1963 San Diego Chargers season

4th season in franchise history; first and only league championship win July 2022 March 2026 San Diego Chargers 1963 11–3 1st Western Division Sid Gillman Sid Gillman Barron Hilton Balboa Stadium Won AFL Championship(vs. Patriots) 51–10 11 FL Lance Alworth (1st team) S/K George Blair (2nd team) DE Earl Faison (1st team) CB Dick Harris (2nd team) TE Dave Kocourek (2nd team) RB Keith Lincoln (1st team) RB Paul Lowe (2nd team) T Ron Mix (1st team) C Don Rogers (2nd team) QB Tobin Rote (1st team) CB Dick Westmoreland (2nd team) 11 LB Chuck Allen FL Lance Alworth DE Earl Faison LB Emil Karas TE Dave Kocourek DT Ernie Ladd RB Keith Lincoln RB Paul Lowe T Ron Mix QB Tobin Rote T Ernie Wright Chargers seasons thumb|right|273px|alt=Refer to caption|Tobin Rote had spent 13 seasons in the NFL and CFL before becoming the Chargers' starting quarterback. The 1963 San Diego Chargers season was the team's fourth in the American Football League. The team had gone 4–10 in 1962 but rebounded with an 11–3 record, winning the AFL West by one game over the Oakland Raiders, who were coached by former Chargers assistant Al Davis. San Diego scored the most points in the league and conceded the fewest.1963 San Diego Chargers Statistics https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1963.htm pro-football-reference.com August 25, 2021 December 22, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081222015624/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1963.htm live Their offense, led by veteran quarterback Tobin Rote, and featuring future Hall of Fame receiver Lance Alworth, gained more yards than any other team; Rote and Alworth were each named the league MVP, by the Associated Press and UPI, respectively. On January 5, 1964, the team won their only AFL Championship with a 51–10 win over the Boston Patriots in Balboa Stadium.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qUIqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_E4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5794%2C1599405 Pittsburgh Press UPI Chargers roll over Boston in AFL final January 6, 1964 27 January 22, 2016 February 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160222110521/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qUIqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_E4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5794%2C1599405 live https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9eoxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EuMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6059%2C902427 Eugene Register-Guard Oregon Associated Press Are Chargers good enough for NFL opponents? January 6, 1964 3B January 22, 2016 February 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160222133051/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9eoxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EuMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6059%2C902427 live https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rDlWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HekDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7012%2C1917607 Spokesman-Review Spokane, Washington Associated Press Charger win Lincolnesque; Palouse Moose gains 349 January 6, 1964 12 January 22, 2016 February 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160222125410/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rDlWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HekDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7012%2C1917607 live To date, this is the Chargers' only league championship season in the AFL or NFL. This is also the only world championship won by a major league sports team in the city and county of San Diego to date.Schrotenboer Brent Can the Padres overcome San Diego's sad-sack sports history? https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2020/09/30/padres-bear-burden-beating-back-san-diegos-sad-sports-history/3581520001/ USA today February 27, 2022 July 15, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220715094431/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2020/09/30/padres-bear-burden-beating-back-san-diegos-sad-sports-history/3581520001/ live In 2003, the team was inducted into the Chargers Ring of Honor.Gehlken Michael Chargers to honor their title team October 28, 2013 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/Oct/28/chargers-lance-alworth-ron-mix/ https://web.archive.org/web/20160202061916/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/Oct/28/chargers-lance-alworth-ron-mix/ February 2, 2016 live The emphatic title game victory led to some speculation on whether San Diego might be able to beat the NFL champion Chicago Bears. The 1963 Chargers earned a degree of lasting notoriety due to their program of anabolic steroid usage, the first such in professional football. Head coach Sid Gillman and strength coach Alvin Roy made daily doses of Dianabol compulsory for a five-week period during training camp before players became aware of potential side effects, and the program was relaxed to a voluntary one. Offseason AFL draft 1963 American Football League draft The 1963 AFL draft took place on December 1, 1962, late in the previous season.Dallas drafts huge tackle https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83815506/1963-afl-draft-1-dec-1962/ Fresno Bee December 1, 1962 August 20, 2021 August 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210820201703/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83815506/1963-afl-draft-1-dec-1962/ live The Chargers had 30 picks across 29 rounds.1963 San Diego Chargers Draftees https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1963_draft.htm pro-football-reference.com August 20, 2021 August 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210820201702/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1963_draft.htm live With the second overall pick in the draft, San Diego selected Syracuse end Walt Sweeney. The Cleveland Browns also selected Sweeney in the rival NFL draft. Representatives of both teams approached the player with contracts in the moments after his final college game on December 8, looking to claim his signature.Chargers nip Browns, sign Orange end https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83817520/sweeney-signs-9-dec-1962/ C-2 Long Beach Independent December 9, 1962 August 20, 2021 August 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210820201702/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83817520/sweeney-signs-9-dec-1962/ live Sweeney chose the Chargers; he had actually met with head coach Sid Gillman and assistant Al Davis the previous day and signed a contract while still a college player. The team converted him to a guard, about which Sweeney was not initially enthusiastic,Tobias 2004 92-93 but he went on to excel at that position through an 11-year stay in San Diego, appearing in six AFL All-Star games and three NFL Pro Bowls, as well as being named to the AFL All-League Team twice.Walt Sweeney Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SweeWa00.htm pro-football-reference.com August 20, 2021 August 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210820210934/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SweeWa00.htm live The Chargers also signed their 2nd-round pick, seeing off competition from the Los Angeles Rams for All-American guard Rufus Guthrie.Chargers sign Guthrie, Rams' first-round pick https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83824755/guthrie-signs-23-dec-1962/ UPI Los Angeles Times B-2 December 23, 1962 August 20, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224548/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83824755/guthrie-signs-23-dec-1962/ live However, Guthrie was injured in the opening exhibition game of the season with torn knee ligaments.A sour note https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83826117/guthrie-injured-6-aug-1963/ Escondido Times-Advocate 10 George Cordry August 6, 1963 August 20, 2021 August 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210820221705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83826117/guthrie-injured-6-aug-1963/ live The injury persisted,Guthrie still out https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83826577/guthrie-still-out-16-july-1964/ Escondido Times-Advocate 18 George Cordry July 16, 1964 August 20, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224550/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83826577/guthrie-still-out-16-july-1964/ live and Guthrie never played a regular season game for the Chargers or any other pro team.Rufus Guthrie Stats https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerg/guth00750.html Pro Football Archives August 20, 2021 August 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210820221707/https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerg/guth00750.html live 3rd-round selection Keith Kinderman, a defensive back who Gillman converted to running back, was also troubled by injuries. He played in 11 games over two seasons in San Diego, carrying the ball only 24 times.Tobias 2004 88 There was one future Hall of Fame player in the Chargers' draft class (linebacker Dave Robinson), but he signed for