, mud, 28–14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86360349/chargers-28-14-chiefs-16-nov-1964/ III-10 Los Angeles Times 16 November 1964 Lowe opened the scoring when he swept right, slipped a tackler and capitalized on an upfield block by Walt Sweeney to compete a 50-yard touchdown. Lincoln then surprised the Chiefs with an onside kick, recovered by Duncan in Kansas City territory. Three plays later, Hadl hit Kocourek deep over the middle, the tight end pulling the ball in as he crossed the goal line for a 38-yard touchdown. A Buncom fumble recovery stopped the next Chief drive; Kansas City tried a fake punt on their following possession, but another fumble spoiled the play, and San Diego took over on the opposing 47-yard line. Hadl immediately went long for Alworth, who had outpaced his marker and scored easily. That touchdown came with 1:21 to play in the first half, which proved to be time enough for two further scores. Karas recovered a fumbled snap on the next play from scrimmage, and Alworth scored on a 19-yard reverse. Kansas City responded with an unusual touchdown, as Westmoreland intercepted Len Dawson's long pass at the 5 yard-line, only to fumble into the end zone where the Chiefs recovered.1964 week 10 gamebook, Raiders at Chargers November 15, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription A further fumbled snap foiled the best Chiefs opening of the 3rd quarter, with Faison recovering. Len Dawson did manage to finish a drive off early in the final quarter, sneaking the ball home himself from a yard out, but couldn't lead his team back into the red zone. In a Kansas rainstorm, it was the Chiefs who struggled most visibly with the conditions, fumbling nine times and losing three of them; the Charger offense committed no turnovers at all. Hadl was 11 of 19 for 238 yards and two touchdowns, while Alworth caught 5 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown. Karas sustained a broken leg, and missed the rest of the season. Week 12: vs. Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 26 Bills 0 14 0 13 Chargers 10 0 7 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 34,865 58 °F 1, relative humidity 93%, wind 9 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 27-yard field goal, 7:56. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 63-yard pass from John Hadl (Keith Lincoln kick), 3:20. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 82 yards. Second quarter BUF – Joe Auer 1-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 2:49. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards. BUF – Jack Kemp 1-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 1:56. Bills 14–10. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard. Third quarter SDG – Don Norton 17-yard pass from John Hadl (Keith Lincoln kick), 1:54. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 53-yard pass from Keith Lincoln (Keith Lincoln kick), 14:53. Chargers 24–14. Drive: 2 plays, 57 yards. BUF – Safety, Mike Stratton tackled John Hadl in end zone, 6:50. Chargers 24–16. BUF – Daryle Lamonica 1-yard run (Daryle Lamonica run), 3:24. Tied 24–24. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards. BUF – Pete Gogolak 33-yard field goal, 0:03. Bills 27–24. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards. Top passers BUF – Jack Kemp – 8/20, 136 yards, INT SDG – John Hadl – 10/20, 209 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT Top rushers BUF – Cookie Gilchrist – 21 rushes, 87 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 8 rushes, 34 yards Top receivers BUF – Ernie Warlick – 3 receptions, 79 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 185 yards, 2 TD A late collapse cost the Chargers victory in a battle of division leaders. Early on, ex-Charger Jack Kemp was stopped a foot short on 4th and 1 at the San Diego 39-yard line, and Lincoln caught a 25-yard pass to set up his own field goal. On the next Charger possession, Hadl found Alworth behind a pair of defenders en route to a 63-yard touchdown, and it was 10–0. Hadl was intercepted in his own territory the next time he tried to pass, but Faison forced Cookie Gilchrist to fumble, and Graham recovered to end the threat. There was no let-off the next time Hadl was intercepted, as Buffalo drove 16 yards for a touchdown. Rote entered the game, but was promptly intercepted too – this time, the Bills had to drive only a single yard to take the lead. Rote threw a further interception before the half ended.1964 week 12 gamebook, Bills at Chargers November 26, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription The turnovers continued in the second half – Warren intercepted Kemp, but Lincoln fumbled the ball back on the next play. Following a Bills punt, Hadl (reinstated at quarterback), made two big throws on a 63-yard touchdown drive, finding Alworth for 23 yards on 3rd and 2 before hitting Norton in the front of the end zone on 3rd and 10 from the 17-yard line. Daryle Lamonica entered the game, but was swarmed by three Chargers and sacked for a ten-yard loss on third down. After the Bills punted, San Diego needed only two plays to extend their lead, Lincoln taking a pitchout and throwing to a wide open Alworth for an easy 53-yard touchdown and a 24–14 lead a play into the final quarter. Alworth's fumbled punt return gave the Bills a chance to close the gap, but the Charger defense made a goal line stand after facing a first down at the 4-yard line, with Allen making a pair of tackles before Lamonica was stopped two yards short on 4th down. Hadl was caught in the end zone for a safety by Mike Stratton on the next play, and the game began to turn. Buffalo drove back to the goal line, where they again faced fourth down – this time, Lamonica dove over from the one. The Buffalo QB was stopped short on a two-point try, but San Diego had committed a defensive hold - given another chance from the one, Lamonica again successfully dove through the middle, and the score was tied with 3:24 to play. Warren's 54-yard kickoff return gave the Chargers excellent starting field position, but a Hadl pass was deflected and intercepted, before Buffalo drove into range for the game-winner, a 33-yard kick by Pete Gogolak with three seconds to play. In total, San Diego committed a season-high seven turnovers. Alworth had 185 yards and two touchdowns from only four receptions. It was the first time San Diego played on Thanksgiving, or any Thursday.Chargers Thursday games https://stathead.com/tiny/x4it6 stathead.com September 26, 2022 The attendance was a Charger record, and represented the first sell-out in club history.Chargers falter as Bills win, 27–24 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86361537/chargers-24-27-bills-27-nov-1964/ III-1, III-3 Los Angeles Times 27 November 1964 Week 13: vs. New York Jets San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 6 Jets 0 3 0 0 Chargers 10 14 7 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 25,753 55 °F 1, relative humidity 56%, wind 7 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Don Norton 8-yard pass from John Hadl (Keith Lincoln kick), 7:58. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 47 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 19-yard field goal, 2:18. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards. Second quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 1-yard run (Keith Lincoln kick), 11:11. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards. NYJ – Jim Turner 37-yard field goal, 6:56. Chargers 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard. SDG – Keith Lincoln 5-yard pass from John Hadl (Keith Lincoln kick), 0:14. Chargers 24–3. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards. Third quarter SDG – Earl Faison 42-yard interception return (Keith Lincoln kick), 1:06. Chargers 31–3. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 82-yard pass from Tobin Rote (Keith Lincoln kick), 12:02. Chargers 38–3. Drive: 2 plays, 82 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 15/27, 240 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT NYJ – Mike Taliaferro – 7/16, 69 yards, INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 18 rushes, 86 yards, TD NYJ – Matt Snell – 8 rushes, 24 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 3 receptions, 101 yards, TD NYJ – Dee Mackey – 2 receptions, 31 yards San Diego thrashed the Jets on the day they clinched their fourth AFL West title.Chargers crush Jets, clinch division crown https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86365665/chargers-38-3-jets-7-dec-1964/ III-1, III-3 Los Angeles Times 7 December 1964 The Chargers took the opening kickoff and put together a 14-play, 77-yard drive that ended with Norton scoring on a quick out pattern. George Gross recovered Dick Wood's fumble on the next possession, and Lincoln took a screen pass 37 yards before eventually adding a field goal. The Chargers went 85 yards on 9 plays on their next drive, with MacKinnon's 37-yard catch taking them to the goal line, from where Lowe scored. A pair of Hadl interceptions briefly stalled the Chargers' momentum. The first of these led to a Jet field goal, but the second did no damage, as Allen made an interception of his own, returning the ball 33 yards to the New York 35-yard line. That led to Lincoln's touchdown catch 14 seconds before halftime. In a processional second half, Faison made a leaping interception at the line of scrimmage before scoring on a 42-yard return, and Alworth got behind the defense on a play action pass for an easy 82-yard touchdown reception.1964 week 13 gamebook, Jets at Chargers December 6, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Alworth caught 3 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. Lowe rushed 18 times for a season-high 96 yards and a touchdown. Duncan ran a kickoff back 91 yards (leading to a missed field goal) and made his first career interception.