1966 San Diego Chargers season

NFL team season November 2013 March 2026 San Diego Chargers 1966 7–6–1 3rd Western Division Sid Gillman Sid Gillman Eugene V. Klein Balboa Stadium Did not qualify 4 FL Lance Alworth (1st team) CB/KR Speedy Duncan (2nd team) S Kenny Graham (1st team) T Ron Mix (1st team) 6 FL Lance Alworth CB/KR Speedy Duncan TE Jacque MacKinnon T Ron Mix G Walt Sweeney K Dick Van Raaphorst Chargers seasons thumb|right|Lance Alworth led the American Football League in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in 1966. The 1966 season was the 7th season for the San Diego Chargers as a professional American Football League (AFL) franchise; the team failed to improve on their 9–2–3 record from 1965. In the team's final season at Balboa Stadium, the Chargers went 7–6–1 and finished in third place in the AFL West Division. They would move to San Diego Stadium for the following season. It was the first season to feature an AFL-NFL World Championship Game, now known as the Super Bowl. San Diego began the season among the favorites to represent the AFL in the historic game, but faded after a 4–0 start, winning only three more times in the remaining ten games. Flanker Lance Alworth was the Chargers' main offensive threat. Catching passes from quarterback John Hadl, he achieved the AFL's triple crown by leading the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. The Chargers' offense shifted its focus towards the pass, with running back Paul Lowe, the AFL's rushing champion the previous season, seeing far fewer carries in 1966. On defense, the Chargers lost assistant coach Chuck Noll and tackle Ernie Ladd during the offseason, while end Earl Faison left during the regular season. They were strong against the pass, with cornerback Speedy Duncan and safety Kenny Graham making twelve interceptions between them, but became the AFL's worst team against the run. Offseason AFL draft 1966 American Football League draft Regular draft The 1966 AFL draft took place on November 27, 1965, late in the previous season. The rival National Football League (NFL) conducted its draft on the same day. Where the same player was drafted by both AFL and NFL franchises, the two would compete to sign him.NFL, AFL draft showdown today https://www.newspapers.com/clip/113960421/nfl-vs-afl/ Cincinnati Enquirer AP November 27, 1965 18 San Diego struggled to sign their highest selections, with their top six (and seven of their first eight) signing for NFL clubs.NFL teams beat San Diego to first three draft choices https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114008282/chargers-draft-vs-nfl/ Boston Globe Associated Press December 17, 1965 34Gary Pettigrew signed by Eagles https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114008649/pettigrew-to-eagles/ Fort Myers News-Press AP December 29, 1965 3-D One of these, running back Russ Smith, was cut by the Atlanta Falcons on 6 July 1966,Solomon George Atlanta Falcons cut ex-UM star Russ Smith https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114056999/russ-smith-falcons/ Fort Lauderdale News July 7, 1966 1D and joined the Chargers afterwards, spending a year on the taxi squad before scoring 10 touchdowns over the following four seasons.Chargers rookies meet new Saints https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114057582/russ-smith-chargers/ Escondido Times-Advocate July 22, 1967 10Russ Smith stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitRu00.htm pro-football-reference.com December 3, 2022 7th-round pick Jim Tolbert stayed with the team for six seasons, and returned briefly at the end of his 11-year NFL career; he played in over 100 games in the Chargers' defensive backfield, starting over 50 of them.Jim Tolbert stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TolbJi20.htm pro-football-reference.com December 7, 2022 San Diego found a long-term starter in the later rounds in offensive tackle Terry Owens. Chosen in the 11th round, he was primarily a backup in his first two seasons, but won a starting role in 1968 and kept it until injuries forced his retirement in 1975, having made over 100 starts in total.Terry Owens stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/O/OwenTe20.htm pro-football-reference.com December 7, 2022Hoff Dave Stadium quieter for Chargers, Pats https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114269170/owens-injury/ Escondido Times-Advocate November 9, 1975 B-4 In the 13th round, the Chargers selected defensive lineman Houston Ridge. A regular starter during two of his four seasons in San Diego, Ridge would later sue the Chargers, winning $300,000 after successfully arguing that the organization's drug culture had caused the injury that ended his career.NFL slaps eight Chargers with fines for drug use https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114270126/ridge-lawsuit/ San Pedro News-Pilot AP April 27, 1974 B3 1966 San Diego Chargers draft Round Pick Player Position College Notes 1 7 Don Davis Defensive tackle Los Angeles State 25th pick in NFL draft; signed by New York Giants 2 16 Nick Rassas Defensive back Notre Dame 17th pick in NFL draft; signed by Atlanta Falcons 3 24 Milt Morin * Tight end UMass 14th pick in NFL draft; signed by Cleveland Browns 4 32 Charlie Brown Defensive back Syracuse 28th pick in NFL draft; signed by Chicago Bears 5 40 Russ Smith Running back Miami (FL) Signed and cut by Falcons before joining Chargers 6 49 Gary Pettigrew Defensive tackle Stanford 20th pick in NFL draft; signed by Philadelphia Eagles 7 61 Jim Tolbert Defensive back Lincoln (MO) 8 72 Doug Buffone Linebacker Louisville 60th pick in NFL draft; signed by Chicago Bears 9 81 Taft Reed Defensive back Jackson State 279th pick in NFL draft 10 90 Dan Pride Linebacker Jackson State 201st pick in NFL draft 11 99 Terry Owens Tackle Jacksonville State 167th pick in NFL draft 12 108 Ray Jones Halfback Los Angeles State Signed by Toronto Argonauts (CFL) 13 117 Houston Ridge Defensive end San Diego State 14 126 Mike London Linebacker Wisconsin 15 135 Shelly Novack End Long Beach State 16 144 Bill Scott Defensive back Idaho Signed by Toronto Argonauts (CFL) 17 153 Ron Ogle Defensive tackle Long Beach State 18 162 John Travis Fullback San Jose State 19 171 Jerome Bell End Central State (OK) 20 180 Bill McDowell Linebacker Florida State #d9e9f9     Made roster   #faecc8  *  Made at least one AFL All-Star game or NFL Pro Bowl during career   #d2f8d2     Played in the NFL in 1966   1966 San Diego Chargers Draftees https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1966_draft.htm pro-football-reference.com December 2, 2022 Redshirt draft As well as their regular collegiate draft, the AFL also held a separate redshirt draft. This covered players whose graduation had been delayed by taking a redshirt year, meaning that they still had a further year of college football eligibility.AFL, NFL line up, await draft kickoff https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114361595/redshirt-draft/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram AP November 27, 1965 III-4 Three of these would play for the Chargers, with linebacker Jeff Staggs and running back Brad Hubbert joining the team in 1967, while defensive back Joe Beauchamp skipped his final year of college eligibility and played for the Chargers in 1966. It was the first of ten seasons in San Diego for Beauchamp, who eventually started 97 games, intercepting 23 passes and returning three of them for touchdowns.Elwood Hayley Remembering Joe Beauchamp https://www.chargers.com/news/remembering-joe-beauchamp chargers.com December 9, 2022 Unless noted otherwise, these players began their professional careers in 1967. 1966 San Diego Chargers redshirt draft Round Pick Player Position College Notes 1 8 Bob Windsor Tight end Kentucky 26th pick in NFL draft; signed by San Francisco 49ers 2 17 Diron Talbert * Defensive tackle Texas 66th pick in NFL draft; signed by Los Angeles Rams 3 26 Jeff Staggs Linebacker San Diego State 2nd pick in 1967 NFL Redshirt draft 4 35 LaVerle Pratt Linebacker Idaho 210th pick in NFL draft 5 44 Rhome Nixon End Southern 6th pick in 1967 NFL Redshirt draft; signed by Orange County Ramblers (COFL) 6 53 Joe Beauchamp Defensive back Iowa State Joined the Chargers in 1966 7 62 Saint Saffold Split end San Jose State 222nd pick in NFL draft 8 71 Brad Hubbert * Running back Arizona 3rd pick in 1967 NFL redshirt draft 9 79 Wayne Page Defensive back Clemson 182nd pick in NFL draft 10 89 Wayne Becker Tackle Montana 197th pick in NFL draft; signed by Eugene Bombers (COFL) 11 97 Hugh Wright Fullback Adams State 223rd 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 1967   Undrafted free agents + 1966 undrafted free agents of notePlayerPositionCollegeChuck CowartLinebackerCalifornia WesternJohn SmedleySafetyCincinnati Departures and arrivals The Chargers lost two 1965 AFL All-Pros in defensive tackle Ernie Ladd and defensive end Earl Faison; the pair had been named 1st-team All-Pros three and four times respectively during their five years in San Diego, but had expressed dissatisfaction with head coach Sid Gillman in his joint role of general manager early the previous season.Ernie Ladd stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LaddEr00.htm pro-football-reference.com February 4, 2023Earl Faison stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FaisEa00.htm pro-football-reference.com February 4, 2023 They had played out the final year of their contracts in 1965, making clear their intention to leave afterwards, and were traded to the Houston Oilers on January 15 in exchange for three defensive players.Defensive end Gary Cutsinger, linebacker Johnny Baker and defensive back Pete Jaquess.Ladd, Faison go to Oilers for 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104548572/faison-and-ladd-traded-16-jan-1966/ AP 1S Kansas City Star 16 January 1966 Newspapers.com Four days later, AFL commissioner Joe Foss nullified the trade after finding the Oilers guilty of tampering with the players, whose Chargers contracts would not expire until May 1.Foss nixes deal of Faison, Ladd https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117967542/trade-nullified/ Evansville Courier and Press AP January 20, 1966 23 Ladd eventually