the Green Bay Packers,Green Bay signs Dave Robinson, Penn State End https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83828590/packers-sign-dave-robinson-31-dec-1962/ UPI Fresno Bee 9-A December 31, 1963 August 20, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224548/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83828590/packers-sign-dave-robinson-31-dec-1962/ live where he won two Super Bowls.Dave Robinson Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RobiDa00.htm pro-football-reference.com August 20, 2021 August 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210820211507/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RobiDa00.htm live In the later rounds, San Diego picked up Bob Petrich, a defensive end who played in every game for the next four seasons,Bob Petrich Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PetrBo21.htm pro-football-reference.com August 20, 2021 August 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210820225446/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PetrBo21.htm live and Ernie Park, an occasional starter at guard.Ernie Park Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/ParkEr20.htm pro-football-reference.com August 20, 2021 June 18, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203939/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/ParkEr20.htm live Only five of the draft class ever played a game for the Chargers (including Guthrie's exhibition appearance), while eleven went to NFL teams. 1963 San Diego Chargers draft Round Pick Player Position College Notes 1 2 Walt Sweeney * Guard Syracuse 107th pick in NFL draft 2 10 Rufus Guthrie Guard Georgia Tech 10th pick in NFL draft 3 17 Dave Robinson † Linebacker Penn State 14th pick in NFL draft; signed by Green Bay Packers 3 18 Keith Kinderman Fullback Florida State 104th pick in NFL draft 4 26 Roy Williams Defensive tackle Pacific 27th pick in NFL draft; signed by San Francisco 49ers 5 34 Larry Glueck Defensive back Villanova 38th pick in NFL draft; signed by Chicago Bears 6 42 Pat Emerick Linebacker Western Michigan 77th pick in NFL draft; signed by Grand Rapids Blazers (UFL) 8 58 Gene Heeter Tight end West Virginia Traded to New York Jets 9 66 Steve Barnett Tackle Oregon 20th pick in NFL draft; signed by Chicago Bears 10 74 Don Scott Tackle Tampa 11 82 Bob Petrich Defensive end West Texas A&M 82nd pick in NFL draft 12 90 Terry Baker Quarterback Oregon State 1st pick in NFL draft; signed by Los Angeles Rams 13 98 Chuck Walton Guard Iowa State 55th pick in NFL draft; signed by Detroit Lions 14 106 Frank Lasky Tackle Florida 26th pick in NFL draft; signed by New York Giants 14 107 Hatch Rosdahl Defensive end Penn State 46th pick in NFL draft; traded to Buffalo Bills 14 109 Jack Cvercko Guard Northwestern 63rd pick in NFL draft 15 114 Mike Fracchia Halfback Alabama 33rd pick in NFL draft 16 122 Gene Breen Linebacker Virginia Tech 210th pick in NFL draft; signed by Green Bay Packers 17 130 Dick Drummond Halfback George Washington 165th pick in NFL draft 19 146 Ernie Park Guard McMurry 230th pick in NFL draft 20 154 Buddy Soefker Linebacker LSU 239th pick in NFL draft 21 162 Dan Points Tackle Cincinnati 22 170 Roger Gill Wide receiver Texas Tech 158th pick in NFL draft; signed by Philadelphia Eagles 23 178 Paul Watters Tackle Miami 173rd pick in NFL draft 24 186 Bill Frank Tackle Colorado 244th pick in NFL draft; signed by British Columbia Lions 25 194 Jerry Mazzanti Defensive end Arkansas 223rd pick in NFL draft; signed by Philadelphia Eagles 26 202 Ken Dill Center Mississippi 124th pick in NFL draft 27 210 Harry Butsko Linebacker Maryland 203rd pick in NFL draft; signed by Washington Redskins 28 218 Steve Berzansky Fullback West Virginia 257th pick in NFL draft; signed by Charleston Rockets (UFL) 29 226 Herman Hamp Halfback Fresno State 266th pick in NFL draft #d9e9f9     Made roster   #ffcc00  †  Pro Football Hall of Fame   #faecc8  *  Made at least one AFL All-Star game or NFL Pro Bowl during career   #d2f8d2     Played in the NFL in 1963   Departures and arrivals San Diego lost a key staff member on January 19 when Davis signed with the Raiders in the dual role of head coach and general manager. He had served as the Chargers' offensive ends coach, but had also earned a reputation as a good recruiter of new talent, an important role in the ongoing bidding war with the NFL.Al Davis signs coaching pact with Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83928209/davis-to-raiders-22-jan-1963/ AP Del Rio News Herald 6A January 22, 1963 August 22, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224549/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83928209/davis-to-raiders-22-jan-1963/ live Oakland had finished the previous season at a league-worst 1–13 but emerged as serious rivals to the Chargers in the AFL West during Davis's first season there.Man who shook AFL charms Oakland https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85750933/al-davis-raiders-21-jan-1964/ George Ross 33 Oakland Tribune January 21, 1964 September 21, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224548/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85750933/al-davis-raiders-21-jan-1964/ live Davis soon brought defensive back Claude "Hoot" Gibson to join him in Oakland, as part of an equalization draft aimed at helping the league's weakest teams. Gibson had intercepted 13 passes during two seasons in San Diego.AFL draft to aid Jet, Raider clubs https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83927745/equalization-draft-12-may-1963/ Scotty Stirling 41 Oakland Tribune May 12, 1963 August 22, 2021 August 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210822180501/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83927745/equalization-draft-12-may-1963/ live Gibson eases Raider Coach's ire at draft https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83927473/gibson-to-raiders-12-june-1963/ UPI Sacramento Bee D4 June 12, 1963 August 22, 2021 August 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210822180502/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83927473/gibson-to-raiders-12-june-1963/ live Claude Gibson Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GibsCl20.htm pro-football-reference.com August 22, 2021 July 12, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210712113353/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GibsCl20.htm live Other players to exit included tackle Sherman Plunkett and defensive tackle Bill Hudson. The pair, who had featured in every game the previous year, were traded away for future draft picks.Sherman Plunkett Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PlunSh00.htm pro-football-reference.com August 22, 2021 March 9, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220309113724/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PlunSh00.htm live Bill Hudson Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HudsBi00.htm pro-football-reference.com August 22, 2021 April 14, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190414205820/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HudsBi00.htm live Plunkett and B Hudson traded https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83926039/plunkett-and-b-hudson-traded-9-aug-1963/ Los Angeles Evening Citizen Coy Williams B-2 August 9, 1963 August 22, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224549/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83926039/plunkett-and-b-hudson-traded-9-aug-1963/ live Ron Nery, who had accumulated 15 1 2 sacks during three seasons with the Chargers, was cut shortly before the regular season began.Ron Nery Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NeryRo20.htm pro-football-reference.com August 22, 2021 August 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210822181648/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NeryRo20.htm live Nery, Coan cut from Charger roster https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83926703/nery-cut-4-sep-1963/ UPI Pomona Progress-Bulletin IV-1 September 4, 1962 August 22, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224552/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83926703/nery-cut-4-sep-1963/ live After losing Jack Kemp to the Buffalo Bills the previous year,KEMP IS CHOSEN PLAYER OF YEAR; Bills' $100 Bargain Buy Is Named the Best in A.F.L. https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/02/archives/kemp-is-chosen-player-of-year-bills-100-bargain-buy-is-named-the.html New York Times January 2, 1966 March 26, 2021 June 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210625042715/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/02/archives/kemp-is-chosen-player-of-year-bills-100-bargain-buy-is-named-the.html live San Diego were looking for a veteran quarterback who could both lead the team and mentor second-year passer John Hadl. Running back Gerry McDougall, who joined the team from the CFL's Toronto Argonauts late in the 1962 season, informed Gillman that Tobin Rote, a 13-year veteran and former NFL champion (with the 1957 Lions) was contemplating retirement after three seasons with the Argonauts.Tobias 2004 85 The Bills had the territorial rights to sign Rote but had no need for another quarterback. Both the Chargers and