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DuncSp00/gamelog/ Speedy Duncan Career Game Log Pro-Football-Reference.com The Chargers enjoyed a 466–113 advantage in total offensive yardage. Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 13 Chiefs 11 14 7 17 Chargers 0 0 6 0 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 26,562 58 °F 1, relative humidity 29%, wind 9 mph Box score First quarter KAN – Frank Jackson 64-yard pass from Len Dawson (Curtis McClinton pass from Len Dawson), 9:44. Chiefs 8–0. Drive: 3 plays, 73 yards. KAN – Tommy Brooker 27-yard field goal, 4:47. Chiefs 11–0. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards. Second quarter KAN – Frank Jackson 5-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 6:53. Chiefs 18–0. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards. KAN – Frank Jackson 21-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 4:26. Chiefs 25–0. Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards. Third quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 4-yard pass from John Hadl (kick failed), 11:42. Chiefs 25–6. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards. KAN – Frank Jackson 20-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 6:22. Chiefs 32–6. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards. Fourth quarter KAN – Tommy Brooker 21-yard field goal, 12:33. Chiefs 35–6. Drive: 9 plays, 27 yards. KAN – Bert Coan 1-yard run (Tommy Brooker kick), 9:53. Chiefs 42–6. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards. KAN – Bert Coan 37-yard run (Tommy Brooker kick), 6:18. Chiefs 49–6. Drive: 1 play, 32 yards. Top passers KAN – Len Dawson – 17/28, 220 yards, 4 TD SDG – John Hadl – 8/20, 108 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers KAN – Mack Lee Hill – 20 rushes, 92 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 5 rushes, 48 yards Top receivers KAN – Frank Jackson – 8 receptions, 42 yards, 4 TD SDG – Lance Alworth – 6 receptions, 80 yards, TD The Chargers declared this to be "Tobin Rote Day", as the veteran quarterback was playing in San Diego for the last time. Rote was honored in a halftime ceremony, and started for the first time since week 5.Tobin Rote 1964 Game Log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoteTo00/gamelog/1964/ pro-football-reference.com The game itself did not go to plan, as Kansas City forced six turnovers en route to a blowout win.It's Dawson's Day --- not Rote's (49–6) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86366381/chargers-6-49-chiefs-14-dec-1969/ III-1, III-11 Los Angeles Times 14 December 1964 On the game's opening possession, San Diego tried a fake punt after reaching 4th and 4 from the Chiefs 46-yard line, but Hadl's pass was intercepted. Len Dawson threw the first of his four touchdown passes on the next play (they all went to Frank Jackson), and Kansas City were off and running - it was 25–0 before the Chargers crossed midfield again. When Hadl found Alworth for a short touchdown early in the 3rd quarter, the Chiefs went 65 yards the other way for another Dawson TD pass to shut down the potential comeback.1964 week 14 gamebook, Chief at Chargers December 13, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Duncan lost three fumbles on kick returns, leading to 17 points.. The 43-point margin of defeat would remain the Chargers' worst until a 45-0 defeat to the Patriots 56 years later.40+ point defeats, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/pSvOU stathead.com Week 15: at Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary December 20 Chargers 3 7 10 0 Raiders 0 14 0 7 Frank Youell Field, Oakland, California 20,124 57 °F 1, relative humidity 81%, wind 12 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 17-yard field goal, 5:09. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:04. Second quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 41-yard pass from John Hadl (Keith Lincoln kick), 13:16. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 98 yards, 3:25. OAK – Art Powell 26-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Mercer kick), 9:08. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 4:08. OAK – Gene Mingo 10-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Mercer kick), 0:40. Raiders 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 0:57. Third quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 28-yard run (Keith Lincoln kick), 12:00. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 3:00. SDG – Keith Lincoln 33-yard field goal, 5:22. Chargers 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 2:44. Fourth quarter OAK – Billy Cannon 13-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Mercer kick), 10:20. Raiders 21–20. Drive: 6 plays, 95 yards, 3:01. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 10/16, 129 yards, TD, 2 INT OAK – Tom Flores – 21/39, 241 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 13 rushes, 85 yards, TD OAK – Clem Daniels – 16 rushes, 144 yards Top receivers SDG – Don Norton – 8 receptions, 98 yards OAK – Art Powell – 4 receptions, 60 yards, TD San Diego improved on their previous week's performance, but nonetheless went into the AFL title game on a two-game losing streak after a narrow defeat.Raiders rally for 21–20 win over Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86370623/chargers-20-21-raiders-21-dec-1964/ III-3 Los Angeles Times 21 December 1964 The Chargers wasted numerous early openings, beginning when Petrich's fumble recovery in Oakland territory led only to a missed Lincoln field goal. Ron Carpenter's interception soon gave them another chance at the Oakland 29-yard line, but Hadl immediately threw an interception of his own; Lincoln later missed another field goal before, finally, Whitehead's interception led to a successful kick. In total, 37 of the game's first 38 snaps took place in Raiders territory. Oakland pinned the Chargers at their own 2-yard line late in the 1st quarter, but Hadl led his team 98 yards in only 9 plays, completing 41-yard passes to both Norton and Lowe. The latter of these saw Lowe catch the ball at the Oakland 30-yard line, and battle past four would-be tacklers on his way for a touchdown. Oakland responded with touchdowns on two of their next three drives, both from passes by Tom Flores, and led 14–10 at halftime.1964 week 14 gamebook, Chargers at Raiders December 20, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Rote had come into the game following a 2nd quarter Hadl interception, and played the entire second half. His 23-yard completion to Lowe moved the ball to the Oakland 28 on the opening 3rd-quarter possession; on the next play, Lowe swept right and followed a convoy of blockers for an easy touchdown. Lincoln hit a 33-yard field goal on the next Charger possession, making it 20–14. Flores was sacked on 4th and 6 at the Chargers 10-yard line as time expired in the quarter, but threw his third touchdown pass soon after the change of ends. San Diego couldn't cross midfield on their final three possessions, with Rote's final pass being a deep ball intercepted at the Raider 25-yard line with less than two minutes to play. Lowe had a season-high 165 offensive yards, rushing 13 times for 85 yards and a touchdown while catching 4 passes for 80 yards and a further touchdown.Paul Lowe 1964 Game Log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LowePa00/gamelog/1964/ pro-football-reference.com The Chargers suffered a blow in the 1st quarter when Alworth sustained a hyper-extension of the left knee; he missed the AFL Championship game as a result.Bills favored over Chargers for title https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86371109/title-game-preview-26-dec-1964/ B-1 Long Beach Independent 26 December 1964 Standings Playoffs Round Date Opponent Result Venue Attendance Recap Championship December 26 at Buffalo Bills L 7–20 War Memorial Stadium 40,242 Recap Game summaries AFL championship game: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills 1964 American Football League Championship Game San Diego Chargers 1964 2;text-align:center; AFL championship game: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary Chargers 7 0 0 0 Bills 3 10 0 7 War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York December 26 2:00 p.m. EST 57 F, relative humidity 26%, wind 10 mph on ABC Curt Gowdy, Paul Christman Bob Finley 40,242 First quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 26-pass from Tobin Rote (Keith Lincoln kick), 11:49. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards. BUF – Pete Gogolak 12-yard field goal, 4:20. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards. Second quarter BUF – Wray Carlton 4-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 7:11. Bills 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards. BUF – Pete Gogolak 17-yard field goal, 2:28. Bills 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter BUF – Jack Kemp 1-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 9:12. Bills 20–7. Drive: 3 plays, 52 yards. Top passers BUF – Jack Kemp – 10/20, 188 yards SDG – Tobin Rote – 10/26, 118 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers BUF – Cookie Gilchrist – 16 rushes, 122 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 3 rushes, 47 yards Top receivers BUF – Glenn Bass – 2 receptions, 70 yards SDG – Keith Kinderman – 4 receptions, 52 yardsSDG – Dave Kocourek – 2 receptions, 52 yards, TD The injury to Alworth, their recent poor form and the Bills' home field advantage combined to make San Diego the underdogs for the title game. In the event, they began the game well, but were unable to score after Lincoln was knocked out of the game.Bills are AFL champions 14A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86376249/chargers-7-20-bills-28-dec-1964/ Chico Enterprise-Record 28 December 1964 The Chargers received the opening kickoff, and Lincoln touched the ball on their first three plays: A 38-yard run, a 5-yard run and an 11-yard catch. Rote, starting in his final game for the team, then threw a 26-yard touchdown to Kocourek for a 7–0 lead after only four plays. The Bills were forced to punt, and Lincoln converted a 3rd and 4 with a 4-yard run. Two plays later, he was hit hard by Mike Stratton while trying to catch a swing pass and knocked out of the game with a broken rib. The play was dubbed "The Hit Heard Round the World". San Diego were forced to punt, and Buffalo drove as far as the Charger 4 before settling for a field goal. Duncan's 72-yard kickoff return set his offense up at the Buffalo 35, but Rote was intercepted only two plays later. Faison prevented the Bills from scoring on the next drive when he tackled Lamonica short of a first down on a fake field goal try, but Buffalo forced two Charger punts and scored ten points from their next two drives. The Chargers gained a first down at the Buffalo 15-yard line late in the half, but Stratton intercepted Rote to preserve Buffalo's 13–7 lead.1964 AFL Championship Game gamebook, Chargers at Bills December 26, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Jerry Robinson returned a punt 30 yards to the Buffalo 42-yard line. After a 1-yard run by Lowe and an incompletion from Rote, Hadl came into the game but was immediately intercepted. The teams exchanged punts before Buffalo scored again; Kemp had a 51-yard completion and ran the ball in from a yard out with nine minutes to play. Duncan returned the kickoff 49 yards to the Buffalo 46, and Kocourek's 26-yard catch helped San Diego reach a 3rd and 1 from the 4-yard line. Mackinnon lost a yard on the next play, before Hadl threw incomplete on 4th down. The Chargers had only one more possession after that, running out of time with the ball at midfield. Both Charger quarterbacks struggled, with Rote completing 10 of 16 passes for 118 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while Hadl completed 3 of 10 for 31 yards and an interception. Duncan had three kickoff returns for 147 yards and one punt return for 28 yards. Chargers lose this game and in 1965 lose again to the Bills 23-0. Awards Ten Chargers were in the West division squad in the AFL All-Star game,https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/probowl.htm 1966 AFL All-Stars Pro-Football-Reference December 23, 2023 while five were named to the Associated Press All-AFL 1st team and three to the 2nd team.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/allpro.htm 1966 AFL All-Pros Pro-Football-Reference December 23, 2023 In addition, Alworth received five votes as the AP AFL player of the year, while Lincoln received one; for the equivalent UPI award, Lincoln had two votes and Alworth one. Gillman received a single vote for coach of the year from UPI.1964 awards voting https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_1964.htm pro-football-reference.com December 23, 2023 Player Position All-Star AP 1st-team All-Pro AP 2nd-team All-Pro Chuck Allen Linebacker Lance Alworth Flanker Frank Buncom Linebacker Earl Faison Defensive end John Hadl Quarterback Dave Kocourek Tight end Ernie Ladd Defensive tackle Keith Lincoln Running back Ron Mix Tackle Walt Sweeney Guard Dick Westmoreland Guard Notes 60em References San Diego Chargers Category:San Diego Chargers seasons San Diego Chargers f