signed with the Oilers as a free agent on June 7;Oilers sign ex-Charger Ernie Ladd https://www.newspapers.com/image/756470452/?terms=%22ernie%20ladd%22%20oilers&match=1 Corpus Christi Caller-Times AP June 8, 1966 1C Faison re-signed with the Chargers on July 29,Earl Faison stays with Chargers, signs contract https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117970275/faison-signs/ Fresno Bee Associated Press July 30, 1966 11-A but Gillman waived him when he struggled with injuries, commenting that Faison had, "a long way to go to become average, much less outstanding."Faison placed on waivers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117971089/faison-waived/ Los Angeles Times UPI October 19, 1966 III-2 The expansion Miami Dolphins signed Faison on October 19.Miami claims Earl Faison https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117971633/faison-to-miami/ Troy Record AP October 20, 1966 30 Other defensive departures included Dick Westmoreland, a cornerback who had finished runner-up for the AFL's rookie of the year award in 1963 and led the team in interceptions in 1964, being voted a 2nd-team All-Pro both times.Dick Westmoreland stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WestDi00.htm pro-football-reference.com February 5, 2023 After struggling with a broken arm in 1965, he was left unprotected by the Chargers in an expansion draft, and claimed by the Dolphins.Crittenden John Westmoreland fights to play once again https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117997441/westmoreland-out/ Miami News August 10, 1966 16-A Another defensive back, Dick Harris, retired from professional football.Dick Harris retires for college job https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117997997/harris-retires/ San Pedro news-Pilot July 18, 1966 8 One of the original Chargers from 1960, Harris had made 29 interceptions over his career while being named twice each to the 1st and 2nd All-Pro teams.Dick Harris stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrDi20.htm pro-football-reference.com February 2, 2023 Tight end Dave Kocourek was another original Charger to depart; he was allowed to go to Miami in the expansion draft after making four All-Pro 2nd teams and four AFL All-Star games with San Diego.Grimes Tom Kocourek optimistic about new employer https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117998242/kocourek-out/ Fort Lauderdale News July 15, 1966 12ADave Kocourek stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KocoDa00.htm pro-football-reference.com February 5, 2023 The Chargers gained a replacement tight end when new AFL commissioner Al Davis awarded them Houston's Willie Frazier as compensation for the loss of Ladd.They were also awarded Pete Jaquess, but he was released before the season began.Chargers repaid for Ladd https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117998490/frazier-and-jacquess/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram AP June 12, 1966 IV-1Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117999005/jaquess-out/ San Francisco Examiner August 17, 1966 62 Frazier had been voted to the All-Star game once as an Oiler and would be twice more as a Charger, in 1967 and 1969.Willie Frazier stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FrazWi00.htm pro-football-reference.com February 5, 2023 San Diego made a change of specialist kickers, releasing Herb Travenio and giving the job to Dick Van Raaphorst.Chargers cut eight players https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118000046/van-raaphorst-for-travenio/ Peninsula Times Tribune AP August 17, 1966 38 San Diego's coaching staff lost a future Hall of Fame coach when defensive backfield coach Chuck Noll took the same role with the NFL's Baltimore Colts.Chuck Noll gets job with Colts https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118002071/coll-leaves/ Stockton Evening and Sunday Record UPI February 23, 1966 62Chuck Noll https://www.profootballhof.com/players/chuck-noll/ Pro Football Hall of Fame February 5, 2023 Noll had been on the Chargers staff since their first season.Chuck Noll stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/NollCh0.htm pro-football-reference.com February 5, 2023 Change of ownership The Chargers had their first change of majority ownership on August 25 when hotel chain heir Barron Hilton, who had owned the franchise since their formation in 1959,Los Angeles Chargers Team History https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/los-angeles-chargers/team-history/ Pro Football Hall of Fame 29 April 2021 sold controlling shares to a consortium led by National General Corporation chairman Gene Klein.Chargers sale quells rumors of team moving https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118037812/hilton-to-klein/ Sacramento Bee AP August 26, 1966 E4 With a price of $10 million, the purchase set a new record for a professional football team. Hilton had announced his plans to sell the team the previous year, as he wanted to spend more time operating the hotel chain that he co-owned with his father Conrad Hilton. This had prompted speculation that the team may move, but Klein stated that they would remain in San Diego. Klein's consortium included former White House Press Secretary Pierre Salinger and General Motors executive John DeLorean. The Hiltons remained as minority shareholders with a combined 30% ownership. Klein agreed to the record-breaking price as he anticipated that a forthcoming merger of the AFL with the more-established NFL would significantly increase the value of the Chargers.Klein Gene Fisher David First Down and a Billion: the Funny Business of Pro Football 1987 Morrow 0-688-06894-4 42–43 Personnel Staff 1966 San Diego Chargers Owner – Gene Klein General manager – Sid Gillman Director of player personnel - Al LoCasale Publicity director - Jerry Wynn Business manager - John Gough Head coach – Sid Gillman Offensive backfield coach – Charlie Waller Offensive line coach – Joe Madro Defensive line coach – Walt Hackett Defensive backfield coach – Tom Bass Strength coach - Alvin Roy Cordry George The war will end -- Gillman https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114665359/management/ Escondido Times-Advocate June 7, 1966 16Anderson Claude Bass coaches https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114665763/coaches/ San Bernardino County Sun July 9, 1966 A-6Means Ray San Diego pre-season choice https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114666344/joe-madro/ Sandusky Register August 24, 1966 23 Roster 1966 San Diego Chargers 13 Steve Tensi 15 Dan Henning 21 John Hadl 22 Keith Lincoln 23 Paul Lowe 32 Jim Allison American football 37 Gene Foster 19 Lance Alworth 27 Gary Garrison y 81 Dave Plump y 88 Don Norton 38 Jacque MacKinnon 83 Willie Frazier 60 Ed Mitchell no G 62 John Farris American football G 65 Sam Gruneisen C 68 Don Estes G 72 Gary Kirner T 74 Ron Mix T 76 Terry Owens American football y T 78 Walt Sweeney G 56 Steve DeLong DT 59 Howard Kindig DE 73 Larry Martin no DT 77 Jim Griffin American football DT/DE 79 George Gross American football DT 85 Bob Petrich DE 51 Dick Degen MLB 55 Frank Buncom OLB 58 Doug Cline OLB 66 Rick RedmanOLB/P 67 Archie Matsos MLB 80 Houston Ridge y OLB 20 Miller Farr CB 34 Bob Zeman FS 41 Nat Whitmyer CB 43 Jim Tolbert y SS 45 Speedy Duncan CB 47 Bud Whitehead FS 39 Dick Van Raaphorst K Karas to bid for old duty https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117932585/karas-for-allen/ Escondido Times-Advocate UPI October 26, 1966 17Chargers put three on injury list https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117931807/three-injuries/ Sacramento Bee UPI December 15, 1966 F7 -- Bobby Asmond y no G IR 33 Kenny Graham S American football IR 50 Chuck Allen LB IR 58 Emil Karas LBRetired 82 Robert Mitinger LB Military 71 Fred Moore no DT IR 64 Pat Shea American football G IR 75 Ernie Wright T IR 40 Joe Beauchamp y CB 54 Tom Good American football y LB 52 Paul Latzke C 61 John Milks LB no -- Russ Smith running back y RB -- Sammie Taylor no WR 44 John Travis no y RB Charger roster https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117929323/roster/ San Francisco Examiner November 20, 1966 III-9 Preseason San Diego opened their exhibition schedule against the expansion Dolphins and took a quick 24–0 lead through interception-return touchdowns by Kenny Graham and Nat Whitmyer, together with Lance Alworth's 47-yard catch from running back Keith Lincoln. Further touchdowns followed in the second half on a John Hadl pass to Jacque MacKinnon and a short Jim Allison run.Chargers ruin Dolphins' start in AFL, 38-10 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118109490/chargers-38-10/ Fresno Bee AP February 6, 1966 12-S Against Oakland, Alworth's 89-yard touchdown catch tied the next game at 7–7 but those were the only Chargers points; the Raiders won the game with a touchdown in the final minute.Flores ignites Raider charge https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118111744/chargers-7-14-raiders/ Long Beach Independent UPI August 14, 1966 C-1 The Chargers next faced Kansas City in Anaheim; it was the second part of the first professional football double-header, directly following a Raiders-Patriots exhibition in the same stadium. Hadl ran for two touchdowns and passed for another, but San Diego lost 31–21.Chiefs, Patriots win at Anaheim https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118113439/chargers-21-31-chiefs/ Pasadena Independent Star-News August 21, 1966 A-1 They returned home for their finale, defeating the Patriots with 24 unanswered second-half points. Hadl rushed for another touchdown, and his backup Steve Tensi passed to Don Norton for another. Speedy Duncan (on a 63-yard punt return) and Gene Foster also scored as the Chargers pulled away.Chargers rip Patriots 31 to 13 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118114731/chargers-31-13-patriots/ Fresno Bee AP August 28, 1966 2-S The attendance of 11,894 was the smallest for a Chargers game since they moved to San Diego in 1961.Only 11,894 see Chargers top Patriots https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118114966/attendance/ Los Angeles Times UPI August 