the Denver Broncos expressed an interest in signing Rote; AFL Commissioner Joe Foss conducted a coin flip to decide which team would have the right to claim the player. San Diego won and gave Buffalo tackle Dick Hudson and two future draft picks in exchange for Rote's signing rights.Buffalo sign tackle https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83942646/rote-trade-30-april-1963/ UPI Fresno Bee 3-C April 30, 1963 August 22, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224550/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83942646/rote-trade-30-april-1963/ live The 35-year-old was soon signed, with Gillman describing him as "one of the finest quarterbacks in football."Tobin Rote signs https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83943645/rote-signs-3-feb-1963/ Pomona Progress-Bulletin III-3 February 3, 1963 August 22, 2021 August 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210822205922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83943645/rote-signs-3-feb-1963/ live He started every game throughout the season.Steidel 2015 28 San Diego also gained George Gross, a 16th-round pick in the 1962 draft who had stayed on at Auburn as a redshirt that year. In 1963, he started every game for the Chargers at defensive tackle.George Gross signs https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83950285/gross-redshirt-2-dec-1962/ UPI Fresno Bee 10-S December 2, 1962 August 22, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224550/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83950285/gross-redshirt-2-dec-1962/ live George Gross Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrosGe20.htm pro-football-reference.com August 22, 2021 August 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210822224204/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrosGe20.htm live Another guard, Sam DeLuca, re-signed with the team after a one-year retirement; he played in every game while starting half of them.Sam DeLuca, Pat Shea ink San Diego pacts https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83951165/deluca-back-21-may-1963/ UPI Chico Enterprise-Record 8A May 21, 1963 August 22, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224550/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83951165/deluca-back-21-may-1963/ live Sam DeLuca Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeLuSa20.htm pro-football-reference.com August 22, 2021 December 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211227191144/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeLuSa20.htm live Dick Westmoreland, an undrafted defensive back from North Carolina A&T, was signed by Chargers scout Al LoCasale and made the team.Tobias 2004 93 He ended the 1963 season as the only rookie selected for the NEA All-AFL 1st team,1963 All-AFL grid team told by NEA https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84229357/nea-all-afl-20-dec-1963/ NEA Chico Enterprise-Record Murray Olderman 10A December 20, 1963 August 27, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84229357/nea-all-afl-20-dec-1963/ live and was a 2nd-team choice for the Associated Press, UPI and the New York Daily News.Dick Westmoreland Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WestDi00.htm pro-football-reference.com August 27, 2021 September 3, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210903000616/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WestDi00.htm live Personnel Staff 1963 San Diego Chargers Owner – Barron Hilton General manager – Sid Gillman Director of personnel - Don Klosterman Head coach – Sid Gillman Offensive backfield coach – Hugh Taylor Offensive line coach – Joe Madro Defensive line coach – Walt Hackett Defensive backfield coach – Chuck Noll Strength coach - Alvin Roy Strength and Conditioning Coaches: The Force Is With Them The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/27/sports/pro-football-strength-and-conditioning-coaches-the-force-is-with-them.html New York Times June 27, 1993 August 23, 2021 August 23, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210823221150/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/27/sports/pro-football-strength-and-conditioning-coaches-the-force-is-with-them.html live George Thomas 1963 San Diego Chargers Media GuideCoaching staff https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83949040/coaching-staff-2-aug-1962/ Escondido Times-Advocate August 2, 1962 August 22, 2021 August 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210822221009/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83949040/coaching-staff-2-aug-1962/ live Roster 1963 San Diego Chargers 18 Tobin Rote 21 John Hadl 20 Gerry McDougall 22 Keith Lincoln 23 Paul Lowe 40 Bob Jackson American football 19 Lance Alworth 29 Jerry Robinson kick returner 88 Don Norton 38 Jacque MacKinnon 83 Dave Kocourek 52 Don Rogers offensive lineman C 60 Sam DeLuca G 61 Ernie Park y T/G 64 Pat Shea American football G 74 Ron Mix T 75 Ernie Wright T 78 Walt Sweeney y T/G 76 Henry Schmidt American football DT/DE 77 Ernie Ladd DT 79 George Gross y American football DT 85 Bob Petrich y DE 86 Earl Faison DE 50 Chuck Allen MLB 55 Frank Buncom OLB 56 Emil Karas OLB 57 Bobby Lane y OLB 82 Robert Mitinger OLB 84 Paul Maguire OLB/P 25 Dick Westmoreland y CB 36 Dick Harris cornerback CB 39 George Blair American football SS/K 43 Gary Glick FS 47 Bud Whitehead CB/FS Glick in reserves https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83892228/glick-in-reserve-2-jan-1964/ New York Daily News January 2, 1964 August 21, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83892228/glick-in-reserve-2-jan-1964/ live 24 Keith Kinderman y RB IR 27 Charlie McNeil American football S IR 65 Sam Gruneisen G IR 89 Reggie Carolan TE IR 51 Wayne Frazier C IR Chargers' 1963 AFL title game squad https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83882131/chargers-afl-title-game-squad-5-jan-19/ Miami News January 5, 1964 August 21, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83882131/chargers-afl-title-game-squad-5-jan/ live Training camp Rough Acres Ranch For the previous two seasons, the Chargers had trained at the University of San Diego. Gillman, seeking both to instil both toughness and a sense of unity in his team, opted to switch to Rough Acres Ranch, located in Boulevard, an isolated town 66 mi km from San Diego. The ranch had only basic amenities and was overrun with insects and other wildlife, including bats, spiders and poisonous rattlesnakes. The players had to conduct two-a-days in temperatures close to 100 F C, on sawdust that had been laid on the barren earth to approximate the consistency of grass. There was little to distract the players from their practice and little to do in the evenings but spend time together, either at the ranch itself or a small gas station 3 mi km down the road.Steidel 2015 30-37Pumped-up pioneers: the '63 Chargers https://www.espn.co.uk/espn/otl/news/story?id=3866837 ESPN January 28, 2009 August 23, 2021 August 23, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210823231401/https://www.espn.co.uk/espn/otl/news/story?id=3866837 live Opinion among the players was divided as to the efficacy of using the ranch. Team captain Ron Mix believed that the 1963 Chargers were successful in spite of, not because of, the experience.S.D. Chargers' fabled 1963 season https://www.sdjewishworld.com/2016/07/28/i-8-jewish-travel-s-d-chargers-fabled-1963-season/ San Diego Jewish World July 28, 2016 August 24, 2021 August 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210824234014/https://www.sdjewishworld.com/2016/07/28/i-8-jewish-travel-s-d-chargers-fabled-1963-season/ live Others were more positive. Ernie Ladd described Rough Acres as a great training facility, noting the isolated location as a positive, while Lance Alworth stated the team had "one of the greatest years as a result of it. I still don't understand why more teams don't do that and why we didn't do it more often after that."Ernie Ladd - October 9, 2002 https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/ernie-ladd-october-9-2002/ Tales from the American Football League August 24, 2021 August 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210824234015/https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/ernie-ladd-october-9-2002/ live Lance Alworth - November 30, 1998 https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/lance-alworth-november-30-1998/ Tales from the American Football League August 24, 2021 August 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210824234015/https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/afl-interviews/lance-alworth-november-30-1998/ live The Chargers did not have the option to return to Rough Acres, as the owners brought a lawsuit worth over a million dollars against them, alleging both property damage and non-payment of rental fees.Chargers sued for million by owners of training camp https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84081024/rough-acres-lawsuit-7-may-1964/ UPI Escondido Times-Advocate 2 May 7, 1964 August 24, 2021 August 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210824234012/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84081024/rough-acres-lawsuit-7-may-1964/ live Steroid usage Gillman