28, 1966 D-4 Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance 1 August 6 Miami Dolphins W 38–10 1–0 Balboa Stadium 25,712 2 August 13 Oakland Raiders L 7–14 1–1 Balboa Stadium 17,904 3 August 20 vs. Kansas City Chiefs L 21–31 1–2 Anaheim Stadium, (Anaheim) 36,038 4 August 27 Boston Patriots W 31–13 2–2 Balboa Stadium 11,894 https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/chargers/tcv8eed5f0tt6mxvavys chargers.com 2021 Los Angeles Chargers Media Guide Regular season Summary San Diego, the winners of five division titles in the previous six seasons, were considered a contender to represent the AFL at Super Bowl I—a preseason poll of 27 UPI football journalists slightly favored the Kansas City Chiefs to win the West division, with twelve first-place votes to the Chargers' nine.Chiefs, Bills are AFL's favorites https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-monroe-news-star-upi-preview/137708824/ Monroe News-Star UPI September 1, 1966 7-B San Diego opened by winning a rematch of the previous year's title game with the Buffalo Bills and reached a record of 4–0 while outscoring their opponents by a combined 124–37. After losing their fifth game by a single point, San Diego were unable to recapture their early-season form, going only 3–6–1 from that game onwards and finishing third in their division. Gillman stated that a reason for the Chargers' struggles was Hilton's reluctance to spend money signing their draftees away from NFL teams.Maher Charles Money troubles turn Chargers into almost overnight failures https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118188683/review/ Los Angeles Times December 11, 1966 D-10 The Chargers' offense had ranked first in both points scored and yards per game the previous year,1965 San Diego Chargers statistics https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1965.htm pro-football-reference.com February 8, 2023 but slipped to third and fifth in the nine-team AFL in 1966. They did commit the fewest turnovers in the league with 22, nine better than any other team.1966 AFL statistics https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/ pro-football-reference.com February 8, 20231966 San Diego Chargers statistics https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1966.htm pro-football-reference.com February 8, 2023 Hadl again featured as quarterback in every game; his backup Tensi started twice, but was soon benched for Hadl both times. Hadl was second-best among starters for passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions.1966 AFL passing https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/passing.htm pro-football-reference.com February 8, 2023 Alworth was again the outstanding receiver, winning the receiving triple crown by leading the AFL in receptions (73), receiving yards (1,383) and receiving touchdowns (13).1966 AFL receiving https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/receiving.htm pro-football-reference.com February 8, 2023 He was supported by the rookie Garrison (642 yards, 4 touchdowns), and six-year veteran tight end MacKinnon who saw increased usage with Kocourek having been traded, scoring six times.Jacque MacKinnon stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MacKJa00.htm pro-football-reference.com February 8, 2023 Running back Paul Lowe had won the league rushing title the previous year,Paul Lowe stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LowePa00.htm pro-football-reference.com February 8, 2023 but was used far more sporadically and ranked only seventh with 643 yards.1966 AFL rushing https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/rushing.htm pro-football-reference.com February 8, 2023 As a team, the Chargers' average yards per carry of 4.3 was the second-best in the league, but they had the fewest attempts with barely 25 per game. San Diego's defense was unbalanced, as they ranked second against the pass for yards per game but last against the run for yardage, touchdowns and yards per carry. Opposing offenses exploited this weakness, with 497 rushing plays being called against the Chargers during the season; no other team was run against more than 441 times.1966 AFL opposition & defensive statistics https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/opp.htm pro-football-reference.com February 9, 2023 Defensive tackle George Gross was unofficiallyProfessional football leagues did not keep sack statistics officially until the NFL began to do so in 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 credited with a team-high 4 quarterback sacks; the team as a whole had fewer sacks in the absence of Ladd and Faison, slipping from 38 the previous season to 26 in 1966. Duncan led the team with 7 interceptions, while Graham had 5. Duncan was also the Chargers' main kick returner, ranking second in the AFL with 13.2 yards per punt return and third with 25.7 yards per kickoff return.1966 AFL kick & punt returns https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/returns.htm pro-football-reference.com February 9, 2023 Van Raaphorst converted 51.6% of his field goal (16 of 31), fourth in the league and slightly worse than Trevenio's 60% from the previous season.1966 AFL kicking https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/kicking.htm pro-football-reference.com February 9, 2023 Linebacker Rick Redman took over the punting duties after sharing the role with Hadl the previous year, but his 37-yards per attempt was the league's worse among players with at least 40 punts.1966 AFL punting https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/punting.htm pro-football-reference.com February 9, 2023 Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap 1 September 4 Buffalo Bills W 27–7 1–0 Balboa Stadium 27,572 Recap 2 September 10 Boston Patriots W 24–0 2–0 Balboa Stadium 29,539 Recap 3 Bye 4 September 25 at Oakland Raiders W 29–20 3–0 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 37,183 Recap 5 October 2 Miami Dolphins W 44–10 4–0 Balboa Stadium 26,444 Recap 6 October 8 at New York Jets L 16–17 4–1 Shea Stadium 63,497 Recap 7 October 16 at Buffalo Bills T 17–17 4–1–1 War Memorial Stadium 45,169 Recap 8 October 23 at Boston Patriots L 17–35 4–2–1 Fenway Park 32,371 Recap 9 October 30 Denver Broncos W 24–17 5–2–1 Balboa Stadium 25,819 Recap 10 November 6 at Kansas City Chiefs L 14–24 5–3–1 Municipal Stadium 40,986 Recap 11 November 13 Oakland Raiders L 19–41 5–4–1 Balboa Stadium 26,230 Recap 12 Bye 13 November 27 at Denver Broncos L 17–20 5–5–1 Bears Stadium 24,860 Recap 14 December 4 at Houston Oilers W 28–22 6–5–1 Rice Stadium 17,569 Recap 15 December 11 New York Jets W 42–27 7–5–1 Balboa Stadium 25,712 Recap 16 December 18 Kansas City Chiefs L 17–27 7–6–1 Balboa Stadium 28,548 Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1: vs. Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 4 1:38 p.m. PDT Bills 0 0 0 7 Chargers 0 7 3 17 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 27,572 70 °F 1, relative humidity 82%, wind 7 mph Bob Finley Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 7-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 14:50. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards. Third quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 30-yard field goal, 5:53. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 14 plays, 50 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 10-yard field goal, 14:58. Chargers 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 3-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 5:22. Chargers 20–0. Drive: 4 plays, 31 yards. SDG – Speedy Duncan 81-yard punt return (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 4:05. Chargers 27–0. BUF – Bobby Burnett 2-yard rush (Booth Lusteg kick), 1:27. Chargers 27–7. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards. Top passers BUF – Daryle Lamonica – 5/7, 76 yards SDG – John Hadl – 14/18, 160 yards, 2 TD Top rushers BUF – Wray Carlton – 16 rushes, 87 yards SDG – Gene Foster – 12 rushes, 58 yards Top receivers BUF – Charley Ferguson – 3 receptions, 77 yards SDG – Jacque MacKinnon – 2 receptions, 56 yards, TD In a rematch of the 1964 and 1965 AFL title games, Buffalo drove into Charger territory on their first two drives, but were foiled by a deflected field goal attempt and a Graham interception. After the second of these, San Diego converted three 3rd downs, including a 3rd and 5, 7-yard touchdown catch by Alworth. A succession of punts followed before Buffalo missed another field goal shortly before halftime, leaving the Chargers 7–0 ahead.1966 week 1 gamebook, Bills at Chargers September 4, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription San Diego opened the 3rd quarter with a nine-minute drive that featured a 4th and inches conversion by Foster and culminated in Van Raaphorst's first field goal. Miller Farr intercepted Jack Kemp three plays later, leading to another Van Raaphorst success to open the final quarter. Buffalo drove into Chargers territory before Kemp was intercepted again, with Bud Whitehead returning the ball 61 yards to the Bills' 31-yard line. That led to Hadl's second touchdown pass, again on 3rd down, and Duncan wove through would-be tackler on an 81-yard punt return touchdown shortly afterwards. The Chargers were close to a shutout, but Buffalo converted a late 4th and 8 before scoring their only points on the following play.Chargers avenge loss to Bills last year https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116472248/chargers-27-7-bills/ Redlands daily facts UPI September 5, 1966 6 The Charger defense allowed Kemp, a former Charger, only 4 completions on 20 attempts for 74 yards and with 3 interceptions, and a 2.9 passer rating compared to 140.7 from Hadl.Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers - September 4th, 1966 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196609040sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com January 15, 2023 Week 2: vs. Boston Patriots San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: Boston Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 10 8:05 p.m. PDT Patriots 0 0 0 0 Chargers 3 14 0 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 29,539 69 °F 1, relative humidity 81%, wind 9 mph Jack West Box score First quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 10-yard field goal, 2:06. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards. Second quarter SDG – Kenny Graham 32-yard interception return (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 2:20. Chargers 10–0. SDG – Lance Alworth 5-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 0:15. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SDG – Jim Allison 61-yard rush (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 6:02. Chargers 24–0. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards. Top passers BOS – Babe Parilli – 13/39, 137 yards, 4 INT SDG – John Hadl – 10/28, 155 yards, TD Top rushers BOS – Jim Nance – 12 rushes, 68 yards SDG – Jim Allison – 3 rushes, 64 yards, TD Top receivers BOS – Jim Nance – 4 receptions, 67 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 5 receptions, 97 yards, TD A 37-yard catch by Alworth set up Van Raaphorst's short field goal late in the opening quarter. He had a chance to double the lead in the 2nd quarter, but missed wide right from 40 yards out. After an exchange of punts, Graham intercepted an underthrown Babe Parilli pass and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown with 2:20 left in the half. That left enough time for the Chargers to score again, as their defense forced a three-and-out before three Hadl completions covered 56 yards, with Alworth catching the last of these to make it 17–0 at halftime.1966 week 2 gamebook, Patriots at Chargers September 10, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Boston, who had failed to cross the halfway line until the final play of the half, began making chances after the break. Gino Cappelletti missed a 45-yard field goal attempt, then four consecutive drive penetrated the Chargers 30; Chuck Allen, Farr and Whitehead stopped the first three with interceptions, while the fourth ended with an incompletion on 4th and 1. Five plays later, Allison went around right end and broke several tackles en route to the 61-yard touchdown that finished the scoring.Pats blasted by Chargers, 24–0 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116505057/chargers-24-0-patriots/ Los Angeles Times AP September 11, 1966 D4 The Charger defense allowed 252 yards while forcing four turnovers.Boston Patriots at San Diego Chargers - September 10th, 1966 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196609100sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com January 15, 2023 They achieved the franchise's first shutout since Week 12, 1963.Shutouts, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/VKnfy stathead.com January 15, 2023 Week 4: at Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Four: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary September 25 Chargers 3 9 10 7 Raiders 3 0 7 10 Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California 37,183 64 °F 1, relative humidity 80%, wind 12 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 13-yard field goal, 5:34. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards. OAK – Mike Eischeid 49-yard field goal, 1:25. Tied 3–3. Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards. Second quarter SDG – Safety, ball snapped out of end zone, 11:08. Chargers 5–3. SDG – John Hadl 1-yard run (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 5:28. Chargers 12–3. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards. Third quarter OAK – Clem Daniels 1-yard run (Mike Eischeid kick), 12:45. Chargers 12–10. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 19-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 11:16. Chargers 19–10. Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards. SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 20-yard field goal, 7:49. Chargers 22–10. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards. Fourth quarter OAK – Fred Biletnikoff 8-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Eischeid kick), 11:57. Chargers 22–17. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards. OAK – Mike Eischeid 44-yard field goal, 6:45. Chargers 22–20. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards. SDG – Gene Foster 8-yard run (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 4:12. Chargers 29–20. Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 10/20, 162 yards, TD, INT OAK – Cotton Davidson – 5/14, 96 yards, INT Top rushers SDG – John Hadl – 4 rushes, 39 yards, TD OAK – Clem Daniels – 17 rushes, 49 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 2 receptions, 50 yards OAK – Clem Daniels – 3 receptions, 54 yards Duncan set up the Chargers' first points with an interception of Cotton Davidson and 31-yard return into Oakland territory. The Raiders tied the score on the following drive, then put San Diego back ahead with a special teams error; on 4th and 8 from their own 11, their center snapped the ball over the punter's head and out of the end zone for a safety. After the ensuing free kick, Hadl converted a 3rd and 10 with a 16-yard pass to Garrison, and scored himself from a yard out. Duncan intercepted another Davidson pass after Oakland had reached the San Diego 42, and the Chargers led 12–3 at the interval.1966 week 4 gamebook, Chargers at Raiders September 25, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription On the first drive of the second half, Whitehead was flagged for a 35-yard defensive pass interference penalty that moved the ball to the 2-yard line and led to a Raiders touchdown on the following play. Hadl connected with Lincoln for 45 yards on the next play from scrimmage, then restored San Diego's nine-point lead with a 19-yard touchdown pass to MacKinnon on 3rd and 16. Duncan intercepted Davidson for the third time, setting up a Van Raaphorst field goal and causing Oakland to switch quarterbacks; Tom Flores entered the game and was soon intercepted by Redman, though Hadl was intercepted in return. Flores threw a touchdown early in the final quarter, and Oakland added a field goal after declining to go for it on 4th and 1. With their lead cut to 22–20, San Diego responded with a 3-play, 68-yard touchdown drive; Alworth had a 43-yard catch despite double coverage, Lowe went around right end for 17 yards and Foster went around left end for 8 yards and the touchdown. Flores was sacked on 4th down to ensure the Chargers' win.O'Connor Dick Raunch takes blame for Raider defeat https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116607774/chargers-29-20-raiders/ Peninsula Times Tribune September 26, 1966 27 Duncan tied a franchise record, becoming the fifth Charger to achieve three interceptions in a game.Most interceptions, player, Los Angeles Chargers, in a game https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-interceptions-player-los-angeles-chargers-in-a-game statmuse.com January 16, 2023 The two Raiders quarterbacks combined to complete 11 of 31 passes for 191 yards, with a touchdown and four interceptions.San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders - September 25th, 1966 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196609250rai.htm pro-football-reference.com January 16, 2023 Week 5: vs. Miami Dolphins San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Five: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 2 1:36 p.m. PDT Dolphins 3 7 0 0 Chargers 0 6 10 28 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 26,444 71 °F 1, relative humidity 76%, wind 9 mph Ben Dreith Box score First quarter MIA – Gene Mingo 27-yard field goal, 13:56. Dolphins 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards. Second quarter MIA – Karl Noonan 20-yard pass from Dick Wood (Gene Mingo kick), 8:41. Dolphins 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards. SDG – Rick Redman 58-yard fumble return (kick blocked), 0:44. Dolphins 10–6. Third quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 9-yard field goal, 7:45. Dolphins 10–9. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards. SDG – Gene Foster 25-yard pass from Steve Tensi (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 2:14. Chargers 16–10. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 44-yard pass from Steve Tensi (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 14:11. Chargers 23–10. Drive: 1 play, 44 yards. SDG – Gene Foster 63-yard pass from Steve Tensi (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 8:18. Chargers 30–10. Drive: 1 play, 63 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 36-yard pass from Keith Lincoln (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 6:33. Chargers 37–10. Drive: 2 plays, 33 yards. SDG – Willie Frazier 30-yard pass from Steve Tensi (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 1:54. Chargers 44–10. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards. Top passers MIA – Dick Wood – 7/22, 84 yards, TD SDG – Steve Tensi – 9/12, 223 yards, 4 TD Top rushers MIA – Rick Casares – 22 rushes, 80 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 10 rushes, 26 yards Top receivers MIA – Karl Noonan – 2 receptions, 30 yards, TD SDG – Gene Foster – 6 receptions, 134 yards, 2 TD San Diego faced the expansion Dolphins for the first time. Miami took a 10–0 lead in the 2nd quarter, scoring after a Lowe fumble and a Hadl interception, while the Chargers drove no further than midfield throughout the first half. Instead, their defense scored; Miami had a 2nd and 3 at the Chargers 35 when Steve DeLong forced a fumble that Redman caught in mid-air before racing clear to cut the deficit to 10–6 at halftime.1966 week 4 gamebook, Dolphins at Chargers October 2, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Tensi replaced Hadl for the second half; he attempted only two passes in his first drive, which stalled at the goal line and resulted in a chip shot field goal. He followed this up with his first touchdown pass as a professional, 25 yards to Foster for the lead. Early in the final period, Allison recovered a muffed punt at the Dolphins 44 and Tensi found Alworth behind the defense on the next play for another touchdown. After Buncom blocked a Dolphins field goal attempt, Tensi again struck on the next play, this time finding Foster for his second touchdown. When Lincoln threw to Alworth on a trick play, it was the Chargers' third touchdown in four offensive plays, and Tensi combined with Frazier two minutes left to complete the scoring.Chargers clobber Dolphins for 4th straight victory https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116759091/chargers-44-10-dolphins/ San Bernardino County Sun AP October 3, 1966 A-10 Tensi's 12 pass attempts were the first of his career, and his passer rating of 156.2 would remain his best.Steve Tensi career game log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TensSt00/gamelog/ pro-football-reference.com January 18, 2023 Hadl completed 6 of 11 for 62 yards and an interception. San Diego had two 100-yard receivers: Foster (6 for 134, 2 touchdowns) and Alworth (6 for 119, 2 touchdowns).Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers - October 2nd, 1966 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196610020sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com January 18, 2023 Week 6: at New York Jets San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: San Diego Chargers at New York Jets – Game summary October 8 Chargers 3 6 0 7 Jets 7 3 0 7 Shea Stadium, New York, New York 63,497 62 °F 1, relative humidity 48%, wind 13 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 14-yard field goal, 6:19. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards. NYJ – Matt Snell 27-yard pass from Joe Namath (Jim Turner kick), 0:43. Jets 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards. Second quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 17-yard field goal, 11:20. Jets 7–6. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards. NYJ – Jim Turner 33-yard field goal, 1:10. Jets 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards. SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 42-yard field goal, 0:01. Jets 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 67-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 9:09. Chargers 16–10. Drive: 4 plays, 47 yards. NYJ – Emerson Boozer 8-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 6:23. Jets 17–16. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 22/41, 331 yards, TD NYJ – Joe Namath – 11/22, 129 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers SDG – Gene Foster – 5 rushes, 42 yards NYJ – Matt Snell – 18 rushes, 78 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 10 receptions, 149 yards NYJ – Bill Mathis – 4 receptions, 66 yards Tensi was given the start after his impressive performance the previous week, and set up the first Van Raaphorst field goal with a 32-yard pass to MacKinnon. He failed to complete any of his five passes on the next drive, finishing with an interception that set up the Jets at the San Diego 42; they scored five plays later, and Hadl came in for the rest of the game. Graham intercepted Joe Namath early in the 2nd quarter, leading to a field goal. After New York made a field goal of their own with 1:10 left in the half, Hadl completed 4 of 6 passes for 45 yards, positioning Van Raaphorst for the 42-yard kick that made it 10–9 at the break.1966 week 6 gamebook, Chargers at Jets October 8, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Van Raaphorst attempted a field goal from around midfield on the first drive of the 3rd quarter, but it was partially blocked. Three plays later, Farr's interception and 35-yard return set the Chargers up at the New York 26. San Diego reached 3rd and goal at the 8, were pushed back 36 yards by a pair of offensive holding penalties and regained 12 yards through a Hadl run, then Van Raaphorst was wide right from 40 yards out. In the final quarter, Duncan intercepted Namath at the New York 47. San Diego picked up a first down at the 36, then were driven back by a 19-yard holding call on Gary Kirner and a 12-yard sack of Hadl. Facing 2nd and 41, Hadl threw a screen pass to Lincoln, who benefitted from blocks by Walt Sweeney, Ron Mix, Allison and Garrison en route to a 67-yard touchdown. Namath came back with a 44-yard completion on the next play, and Emerson Boozer soon restored the Jets' lead. A 30-yard catch-and-run by Garrison gave Van Raaphorst another chance, but he had another kick partially blocked, this time from 30 yards out with 2:32 to play. New York gained one first down before punting, leaving Hadl at his own 19 with 1:27 to play and a single timeout to work with. He opened with three consecutive completions to Alworth, covering 31, 15 and 7 yards. A 14-yard pass to Garrison set Van Raaphorst up for one more attempt, which he missed wide right from 21 yards with 25 seconds to play.Namath steers Jets by Chargers 17–16 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/116817801/chargers-17-16-jets/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram AP October 9, 1966 7-B Van Raaphorst made his first three field goals, but missed his next four. The seven total attempts remain a Charger record 2023 y.Most field goals, game, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/rq6eZ stathead.com January 19, 2023 Tensi completed 2 of 10 passes for 45 yards and an interception, with a passer rating of 6.2. San Diego lost despite clear advantages in takeaways (3–1), yards of offense (445–248) and first downs gained (23–12).San Diego Chargers at New York Jets - October 8th, 1966 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196610080nyj.htm pro-football-reference.com January 19, 2023 Week 7: at Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary October 16 1:00 p.m. PDT Chargers 7 10 0 0 Bills 0 3 7 7 War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York 45,169 51 °F 1, relative humidity 81%, wind 23 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Willie Frazier 6-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 1:05. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 16 plays, 95 yards. Second quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 31-yard field goal, 1:53. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 21-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 0:35. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards. BUF – Booth Lusteg 41-yard field goal, 0:02. Chargers 17–3. Drive: 3 plays, 29 yards. Third quarter BUF – Bobby Burnett 3-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (Booth Lusteg kick), 4:13. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards. Fourth quarter BUF – Daryle Lamonica 1-yard run (Booth Lusteg kick), 4:47. Tied 17–17. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 11/20, 185 yards, 2 TD BUF – Jack Kemp – 6/18, 75 yards, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 15 rushes, 33 yards BUF – Bobby Burnett – 27 rushes, 138 yards Top receivers SDG – Keith Lincoln – 5 receptions, 123 yards, TD BUF – Paul Costa – 2 receptions, 42 yards Buffalo reached a 3rd and 4 at the Chargers 29 on the opening possession, but Graham intercepted Kemp at the San Diego 5. The Chargers converted four 3rd down on their ensuing 95-yard touchdown drive, three by Lincoln, including a 32-yard catch on 3rd and 19. That moved the ball to the Buffalo 12, and Frazier's touchdown catch followed three plays later. The Bills had field goal attempts on their next two drives, but Booth Lusteg missed them both. A 35-yard Alworth catch then positioned Van Raaphorst for a success from 31 yards out. After Buffalo went three-and-out, Lincoln had catches of 42 and 21 yards, the latter for a touchdown 35 seconds before halftime; the Bills quickly responded with Lusteg's 41-yard kick, but still trailed 17–3.1966 week 7 gamebook, Chargers at Bills October 16, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Howard Kindig intercepted Kemp at the San Diego 13 in the 3rd quarter. Redman had to punt from inside his own end zone after Hadl was sacked at the 1, and his punt was returned all the way to the Chargers 4; Daryle Lamonica replaced Kemp and threw a touchdown on 4th and goal from the 3. Van Raaphorst had a chance to add to the lead early in the final quarter, but was short from 42 yards. Following an exchange of punts, Buffalo were aided by a 28-yard pass interference call on Duncan en route to Lamonica's game-tying quarterback sneak. The Chargers went three-and-out and Buffalo moved into position for a game-winning field goal, but Lustig was off target from 23 yards with little time remaining.Buffalo charge ties San Diego https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117001459/chargers-17-17-bills/ Pasadena Independent AP October 17, 1966 16 San Diego were outgained by 320 yards to 219, but had the only takeaways of the game with the interceptions of Kemp.San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills - October 16th, 1966 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196610160buf.htm pro-football-reference.com January 22, 2023 Week 8: at Boston Patriots San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Boston Patriots – Game summary October 23 Chargers 7 3 7 0 Patriots 0 14 7 14 Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts 32,371 58 °F 1, relative humidity 71%, wind 12 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 43-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 9:15. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards. Second quarter BOS – Larry Garron 53-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 11:58. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards. BOS – Gino Cappelletti 15-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 4:30. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards. SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 43-yard field goal, 2:28. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards. Third quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 66-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 5:18. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 1 play, 66 yards. BOS – Larry Garron 2-yard run (Gino Cappelletti kick), 0:56. Patriots 21–17. Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards. Fourth quarter BOS – Larry Garron 53-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 13:59. Patriots 28–17. Drive: 1 play, 53 yards. BOS – Jim Nance 2-yard run (Gino Cappelletti kick), 6:18. Patriots 35–17. Drive: 4 plays, 19 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 19/36, 289 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT BOS – Babe Parilli – 13/22, 250 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 9 rushes, 25 yards BOS – Jim Nance – 25 rushes, 108 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 6 receptions, 177 yards, 2 TD BOS – Larry Garron – 2 receptions, 106 yards, 2 TD Beauchamp fumbled the opening kickoff, but Gross recovered a fumble at the Chargers 11-yard line two plays later. San Diego advanced to a 3rd and 4 from the Boston 42-yard line, from where Alworth took a screen pass all the way in for a touchdown. Gross gave the Chargers a chance to extend their lead when he recovered a second fumble at the Boston 37, but Van Raaphorst eventually missed a 25-yard kick. The Patriots then drove 80 yards the other way, with Babe Parilli converting a 3rd and 18 the play before his first touchdown pass. On the following Boston drive, Parilli converted a 3rd and 9 and again followed up immediately by throwing for a touchdown. Alworth's 36-yard catch on the next play from scrimmage set up a success from 43 yards for Van Raaphorst, and a Dick Degen interception in Chargers territory kept the deficit at 14–10 entering halftime.1966 week 8 gamebook, Chargers at Patriots October 23, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Midway through the 3rd quarter, Alworth got behind the defense for a 66-yard go-ahead touchdown, before San Diego's defense forced a punt. Three plays later, Hadl had a pass intercepted by Ron Hall and returned 34 yards to the Chargers' 3. Boston went ahead to stay after two further plays, and Parilli extended the lead with a 53-yard touchdown on their next play from scrimmage. The Chargers reached midfield midway through the final quarter, but Hadl was intercepted again, setting up the clinching Patriots touchdown.Garron, Patriots topple Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117103281/chargers-17-35-patriots/ Raleigh News and Observer AP October 24, 1966 13 As well as his two fumble recoveries, Gross was credited with nine solo tackles and five assists. With his 177 receiving yards, plus a 3-yard run, Alworth accounted for over half of San Diego's 329 offensive yards.San Diego Chargers at Boston Patriots - October 23rd, 1966 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196610230nwe.htm pro-football-reference.com January 23, 2023 Week 9: vs. Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 30 1:37 p.m. PST Broncos 7 10 0 0 Chargers 7 14 0 3 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 25,819 64 °F 1, relative humidity 79%, wind 10 mph John McDonough Box score First quarter DEN – Max Choboian 2-yard run (Gary Kroner kick), 7:31. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 5-yard run (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 3:15. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards. Second quarter DEN – Bob Scarpitto 63-yard run (Gary Kroner kick), 11:39. Broncos 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards. SDG – Gary Garrison 1-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 2:46. Tied 14–14. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards. DEN – Gary Kroner 23-yard field goal, 0:55. Broncos 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 1-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 0:10. Chargers 21–17. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 26-yard field goal, 9:27. Chargers 24–17. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards. Top passers DEN – John McCormick – 9/18, 91 yards SDG – John Hadl – 19/26, 180 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DEN – Bob Scarpitto – 2 rushes, 73 yards, TD SDG – Keith Lincoln – 17 rushes, 95 yards, TD Top receivers DEN – Al Denson – 3 receptions, 39 yards SDG – Gary Garrison – 6 receptions, 73 yards, TD Foster fumbled in his own territory four plays into the game and Denver drove for a touchdown, converting a 4th and inches en route. Foster came back with a 37-yard run and a 19-yard catch on the next drive, which ended with Lincoln's touchdown run. The Broncos retook the lead in the 2nd quarter when Bob Scarpitto ran 63 yards on a fake punt. Van Raaphorst missed a 31-yard kick on the following drive, but the Charger defense forced a punt that Duncan returned 37 yards to the Denver 39. San Diego reached a 4th and 2 at the Broncos 9, which Hadl converted with an 8-yard pass to McKinnon. Garrison's touchdown catch followed on 3rd and goal. Denver regained the lead with a field goal 55 seconds before halftime. Lowe's 54-yard kickoff return set up the Chargers at the Denver 40 and led to a quick response: Hadl found Alworth for 11 yards and McKinnon for 28, there were two runs for no gain, then another completion to McKinnon covered the final yard with 10 seconds on the clock, putting San Diego up 21–17.1966 week 9 gamebook, Broncos at Chargers October 30, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Lincoln fumbled at the end of a 23-yard run early in the 3rd quarter, with Denver recovering at their own 19. The Broncos soon faced a 4th and 7, but Scarpitto again ran for a first down on a fake punt. The Broncos reached 4th and goal at the 4, where they again went for it, with Bob Petrich stopping a run for the loss of 2 yards. Van Raaphorst converted a 26-yard field goal with nine minutes to play, and Denver had only one more possession after that. They reached 4th and 14 at the San Diego 23 and tried a fake field goal with a pass that the Chargers stopped for a loss of 2 yards. A pair of 3rd down conversion catches by Garrison enabled the Chargers to run out the clock.Chargers 24, Broncos 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117188955/chargers-24-17-broncos/ Louisville Courier-Journal UPI October 31, 1966 B6 Lincoln's 95 rushing yards represented the only time he ran for more than 24 yards all season, and his touchdown was his last as a Charger.Keith Lincoln career game log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LincKe00/gamelog/ pro-football-reference.com January 25, 2023 Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary November 6 1:37 p.m. CST Chargers 7 0 7 0 Chiefs 7 17 0 0 Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 40,986 48 °F 1, relative humidity 85%, wind 12 mph Box score First quarter KAN – Bert Coan 1-yard run (Mike Mercer kick), 6:27. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 46-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 2:33. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards. Second quarter KAN – Otis Taylor 47-yard pass from Len Dawson (Mike Mercer kick), 5:13. Chiefs 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards. KAN – Mike Mercer 50-yard field goal, 1:26. Chiefs 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards. KAN – Chris Burford 10-yard pass from Len Dawson (Mike Mercer kick), 0:44. Chiefs 24–7. Drive: 1 play, 10 yards. Third quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 7-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 8:32. Chiefs 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 17/31, 230 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT KAN – Len Dawson – 12/24, 153 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Gene Foster – 8 rushes, 54 yards KAN – Curtis McClinton – 23 rushes, 90 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 6 receptions, 101 yards, 2 TD KAN – Chris Burford – 5 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TD First place in the AFL West division was at stake in this game, with the Chiefs entering with a 6–2 record, half a game ahead of the Chargers.Stellino Vito AFL teams in action today https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117251562/chargers-chiefs-preview/ Zanesville Times Recorder UPI November 6, 1966 4-D Kansas City punted from their own 11 on their first possession, but a roughing the punter penalty prolonged the drive, which resulted in a touchdown after a further eleven plays. San Diego tied the score in response. Alworth converted a 3rd and 7 with a 3-yard catch, then went deep over the middle on a 3rd and 11 from the Kansas City 46, catching Hadl's pass near the 5 and scoring. Duncan intercepted Len Dawson in Chargers territory on the following drive, but Kansas City forced a punt and drove 80 yards for a touchdown. The Chiefs added a field goal on their next drive, then a Hadl interception led to Dawson's second touchdown a play later. The half ended with Alworth making a 27-yard catch, but being tackled at the Kansas City 7, leaving the Chiefs 24–7 ahead.1966 week 10 gamebook, Chargers at Chiefs November 6, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Kindig and Redman combined to stop the Chiefs short on a 4th and inches early in the 3rd quarter, turning the ball over at the Kansas City 43. Hadl converted two 3rd downs with completions to MacKinnon and Alworth, the latter for a touchdown. San Diego threatened to pull closer on their next drive as Garrison's 22-yard catch on a 3rd and 23 brought them to the Chiefs 37, but Hadl's 4th-down pass fell incomplete. Midway through the final quarter, the Chiefs reached a 3rd and goal at San Diego 6 before John Milks intercepted Dawson. A 46-yard catch by MacKinnon took the Chargers across midfield, but they were pushed back by a penalty and a sack. They punted on 4th and 29, and Kansas City saw the remainder of the game out without difficulty.Chiefs defeat Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117254757/chargers-14-24-chiefs/ Orlando Sentinel AP November 7, 1966 4-B Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eleven: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 13 1:34 p.m. PST Raiders 7 21 7 6 Chargers 10 0 3 6 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 26,230 60 °F 1, relative humidity 87%, wind 7 mph John McDonald Box score First quarter OAK – Art Powell 8-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Eischeid kick), 12:03. Raiders 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 78 yards. SDG – Gary Garrison 2-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 8:19. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards. SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 38-yard field goal, 2:47. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards. Second quarter OAK – Art Powell 1-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Eischeid kick), 12:51. Raiders 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards. OAK – Hewritt Dixon 3-yard run (Mike Eischeid kick), 5:52. Raiders 21–10. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards. OAK – Clem Daniels 2-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Eischeid kick), 2:43. Raiders 28–10. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards. Third quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 38-yard field goal, 9:45. Raiders 28–13. Drive: 10 plays, 33 yards. OAK – Hewritt Dixon 2-yard run (Mike Eischeid kick), 0:48. Raiders 35–13. Drive: 4 plays, 78 yards. Fourth quarter OAK – Mike Eischeid 22-yard field goal, 12:57. Raiders 38–13. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards. OAK – Mike Eischeid 23-yard field goal, 7:48. Raiders 41–13. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 34-yard pass from Steve Tensi (pass failed), 0:05. Raiders 41–19. Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards. Top passers OAK – Tom Flores – 14/29, 279 yards, 3 TD SDG – Steve Tensi – 8/20, 118 yards, TD Top rushers OAK – Clem Daniels – 11 rushes, 104 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 10 rushes, 125 yards Top receivers OAK – Art Powell – 4 receptions, 86 yards, 2 TD SDG – Gary Garrison – 7 receptions, 96 yards, TD On the game's second play Tom Flores completed a 68-yard pass, following up with his first touchdown three plays later. The Chargers also had a big play on their first drive, as Lowe broke clear for 57 yards around left end, eventually being tackled at the 2. Garrison's touchdown catch came two plays later. San Diego added a field goal on their next possession, but Oakland then took control with three consecutive touchdown drives, the second following a missed field goal and the third set up by an interception of Hadl.1966 week 11 gamebook, Raiders at Chargers November 13, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Trailing 28–10, Tensi replaced Hadl in the second half and opened up with a field goal drive, but Van Raaphorst had another attempt blocked late in the 3rd quarter. Clem Daniels had a 64-yard run two plays later, leading to a Raiders touchdown. San Diego didn't score again until Tensi and MacKinnon combined in the final seconds.Raiders topple Chargers, 41–19 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117325977/chargers-19-41-raiders/ Indianapolis Star AP November 14, 1966 41 Oakland gained 477 yards in total, the most San Diego's defense had given up since 1962.Games with 450+ yards conceded, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/BNu2H stathead.com January 27, 2023 Week 13: at Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary November 27 Chargers 0 0 3 14 Broncos 3 0 3 14 Bears Stadium, Denver, Colorado 24,860 29 °F 1, relative humidity 62%, wind 6 mph, wind chill 22 Box score First quarter DEN – Gary Kroner 10-yard field goal, 5:29. Broncos 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 10-yard field goal, 12:12. Tied 3–3. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards. DEN – Gary Kroner 17-yard field goal, 5:17. Broncos 6–3. Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 26-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 14:54. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards. DEN – John Bramlett 72-yard blocked field goal return (Gary Kroner kick), 7:24. Broncos 13–10. DEN – Wendell Hayes 56-yard run (Gary Kroner kick), 2:24. Broncos 20–10. Drive: 1 play, 56 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 7-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 1:01. Broncos 20–17. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 13/30, 181 yards, 2 TD, INT DEN – Max Choboian – 12/25, 173 yards, INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 12 rushes, 66 yards DEN – Wendell Hayes – 12 rushes, 87 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 6 receptions, 111 yards, 2 TD DEN – Al Denson – 3 receptions, 73 yards Duncan muffed a punt early in the game, with the Broncos recovering at the San Diego 4. From there the Charger defense was able to hold Denver to 2 yards and a short field goal. Later, a second Denver field goal attempt was blocked by Duncan. Hadl was intercepted soon afterwards, and the Broncos reached San Diego's 35-yard line before being stopped by Beauchamp's interception. Denver went for it on 4th and inches at the San Diego 19 on their next drive, but running back Mike Kellogg fumbled and they lost 10 yards. Alworth's 47-yard catch gave the Chargers their best scoring chance of the first half, but Van Raaphorst was wide right from 21 yards. The half ended with Beauchamp intercepting a long pass at his own 2, and Denver 3–0 ahead.1966 week 13 gamebook, Chargers at Broncos November 27, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Don Estes recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half, setting the Chargers up at the Denver 24 and leading to a field goal; the Broncos restored their three-point lead with a Gary Kroner field goal on the next drive. Kroner had a 44-yard attempt later in the 3rd quarter, which was blocked by Gross and returned 16 yards to his own 43 by Whitehead. Lowe threw a 25-yard pass to MacKinnon on the next play, and the Chargers ended the quarter facing a 3rd and 15 on the Denver 27. Hadl hit a leaping Alworth at the Denver 2, and he progressed into the end zone for the Chargers' lone lead of the day. The Broncos reached a 4th and 3 at the San Diego 36 from where Gross batted away a 4th-down pass and the Chargers took over on downs. They drove to the Denver 14, but Van Raaphorst's 22-yard kick was blocked and run back for a touchdown by John Bramlett. San Diego reached Denver's 44 on the next possession, but Hadl's 4th-down pass was broken up, and Wendell Hayes broke away for a touchdown on the next play. Alworth caught 4 passes for 33 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers' quick response, but Denver recovered an onside kick to secure the win.Charges toppled by Denver https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117390748/chargers-17-20-broncos/ Fremont Argus UPI November 28, 1966 9 This defeat enabled the Chiefs to clinch the AFL West, ending the Chargers' three-year run as division champions. Tensi was the starting quarterback for the Chargers, but was pulled for Hadl after completing 1 pass for 7 yards from 2 official attempts (he had two further incompletions wiped out by penalties). Lowe had 25 passing yards, 66 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards.San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos - November 27th, 1966 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196611270den.htm pro-football-reference.com January 27, 2023 Week 14: at Houston Oilers San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers – Game summary December 4 Chargers 7 7 0 14 Oilers 0 10 9 3 Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas 17,569 58 °F 1, relative humidity 83%, wind 11 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 78-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 1:42. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards. Second quarter HOU – John Henry Johnson 1-yard run (George Blanda kick), 1:58. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 92 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 51-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 1:38. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards. HOU – George Blanda 51-yard field goal, 0:21. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, -5 yards. Third quarter HOU – Safety, punt struck goalposts and went out of bounds in end zone, 13:39. Chargers 14–12. HOU – Don Trull 1-yard run (George Blanda kick), 11:29. Oilers 19–14. Drive: 4 plays, 47 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Gary Garrison 24-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 10:22. Chargers 21–19. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards. HOU – George Blanda 9-yard field goal, 5:58. Oilers 22–21. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 12-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 0:31. Chargers 28–22. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 20/35, 341 yards, 4 TD, 3 INT HOU – Don Trull – 16/28, 205 yards, INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 8 rushes, 41 yards HOU – Hoyle Granger – 19 rushes, 183 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 147 yards, 2 TD HOU – Charley Frazier – 4 receptions, 62 yards With the game scoreless, a Hadl pass was intercepted at his own 38, but Gross won back possession with a fumble recovery four plays later. After a holding penalty, the Chargers faced a 3rd and 13 at their own 22; Alworth made a fingertip catch at the Houston 40 and continued into the end zone for the game's first touchdown. Houston missed field goals on their next two drives, then tied the game after Hoyle Granger's 54-yard run set them off on a 92-yard touchdown drive. Starting their response with less than two minutes left in the half, San Diego needed only three Hadl passes to cover 80 yards, the last 51 to Alworth, who again got behind the last defender. Duncan made an interception on the next play from scrimmage, but Hadl was intercepted on the play after that, allowing Houston to score through a George Blanda field goal and trail only 14–10 at halftime.1966 week 14 gamebook, Chargers at Oilers December 4, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Hadl was sacked at his own 2-yard line early in the 3rd quarter, causing Redman to punt from his own end zone; the punt struck the uprights and went out of bounds in the end zone for a safety. Houston added a touchdown four plays after the ensuing free kick, taking their first lead of the game. The rest of the quarter was scoreless, though Duncan blocked a Blanda field goal, and Van Raaphorst was wide right from 33 yards. San Diego covered 60 yards on four plays on their first possession of the final period; Hadl completed passes of 23, 12 and 24 yards, the last of these a touchdown to Garrison. The Oilers reached 1st and goal from the 2 in response, but eventually settled for a field goal after Ridge's 3rd-down tackle at his own 1. Following an exchange of punts, the Chargers took over at their own 36 with two minutes to play, trailing by one point. Foster gained 15 yards on a draw play, before Hadl had back-to-back completions of 18 and 17 yards to Garrison and Foster. On 3rd and 8 from the 12, Hadl found MacKinnon in the end zone for the game-winner with 31 seconds left. Houston were able to reach the San Diego 42 before the game ended with a sack of Don Trull.Chargers overtake Oilers in final seconds, 28–22 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117448452/chargers-28-22-oilers/ Los Angeles Times UPI December 5, 1966 III-5 Hadl had 158 of his 341 passing yards in the final quarter. The Chargers were able to win despite committing more turnovers (3 to 2) and being outgained (395 yards to 378).San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers - December 4th, 1966 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196612040oti.htm pro-football-reference.com January 28, 2023 Week 15: vs. New York Jets San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 11 1:36 p.m. PST Jets 9 3 7 8 Chargers 0 14 14 14 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 25,712 58 °F 1, relative humidity 59%, wind 6 mph John McDonough Box score First quarter NYJ – Jim Turner 36-yard field goal, 9:07. Jets 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards. NYJ – Matt Snell 1-yard run (kick blocked), 1:51. Jets 9–0. Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards. Second quarter SDG – Gary Garrison 8-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 10:35. Jets 9–7. Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards. SDG – Jim Allison 9-yard run (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 6:17. Chargers 14–9. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards. NYJ – Jim Turner 30-yard field goal, 0:33. Chargers 14–12. Drive: 14 plays, 53 yards. Third quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 1-yard run (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 14:13. Chargers 21–12. Drive: 2 plays, 58 yards. NYJ – Pete Lammons 53-yard pass from Joe Namath (Jim Turner kick), 7:25. Chargers 21–19. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards. SDG – John Hadl 11-yard run (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 3:51. Chargers 28–19. Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 3-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 9:14. Chargers 35–19. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 9-yard run (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 7:25. Chargers 42–19. Drive: 2 plays, 55 yards. NYJ – Bill Mathis 3-yard run (Mike Taliaferro run), 2:44. Chargers 42–27. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards. Top passers NYJ – Joe Namath – 10/21, 166 yards, TD, 2 INT SDG – John Hadl – 14/27, 240 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers NYJ – Matt Snell – 18 rushes, 102 yards, TD SDG – Paul Lowe – 14 rushes, 126 yards, 2 TD Top receivers NYJ – Pete Lammons – 3 receptions, 123 yards, TD SDG – Lance Alworth – 7 receptions, 127 yards New York was already 3–0 ahead when Hadl was intercepted in his own territory, leading to a 17-yard touchdown drive; Duncan blocked the extra point. Hadl responded by converting two 3rd downs with completions, one to Alworth on 3rd and 5 and one to Garrison on 3rd and goal from the 8. Archie Matsos intercepted Namath two plays later, setting up his offense at the New York 34. Hadl was sacked for the loss of 11, Lowe gained 8 yards back, then the Chargers ran a flea flicker on 3rd and 13, with Hadl finding Garrison for 20 yards. The drive ended with Allison's touchdown, to which the Jets responded with a 14-play field goal drive, leaving San Diego 14–12 ahead at the break.1966 week 15 gamebook, Jets at Chargers December 11, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Lowe opened the second half by breaking through the middle for a 57-yard gain to the Jets 1-yard line, before scoring on the following play. Namath pulled his team back within two points with a 53-yard touchdown pass, then the Jets muffed a punt that Degen recovered at their 41. Hadl ran for gains of 20 and 11 yards, the latter carry for a touchdown. Namath's 60-yard pass had the Jets threatening again, but Redman made an end zone interception on 3rd and 7 from the 8. Hadl converted a 3rd and 24 with a 36-yard pass to MacKinnon, then threw a 3-yard touchdown to the same player. On the next three plays, Duncan intercepted Namath and returned the ball 14 yards to his own 45, Alworth caught a 46-yard pass and Lowe scored from the 9. That gave the Chargers three touchdowns in three possessions, to which the Jets could only respond with a single late touchdown.Roach Ron Hadl sparks Chargers' victory https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117467013/chargers-42-27-jets/ San Bernardino County Sun AP December 12, 1966 B-6 Lowe's 126 rushing yards represented both his highest total of the season and the 15th and final 100-yard game of his career.Paul Lowe career game log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LowePa00/gamelog/ pro-football-reference.com January 29, 2023 Week 16: vs. Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1966 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Sixteen: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 18 1:35 p.m. PST Chiefs 14 3 3 7 Chargers 3 7 7 0 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 28,548 57 °F 1, relative humidity 54%, wind 7 mph Bob Finley Box score First quarter SDG – Dick Van Raaphorst 26-yard field goal, 11:10. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards. KAN – Curtis McClinton 1-yard run (Mike Mercer kick), 6:47. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards. KAN – Bert Coan 15-yard run (Mike Mercer kick), 0:47. Chiefs 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards. Second quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 38-yard pass from John Hadl (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 3:45. Chiefs 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards. KAN – Mike Mercer 35-yard field goal, 0:22. Chiefs 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards. Third quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 6-yard run (Dick Van Raaphorst kick), 10:37. Tied 17–17. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards. KAN – Mike Mercer 25-yard field goal, 6:32. Chiefs 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards. Fourth quarter KAN – Mike Garrett 4-yard run (Mike Mercer kick), 1:47. Chiefs 27–17. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards. Top passers KAN – Len Dawson – 9/15, 121 yards, INT SDG – John Hadl – 17/36, 239 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers KAN – Mike Garrett – 25 rushes, 161 yards, TD SDG – Paul Lowe – 16 rushes, 78 yards, TD Top receivers KAN – Otis Taylor – 3 receptions, 90 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 8 receptions, 156 yards, TD Alworth drew a 37-yard pass interference penalty on the game's first play, leading to a successful Van Raaphorst field goal. A 48-yard completion from Dawson was the biggest play as the Chiefs responded with a touchdown. Hadl fumbled while being sacked on the next drive, with the Chargers recovering for a loss of 30 yards at their own 3-yard line. After a punt, Kansas City started at the San Diego 44 and drove for another touchdown. Redman ran 32 yards with a fake punt early in the 2nd quarter, but that drive ended with a missed 26-yard kick from Van Raaphorst. Alworth later scored on a 38-yard touchdown catch, before Kansas City added a field goal and led 17–10 at halftime.1966 week 16 gamebook, Chiefs at Chargers December 18, 1966 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription DeLong recovered a fumble at the Chiefs 38 on the first play of the second half, leading to Lowe's game-tying touchdown. After another Kansas City field goal, Alworth's 38-yard catch on 3rd and 15 moved the ball to the Chiefs 44, but Hadl was intercepted two plays later. In the final quarter, Tolbert intercepted a long Dawson pass at the 2 before throwing a lateral to Whitehead, who returned the ball to the Chargers 22. Lowe's 22-yard run and Garrison's 5-yard catch converted a pair of 3rd and 1 situations as San Diego drove to a first down at the Chiefs 22-yard line. After a 9-yard sack on Lowe and an incompletion, Hadl's 25-yard pass to Garrison was wiped out by a 23-yard holding penalty. Following a further incompletion, the Chargers punted, and Kansas City drove 80 yards for the clinching touchdown.Chargers learn of Garrett's skills https://www.newspapers.com/clip/117494864/chargers-17-27-chiefs/ Lompoc Record UPI December 19, 1966 2-B This was the final Chargers game at Balboa Stadium, as the team would move into the newly constructed San Diego Stadium the following season.Chargers will kiss old stadium goodbye Sunday https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118235844/stadium-switch/ Sacramento Bee AP December 17, 1966 B4 Standings Awards Six Chargers were in the West team for the AFL All-Star game, while three were named to the Associated Press All-AFL 1st team and one to the 2nd team.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/allpro.htm 1966 AFL All-Pros Pro-Football-Reference February 2, 2023https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1966_AFL/probowl.htm 1966 AFL All-Stars Pro-Football-Reference February 2, 2023 Also, Alworth received two of the twenty-seven available votes for the UPI AFL player of the year award.1966 awards voting https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_1966.htm pro-football-reference.com 29 June 2022 Player Position All-Star AP 1st-team All-Pro AP 2nd-team All-Pro Lance Alworth Flanker Speedy Duncan Cornerback Kenny Graham Safety Jacque MacKinnon Tight end Ron Mix Tackle Walt Sweeney Guard Dick Van Raaphorst Kicker Notes 60em References External links Pro-Football-Reference.com: 1966 San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers Category:San Diego Chargers seasons Category:1960s in San Diego San Diego Chargers f