hired a strength coach, Alvin Roy, to work with the team during training camp. Roy was a proponent of weightlifting, at a time when that form of exercise was not regarded as beneficial to a pro footballer. Roy also instructed the players to take pink pills each day at dinnertime, which would help their bodies assimilate protein. These pills were Dianabol, the commercial name of Metandienone, an anabolic steroid. The Chargers were the first professional football team to prescribe steroids to their players.In 1963, a hard pill to swallow https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/special_packages/dailynews/In_1963_a_hard_pill_to_swallow.html Philadelphia Inquirer December 14, 1983 August 25, 2021 August 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210825142723/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/special_packages/dailynews/In_1963_a_hard_pill_to_swallow.html live The use of steroids was permitted in professional football at the time; they would eventually be banned in 1983 by then-NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.Players of substance https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-players-substance-nfl-report-shows-history-drugs-2008sep21-story.html San Diego Union-Tribune September 21, 2008 August 25, 2021 August 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210825142721/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-players-substance-nfl-report-shows-history-drugs-2008sep21-story.html live At first, taking the pills was compulsory. When Dick Harris openly refused to do so, he was fined his $60 pay for the Chargers' opening exhibition game by Gillman. Others who were suspicious of the pills disposed of them subtly, hiding them under the table at meal times, or keeping them in their mouths until they had exited the dining room. Many players did accept the Dianabol without question, however. Rookie defensive back Westmoreland took the pills and soon noticed that he, in his words, "got bigger and stronger but didn't lose speed."Steidel 2015 38-43 After five weeks of the compulsory program, tight end Dave Kocourek began to feel ill and went to his personal physician. When the physician learned that his patient was taking Dianabol, he showed him a list of side effects, including "liver damage, muscle damage, bone damage and testicle shrinkage". Kocourek took the list to Mix, who raised the issue with Gillman. The pills became voluntary after that, and the majority of the team completely stopped taking them, while others reduced their intake.He gave NFL a lift https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84106930/alvin-roy-10-sep-1999/ Will McDonough Boston Globe D10 September 10, 1999 August 25, 2021 August 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210825142721/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84106930/alvin-roy-10-sep-1999/ live Preseason San Diego entered their 1963 preseason schedule having accumulated a perfect 12–0 record in exhibition games over the past three years. They suffered a setback in the opening minutes of their first match when their newly acquired starting quarterback Rote was knocked out of the game with a chest injury. Backup Hadl played well in relief, throwing touchdowns to Jacque MacKinnon and Alworth. Earlier, Paul Lowe had scored the Chargers' first two touchdowns with runs of 3 and 65 yards; the running back was playing for the first time since the broken arm he had sustained during the 1962 preseason.Chargers stay unbeaten in 'practice,' 26–14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84114937/chargers-26-14-chiefs-4-aug-1963/ UPI Los Angeles Times D-6 August 4, 1963 August 25, 2021 August 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210825202849/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84114937/chargers-26-14-chiefs-4-aug-1963/ live The Chargers followed this with their 14th consecutive preseason win, beating the Patriots for the first of four times that season. Hadl started the game, completing 14 of 26 passes for 269 yards, with touchdowns to Alworth and Don Norton, while running for a score himself. Lowe again ran for two touchdowns, Charlie McNeil scored on a 44-yard interception return, and San Diego found the end zone seven times in total in a 50–17 win.Chargers rout Patriots, 50–17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84118412/chargers-50-17-patriots-11-aug-1963/ UPI Los Angeles Times C8 August 11, 1963 The Chargers' string of preseason victories came to an end a week later when they lost in Denver. The Broncos jumped out to a 28–3 lead in the 3rd quarter before the Chargers closed the gap with three touchdown passes: Hadl threw two, either side of one from halfback Keith Lincoln. Hadl also threw a two-point conversion pass to Kocourek; that pulled the Chargers back within six points in the final quarter, but they got no closer.Chargers upset by Denver, 31–25 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84124734/chargers-25-31-broncos-18-aug-1963/ UPI Long Beach Independent C-3 August 18, 1963 August 25, 2021 August 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210825202847/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84124734/chargers-25-31-broncos-18-aug-1963/ live Two strong defensive performances followed. Against the Oilers, they had five interceptions, recovered a fumble and made a successful goal line stand as Houston mustered only three points despite gaining 27 first downs to the Chargers' 9. Hadl threw two touchdowns, and Lowe scored for the fifth time in the preseason.San Diego subdues Oilers, 21–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84128098/san-diego-21-3-oilers-23-aug-1963/ AP Fort Worth Star-Telegram III-2 August 23, 1963 August 25, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84128098/san-diego-21-3-oilers-23-aug-1963/ live Rote returned for the preseason finale but struggled and threw four interceptions. Raider quarterbacks were also intercepted four times, and Bob Jackson scored the game's only touchdown as the Chargers beat Oakland for the tenth time in ten meetings (exhibition and regular season combined).Chargers rip Raiders, 13–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84130479/chargers-13-3-raiders-1-sep-1963/ AP San Bernardino County Sun B-12 September 1, 1963 August 25, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84130479/chargers-13-3-raiders-1-sep-1963/ live +1963 San Diego Chargers preseason schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance 1 August 3 Kansas City Chiefs W 26–14 1–0 Balboa Stadium 25,862 2 August 10 Boston Patriots W 50–17 2–0 Balboa Stadium 16,427 3 August 17 at Denver Broncos L 25–31 2–1 DU Stadium 11,135 4 August 22 at Houston Oilers W 21–3 3–1 Jeppesen Stadium 23,635 5 August 31 Oakland Raiders W 13–3 4–1 Balboa Stadium 17,517 Los Angeles Chargers 2021 media guide https://static.www.nfl.com/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2021/LAC.pdf nfl.com August 25, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224652/https://static.www.nfl.com/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2021/LAC.pdf live Regular season Summary thumb|right|alt=Refer to caption|Lance Alworth was voted the AFL's Most Valuable Player by UPI. Rote excelled at quarterback, winning the Associated Press AFL MVP award.Tobin Rote named AFL most valuable https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84145152/tobin-rote-mvp-20-dec-1963/ AP Paducah Sun 10-B December 20, 1963 August 26, 2021 August 26, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210826002911/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84145152/tobin-rote-mvp-20-dec-1963/ live His completion percentage of 59.4 was comfortably better than his nearest rival (Len Dawson with 54.0), while his passer rating of 86.7 was also an AFL best. He was also one of only three starting quarterbacks in the league to throw more touchdowns than interceptions (20 against 17).1963 AFL Passing https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/passing.htm pro-football-reference.com March 26, 2021 February 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210224180848/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/passing.htm live Gillman praised Rote's ability to call his own plays in the huddle,Bring on the Bears https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83832459/chargers-bears-ii-7-jan-1964/ Los Angeles Times IV-3 Sid Ziff January 7, 1964 August 26, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83832459/chargers-bears-ii-7-jan-1964/ live and Alworth later stated, "Tobin Rote's the reason why we won."Tobias 2004 81 Hadl also saw frequent action, as Gillman would frequently insert him into the game if Rote was struggling; Hadl threw at least one pass in 12 regular season games, complementing Rote's 2,510 yards with 502 of his own.John Hadl 1963 Game Log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HadlJo00/gamelog/1963/ pro-football-reference.com August 26, 2021 March 3, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220303100149/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HadlJo00/gamelog/1963/ live Alworth was the primary target for the two quarterbacks. The second-year flanker set new club receiving records for catches (61), yards (1,205) and touchdowns (11),Most receptions, season, Chargers, 1960-1963 https://stathead.com/tiny/Vh6Mb stathead.com August 30, 2022 ranking second in the league for the latter two categories;1963 AFL Receiving https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/receiving.htm pro-football-reference.com August 26, 2021 September 30, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210930200606/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/receiving.htm live he also posted a pair of 200-yard games, the first in Charger history.200-yard receiving games, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/gMLt5 stathead.com February 26, 2022 Alworth was voted the league MVP by UPI.UPI AFL Player of the Year Winners https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/afl-upi-player-of-the-year-award.htm pro-football-reference.com August 26, 2021 October 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211020015858/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/afl-upi-player-of-the-year-award.htm live Of the other receivers, tight end Kocourek added 359 yards and five touchdowns. Norton, the club's leading receiver in 1962,1962 San Diego Chargers Statistics https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1962.htm pro-football-reference.com August 26, 2021 May 1, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210501100233/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1962.htm live was injured while lifting weights and missed the first seven games; he finished with 281 yards from limited action.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NortDo00.htm Don Norton Stats Pro-Football-Reference.com March 26, 2021 July 2, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210702233715/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NortDo00.htm live Paul Lowe returned to the backfield after missing the entire 1962 season through injury. He formed a successful partnership with Lincoln, running behind a line anchored by unanimous 1st team All-AFL tackle Mix.1963 AFL All-Pros https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/allpro.htm pro-football-reference.com August 26, 2021 September 26, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210926101359/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/allpro.htm live Lowe rushed for 1,010 yards (2nd in the league), while Lincoln, who missed most of one game and all of another, finished with 826 yards (4th in the league).1963 AFL Rushing https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/rushing.htm pro-football-reference.com August 26, 2021 March 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210307034706/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/rushing.htm live The pair combined for 18 touchdowns, contributing to San Diego's league-high tally of 399 points scored. The Chargers comfortably led the league in yards per pass and yards per rush (6.7 and 5.6 respectively - the Raiders were second in both categories with 5.3 and 4.5 respectively).1963 AFL Standings & Team Stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/ pro-football-reference.com March 26, 2021 March 21, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210321112948/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/ live On defense, cornerback Harris led the team with eight interceptions (third most in the league),1963 AFL Defense https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/defense.htm pro-football-reference.com August 26, 2021 March 9, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220309113722/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/defense.htm live while linebacker Chuck Allen added five more. With All-Pro defensive end Earl 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 July 16, 2021 Wassink Zac MSN February 24, 2022 March 9, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220309123213/https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/nfl-not-making-pre-1982-sack-stats-official/ar-AAMeYLw?li=BB15ms5q live credited with a team-leading five sacks, the Charger defense was a balanced unit: they were the best in the league for touchdowns conceded against the pass (17) and joint-best against the run (10) while conceding the fewest points overall (255). George Blair did not repeat his excellent kicking performance from the previous season, but his stat line of 17 successes from 28 attempts still gave him the best percentage in the league. Paul Maguire averaged 38.6 yards per punt, the lowest of the league's eight punters.1963 AFL Kicking & Punting https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/kicking.htm pro-football-reference.com August 26, 2021 September 30, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210930200621/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/kicking.htm live Schedule + 1963 San Diego Chargers regular season schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap 1 September 8 Buffalo Bills W 14–10 1–0 Balboa Stadium 22,344 Recap 2 September 14, 1963 Boston Patriots W 17–13 2–0 Balboa Stadium 26,097 Recap 3 Bye 4 September 29 Kansas City Chiefs W 24–10 3–0 Balboa Stadium 22,654 Recap 5 October 6 at Denver Broncos L 34–50 3–1 Bears Stadium 18,428 Recap 6 October 13 New York Jets W 24–20 4–1 Balboa Stadium 27,189 Recap 7 October 20 at Kansas City Chiefs W 38–17 5–1 Municipal Stadium 30,107 Recap 8 October 27 Oakland Raiders L 33–34 5–2 Balboa Stadium 30,182 Recap 9 November 2, 1963 at New York Jets W 53–7 6–2 Polo Grounds 18,336 Recap 10 November 10 at Boston Patriots W 7–6 7–2 Fenway Park 28,402 Recap 11 November 17 at Buffalo Bills W 23–13 8–2 War Memorial Stadium 38,592 Recap Scheduled AFL games postponed to December 22 12 December 1 Houston Oilers W 27–0 9–2 Balboa Stadium 31,713 Recap 13 December 8 at Oakland Raiders L 27–41 9–3 Frank Youell Field 20,249 Recap 14 December 15 at Houston Oilers W 20–14 10–3 Jeppesen Stadium 18,540 Recap 15 December 22 Denver Broncos W 58–20 11–3 Balboa Stadium 31,312 Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1: vs. Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 8 Bills 0 3 0 7 Chargers 0 7 7 0 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 22,344 74 °F 1, relative humidity 64%, wind 11 mph Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SDG – Bobby Jackson 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 9:55. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards. BUF – Mack Yoho 17-yard field goal, 5:39. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards. Third quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 48-yard run (George Blair kick), 1:33. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards. Fourth quarter BUF – Fred Brown 4-yard run (Mack Yoho kick), 6:33. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards. Top passers SDG – Tobin Rote – 18/29, 70 yards, INT BUF – Jack Kemp – 17/33, 220 yards, 3 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 10 rushes, 96 yards, TD BUF – Wray Carlton – 10 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers SDG – Dave Kocourek – 2 receptions, 60 yards BUF – Ernie Warlick – 3 receptions, 68 yards San Diego opened the 1963 season with a victory, intercepting their former quarterback Jack Kemp three times.Faison, Rote spark Chargers to 14–10 victory over Bills https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84181627/chargers-14-10-bills-9-sep-1963/ Escondido Times-Advocate George Cordry 9 September 9, 1963 August 26, 2021 August 26, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210826181140/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84181627/chargers-14-10-bills-9-sep-1963/ live After an early Buffalo punt, Lincoln took a swing pass from Rote 32 yards down the right sideline, but Blair missed a short field goal soon afterwards. Bud Whitehead and Bob Mitinger intercepted Kemp on the next two Bills drives. After the second of these, Rote hit Kocourek for 31 yards over the middle, moving the ball to the Buffalo 1. Bobby Jackson scored the first Charger touchdown of the season on the next play, fighting through tacklers and narrowly crossing the goal line. Charger indiscipline aided Buffalo on their response, with three flags resulting from a single play: Ladd made a late hit on Kemp, Henry Schmidt was ejected for fighting, and Gillman was penalized for his protestations. These infractions moved the ball from San Diego's 44 to their 12, but the defense stiffened and restricted Buffalo to a field goal. Alworth's 27-yard reception opened the next drive, but Blair missed another field goal; after the Bills also missed a kick, it was 7–3 at halftime.1963 week 1 gamebook, Bills at Chargers September 8, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live The Chargers were forced to punt at the start of the 3rd quarter, and Buffalo progressed to a 4th and 1 at the San Diego 40. The Bills went for the first down, but Ladd forced a fumble that McNeil recovered. Jerry Robinson wrestled a 41-yard pass from the grasp of a defender on the next play, but Jackson was eventually stuffed for no gain on 4th and 1 from the 2. Faison sacked Kemp to force a punt; six plays later, Paul Lowe cut upfield and wove through tacklers on his way to a 48-yard touchdown run. Paul Maguire's interception and 38-yard return gave the Chargers a chance to put the game away, starting only eight yards from the Buffalo end zone, but Rote was sacked and intercepted on consecutive plays. Buffalo then drove 90 yards in 11 plays, scoring with 6:33 left on the clock. The Bills declined a two-point conversion attempt, instead kicking an extra point to trail by four. Buffalo had two more possessions: the first ended in a punt after Petrich sacked Kemp; the second saw them reach their own 47 yard line before time expired. Rote had a solid debut, going 18 of 29 for 260 yards, with one interception. Lowe, on his first game back after missing the entire 1962 season through injury, rushed 10 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. Week 2: vs. Boston Patriots San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: Boston Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 14 Patriots 3 7 0 3 Chargers 0 14 0 3 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 26,097 71 °F 1, relative humidity 76%, wind 8 mph Box score First quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 35-yard field goal, 2:06. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 28 yards. Second quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 43-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 12:13. Chargers 7–3. SDG – Jerry Robinson 71-yard pass from Paul Lowe (George Blair kick), 8:11. Chargers 14–3. BOS – Tom Yewcic 1-yard run (Gino Cappelletti kick), 2:55. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 36-yard field goal, 10:37. Chargers 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards. SDG – George Blair 31-yard field goal, 7:50. Chargers 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards. Top passers BOS – Babe Parilli – 8/20, 74 yards, 2 INT SDG – Tobin Rote – 5/12, 97 yards, TD, INT Top rushers BOS – Larry Garron – 19 rushes, 69 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 8 rushes, 39 yards Top receivers BOS – Larry Garron – 5 receptions, 45 yards SDG – Jerry Robinson – 2 receptions, 83 yards, TD This was the first night game played in San Diego.Steidel 2015 91Chargers win another close one https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84182007/chargers-17-13-patriots-16-sep-1963/ Escondido Times-Advocate 8 September 16, 1963 August 26, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224647/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84182007/chargers-17-13-patriots-16-sep-1963/ live After a Patriots field goal opened the scoring, San Diego struck twice in the 2nd quarter. Lincoln's 47-yard punt return was immediately followed by Alworth's 43-yard touchdown reception; the Chargers then blocked a field goal, and fooled the Patriots defense when Lowe threw a 71-yard touchdown to Robinson. Boston pulled back seven points after a 13-play, 75-yard drive, and it was 14–10 at halftime.1963 week 2 gamebook, Patriots at Chargers September 14, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Interceptions by McNeil and Maguire ended Patriot drives in the second half, and Alworth's 61-yard punt return gave the Chargers a chance to extend their lead, only for Blair to miss from 30 yards out early in the final quarter. Both kickers then had successful kicks, leaving the Chargers still up by four points entering the final minutes. Boston reached a 4th and 1 on the San Diego 40, but turned the ball over on downs after a botched handoff. Following a Charger punt, the Patriots had one final chance, but an incompletion on 4th and 4 from their own 48 let San Diego run the clock out. The Chargers gained what would prove a season-low 240 yards on offense, nearly half the total coming on the two touchdown plays. Week 4: vs. Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Four: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 29 Chiefs 0 3 0 7 Chargers 7 14 0 3 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 22,654 77 °F 1, relative humidity 61%, wind 10 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 19-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 5:21. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 25 yards. Second quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 35-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 13:24. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 47 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 15-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 2:34. Chargers 21–0. Drive: 11 plays, 91 yards. KAN – Tommy Brooker 28-yard field goal, 0:10. Chargers 21–3. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SDG – George Blair 38-yard field goal, 7:23. Chargers 24–3. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards. KAN – Fred Arbanas 2-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 1:35. Chargers 24–10. Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards. Top passers KAN – Len Dawson – 18/34, 152 yards, TD, 3 INT SDG – Tobin Rote – 10/16, 127 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers KAN – Curtis McClinton – 5 rushes, 11 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 17 rushes, 91 yards Top receivers KAN – Abner Haynes – 5 receptions, 49 yardsKAN – Frank Jackson – 4 receptions, 49 yards SDG – Dave Kocourek – 3 receptions, 71 yards, 2 TD Three early touchdown passes by Rote set the Chargers on their way to a comfortable win over the team who, while known as the Dallas Texans, had won the previous season's AFL Championship game.AFL perfect list shaved to Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84187219/chargers-24-10-chiefs-30-sep-1963/ UPI Long Beach Press-Telegram C-2 September 30, 1963 August 26, 2021 August 26, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210826194152/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84187219/chargers-24-10-chiefs-30-sep-1963/ live Faison's fumble recovery on the Kansas City 25 set up the first Rote touchdown, a 20-yard connection with Kocourek. In the 2nd quarter, McNeil intercepted Len Dawson, and the Chargers again capitalized, Kocourek jumping to gather in a Rote pass at the 10, and completing a 35-yard touchdown without breaking stride. The third touchdown drive was longer, covering 91 yards in 11 plays. Lowe broke off a 25-yard run, and Lincoln took a pass in the left flat before cutting inside to elude a tackler and complete a 15-yard touchdown. The Chiefs pulled three points back before the break, but Blair made one of two field goal attempts in the second half, and Kansas City didn't reach the end zone until the final two minutes of the match.1963 week 4 gamebook, Chiefs at Chargers September 29, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Rote finished 10 of 16 for 127 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Lowe and Lincoln split the carries in the backfield, with Lowe rushing 17 times for 91 yards and Lincoln 14 times for 59 yards. Week 5: at Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary October 6 Chargers 13 7 0 14 Broncos 3 14 9 24 Bears Stadium, Denver, Colorado 18,428 64 °F 1, relative humidity 28%, wind 6 mph Box score First quarter DEN – Gene Mingo 37-yard field goal, 5:17. Broncos 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 39-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 4:45. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 61 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 31-yard pass from Tobin Rote (kick failed), 3:40. Chargers 13–3. Drive: 1 play, 31 yards. Second quarter DEN – Gene Prebola 12-yard pass from John McCormick (Gene Mingo kick), 14:12. Chargers 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 85-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 4:38. Chargers 20–10. Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards. DEN – Lionel Taylor 24-yard pass from John McCormick (Gene Mingo kick), 1:51. Chargers 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards. Third quarter DEN – Gene Mingo 41-yard field goal, 13:08. Tied 20–20. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards. DEN – Gene Mingo 26-yard field goal, 9:18. Broncos 23–20. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards. DEN – Gene Mingo 13-yard field goal, 1:08. Broncos 26–20. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 19-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 9:15. Chargers 27–26. Drive: 3 plays, 45 yards. DEN – Lionel Taylor 49-yard pass from John McCormick (Gene Mingo kick), 5:08. Broncos 33–27. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards. DEN – Donnie Stone 39-yard run (Gene Mingo kick), 4:34. Broncos 40–27. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards. DEN – Goose Gonsoulin 43-yard interception return (Gene Mingo kick), 4:05. Broncos 47–27. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 54-yard pass from John Hadl (George Blair kick), 2:57. Broncos 47–34. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards. DEN – Gene Mingo 21-yard field goal, 0:20. Broncos 50–34. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards. Top passers SDG – Tobin Rote – 11/17, 230 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT DEN – John McCormick – 18/36, 265 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers SDG – Keith Lincoln – 8 rushes, 62 yards DEN – Donnie Stone – 17 rushes, 104 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 114 yards, TD DEN – Lionel Taylor – 7 receptions, 142 yards, 2 TD San Diego conceded 50 points in a game for the first time,50+ points scored, opponent Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/C2t6X stathead.com August 30, 2022 as Denver scored three times in barely a minute in the final quarter.Chargers dumped by Broncos, 50–34 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84189733/chargers-34-50-broncos-7-oct-1963/ AP San Pedro News-Pilot 7 October 7, 1963 August 26, 2021 August 26, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210826201657/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84189733/chargers-34-50-broncos-7-oct-1963/ live Lincoln's fumble set up Denver for the game's first points, a 37-yard field goal from Gene Mingo. Lincoln made amends only three plays later, taking a screen pass in for a 39-yard touchdown. McNeil's interception soon gave San Diego the ball back, and it was Lowe's turn to score, taking a Rote pass 31 yards on the next play. The Broncos responded with a 79-yard drive to a John McCormick touchdown pass, before Mingo missed kicks from 37 and 44 yards. Two plays after the second of these, Rote dropped back from his own 15 and found Alworth at midfield, the receiver completing an 85-yard touchdown. McCormick came back with another scoring throw, and Rote was intercepted shortly before halftime.1963 week 5 gamebook, Chargers at Broncos October 6, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Denver's momentum continued into the 3rd quarter. After tying the scores at 20–20 with a Mingo field goal, they executed a surprise onside kick, and another Mingo success put them in front. Rote was intercepted and lost a fumble, with the latter turnover leading to a further field goal. Hadl came on for Rote in the 4th quarter, and threw a touchdown on his very first pass attempt, a 19-yarder to Lincoln. That put San Diego back on top, 27–26, but McCormick soon responded with his third touchdown pass of the game. Lincoln's eventful day was complete when he fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Denver scored again. When Hadl threw an interception a few plays later, Goose Gonsoulin ran the ball back for another touchdown, and Denver had scored 21 points in the space of 63 seconds. Hadl threw a deflected 54-yard touchdown pass to MacKinnon, but Denver recovered Blair's onside kick attempt, and Mingo added his fifth field goal with 20 seconds to play. Rote and Hadl threw for 317 yards and a new club-record five touchdowns between them.5+ touchdown passes in a games, team, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/WUzFe stathead.com August 30, 2022 Alworth caught 4 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, while Lincoln had 62 yards on the ground and 73 through the air, including two scores. Week 6: vs. New York Jets San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 13 Jets 7 3 10 0 Chargers 3 0 14 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 27,189 66 °F 1, relative humidity 69%, wind 6 mph Box score First quarter NYJ – Bake Turner 51-yard pass from Dick Wood (Dick Guesman kick), 11:15. Jets 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 51 yards. SDG – George Blair 28-yard field goal, 4:15. Jets 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards. Second quarter NYJ – Dick Guesman 44-yard field goal, 11:36. Jets 10–3. Drive: 5 plays, 2 yards. Third quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 8-yard pass from John Hadl (George Blair kick), 9:57. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 11-yard pass from Gerry McDougall (George Blair kick), 5:33. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards. NYJ – Dick Guesman 32-yard field goal, 4:16. Chargers 17–13. Drive: 4 plays, -7 yards. NYJ – Mark Smolinski 2-yard run (Dick Guesman kick), 0:44. Jets 20–17. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 7-yard run (George Blair kick), 9:06. Chargers 24–20. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards. Top passers NYJ – Dick Wood – 15/31, 220 yards, TD SDG – John Hadl – 8/12, 134 yards, TD Top rushers NYJ – Mark Smolinski – 10 rushes, 26 yards, TDNYJ – Bill Mathis – 10 rushes, 26 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 16 rushes, 161 yards, TD Top receivers NYJ – Bake Turner – 3 receptions, 68 yards, TD SDG – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 54 yards, TD San Diego bounced back with a hard-fought win over the Jets.Chargers rap Jets, 24–20, keep lead https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84191550/chargers-24-20-jets-14-oct-1963/ 11-A AP Fresno Bee October 14, 1963 August 26, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224646/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84191550/chargers-24-20-jets-14-oct-1963/ live After Lowe lost a fumble, former Chargers QB Dick Wood produced a touchdown pass on the Jets' first play from scrimmage, covering 51 yards. Lowe was then intercepted on a halfback pass, but New York missed a field goal on the resulting drive. Lowe bounced back with a 40-yard gain on a sweep, and Blair was successful from 28 yards out. Rote was later picked off, leading to a Jets field goal and a 10–3 scoreline at halftime.1963 week 6 gamebook, Jets at Chargers October 13, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Hadl entered the game in the third quarter for his most substantial playing time of the season. He made an immediate impact with run of 9 and 33 yards, before rounding out an 87-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown to Kocourek, who leaped to make the catch with defenders on either side of him. The Chargers were in trouble at the start of their next drive, facing 3rd and 13 at their own 18 yard line, but Lincoln took a short pass and broke two tackles en route to a 37-yard gain. Five plays later, it was 2nd and 7 at the Jet 11, and San Diego again called a pass from an unexpected source. This time the trick play worked, fullback Gerry MacDougall lofting the ball to the back of the end zone where Alworth jumped to pull it in. Dick Christy returned the ensuing kickoff 71 yards to the Charger 18 before Westmoreland made a touchdown-saving tackle. That ultimately caused the Jets to settle for a field goal, as Hank Schmidt sacked Wood on third down. San Diego converted a 4th and 1 on the next drive, MacDougall's 26-yard catch moving the ball into field goal range, but the drive ended with a miss by Blair. New York then used a 54-yard pass interference penalty as the springboard for an 80-yard touchdown drive and a 20–17 lead as the 3rd quarter ended. Maguire pinned the Jets at their own 1 with a punt, and the defense forced a three-and-out, though an excellent punt in return set San Diego back on their own 39. Lowe accounted for most of the yardage on the next drive, with runs of 6 and 30 yards to start it off and a 7-yard touchdown up the middle to finish it with 9:06 to play. Wood led the Jets to the Charger 13, but his pass was deflected and incomplete on 4th and 8. New York's final chance ended on their own 40, when Frank Buncom knocked away another 4th down pass. Rote was 10 of 13 for 78 yards and an interception, while Hadl was 8 of 12 for 134 yards and a touchdown. Lowe carried 16 times for 161 yards and one touchdown. San Diego's defense had zero takeaways. It was the first time in a regular season game that they failed to make at least one interception (they also had none in the 1960 AFL title game), ending a 46-game streak that remains an AFL/NFL record.Most consecutive games with 1 or more interceptions, team https://stathead.com/tiny/zY8pU stathead.com February 25, 2022 February 25, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220225192945/https://stathead.com/tiny/zY8pU live Week 7: at Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary October 20 Chargers 0 3 14 21 Chiefs 0 7 3 7 Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 30,107 73 °F 1, relative humidity 56%, wind 7 mph Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SDG – George Blair 29-yard field goal, 3:22. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, -9 yards. KAN – Abner Haynes 73-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 2:09. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards. Third quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 44-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 12:24. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards. KAN – Tommy Brooker 36-yard field goal, 10:06. Tied 10–10. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 7-yard run (George Blair kick), 3:37. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 72-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 7:32. Chargers 24–10. Drive: 2 plays, 87 yards. KAN – Fred Arbanas 7-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 5:24. Chargers 24–17. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 76-yard run (George Blair kick), 5:01. Chargers 31–17. Drive: 1 play, 76 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 21-yard run (George Blair kick), 3:03. Chargers 38–17. Drive: 2 plays, 26 yards. Top passers SDG – Tobin Rote – 16/22, 266 yards, 2 TD KAN – Len Dawson – 16/24, 225 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Keith Lincoln – 10 rushes, 127 yards, TD KAN – Curtis McClinton – 15 rushes, 60 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 9 receptions, 232 yards, 2 TD KAN – Abner Haynes – 8 receptions, 149 yards, TD Alworth had the most receiving yardage of any game in his Hall of Fame career,Lance Alworth Career Game Log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlwoLa00/gamelog/ pro-football-reference.com February 26, 2022 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827115547/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlwoLa00/gamelog/ live and the Chargers won on their first-ever trip to Kansas City.Rote puts San Diego past Chiefs 38 to 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84193670/chargers-38-17-chiefs-21-oct-1963/ AP Sacramento Bee B4 October 21, 1963 August 26, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224646/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84193670/chargers-38-17-chiefs-21-oct-1963/ live The first four San Diego possessions resulted in punts, before Allen intercepted Len Dawson, setting up Blair's field goal to open the scoring. However, Dawson found Abner Haynes with a deep pass over the middle only two plays after the kickoff; Haynes slipped McNeil's diving tackle and completed a 73-yard touchdown, and Kansas City led 7–3 at halftime.1963 week 7 gamebook, Chargers at Chiefs October 20, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Hadl had been in at quarterback on the final two Charger drives of the first half, but Rote returned after the break, and led his team to touchdowns on five of their first six-second half possessions. Rote was 5 for 5 on the first drive, finishing with a 44-yard pass to Alworth, who had got open behind the safeties. Following a Chiefs field goal, Alworth's 28-yard catch was the biggest gain on an 11-play, 86-yard drive, which Lowe finished by cutting up the middle for a 7-yard touchdown on 3rd and 5. Blair then recovered a fumble, but missed a 40-yard field goal five plays later. After that, Dawson led his team from their own 20 to a 4th and 5 at the Charger 13. With only eight minutes remaining, Kansas City opted to go for it, but Dawson's pass was incomplete. Lincoln's 15-yard run on the next play was immediately followed by another Alworth touchdown. The flanker got a step behind cornerback Duane Wood, giving him position to outwrestle Wood for the ball at the Chief 35 and complete a 72-yard touchdown. Dawson threw a touchdown on 4th and goal from the 7 on the next drive, and Kansas City were back within 24–17 with 5:24 still on the clock. Lincoln put the game away on the next play from scrimmage. Taking a pitchout to the left, he cut upfield and worked his way back towards the right sideline to avoid tacklers, ultimately outracing the defense and going in untouched for a 76-yard touchdown. Blair then made a juggling interception of Dawson, and Lowe shrugged off a tackler at the line of scrimmage before completing the scoring with a 21-yard run. Rote was 16 of 22 for 266 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Lincoln rushed 10 times for 127 yards and a touchdown. Alworth caught 9 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns; he had 183 receiving yards in the second half alone. Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 27 Raiders 7 7 7 13 Chargers 10 7 9 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 30,182 68 °F 1, relative humidity 65%, wind 6 mph Box score First quarter OAK – Art Powell 20-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Mercer kick), 11:17. Raiders 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards. SDG – George Blair 23-yard field goal, 7:51. Raiders 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 32-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 4:41. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards. Second quarter OAK – Alan Miller 5-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Mercer kick), 9:02. Raiders 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 69-yard pass from John Hadl (George Blair kick), 7:35. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 71 yards. Third quarter SDG – Dick Harris 23-yard interception return (kick blocked), 13:26. Chargers 23–14. OAK – Dobie Craig 39-yard pass from Cotton Davidson (Mike Mercer kick), 5:00. Chargers 23–21. Drive: 2 plays, 39 yards. SDG – George Blair 36-yard field goal, 2:30. Chargers 26–21. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards. Fourth quarter OAK – Art Powell 46-yard pass from Cotton Davidson (Mike Mercer kick), 14:51. Raiders 28–26. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 51-yard run (George Blair kick), 11:21. Chargers 33–28. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards. OAK – Glenn Shaw 9-yard pass from Cotton Davidson (run failed), 1:52. Raiders 34–33. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards. Top passers OAK – Cotton Davidson – 5/10, 115 yards, 3 TD, INT SDG – John Hadl – 2/6, 82 yards, TD, INT Top rushers OAK – Clem Daniels – 19 rushes, 125 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 15 rushes, 130 yards, TD Top receivers OAK – Art Powell – 3 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD SDG – Jacque MacKinnon – 3 receptions, 111 yards, TD Oakland pulled within one and a half games of San Diego, after an eventful game in which four quarterbacks combined for seven touchdowns and eight interceptions.Charger hoodoo ended https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84196972/chargers-33-34-raiders-28-oct-1963/ Scotty Stirling Oakland Tribune 35, 37 October 28, 1963 August 26, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224646/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84196972/chargers-33-34-raiders-28-oct-1963/ live Rote was intercepted on the game's first possession, and Tom Flores found Art Powell for the opening points. San Diego responded with a Blair field goal, before Alworth maintained his good form with a 32-yard touchdown catch. Rote threw interceptions to Fred Williamson on the next two Charger drives; after the first of these, Harris picked off Flores to win the ball straight back, but Flores took his second chance with a 30-yard drive and another touchdown pass. Hadl entered the game and hit MacKinnon for a 69-yard touchdown on only his second throw. Flores was then intercepted by McNeil, but Hadl was intercepted himself before the half ended with San Diego 17–14 up.1963 week 8 gamebook, Raiders at Chargers October 27, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Rote returned for the 3rd quarter, while the Raiders went with backup Cotton Davidson, Flores having sustained a head injury. The latter switch seemed to have backfired when Davidson's first pass was intercepted and run back for a touchdown by Harris, but he came back with a touchdown pass two plays after Lincoln had fumbled while attempting a lateral. A 29-yard catch by MacKinnon got San Diego moving, and Blair put the Chargers ahead 26–21 after three quarters with a 36-yard kick. Davidson's second touchdown pass was also Powell's second touchdown catch - the 46-yard connection put Oakland ahead one play into the final quarter. San Diego responded through Lincoln, the running back going off tackle and breaking through for a 51-yard score. After a punt each, the Raiders went 63 yards for the winning score, another pass by Davidson. The Chargers managed to sack Davidson on the ensuing two-point attempt, leaving them needing only a field goal to win with 1:52 still remaining. Their final drive started from their own 27 and quickly went wrong. Rote threw incomplete before being sacked for an 18-yard loss; he then threw his fourth interception of the game, and Oakland ran out the clock. Oakland's quarterbacks completed only eight passes between them, but five of those went for touchdowns. For the Chargers, Lincoln rushed 15 times for 130 yards and a touchdown, while MacKinnon caught 3 passes for 111 yards and a score. Week 9: at New York Jets San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: San Diego Chargers at New York Jets – Game summary November 2 Chargers 7 17 14 15 Jets 0 0 0 7 Polo Grounds, New York, New York 18,336 48 °F 1, relative humidity 73%, wind 16 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 11-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 3:49. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards. Second quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 14-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 14:11. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 11-yard run (George Blair kick), 10:14. Chargers 21–0. Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards. SDG – George Blair 18-yard field goal, 6:51. Chargers 24–0. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards. Third quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 28-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 12:07. Chargers 31–0. Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards. SDG – Tobin Rote 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 0:14. Chargers 38–0. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Gerry McDougall 3-yard run (George Blair kick), 6:58. Chargers 45–0. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards. NYJ – Dick Wood 4-yard run (Dick Guesman kick), 0:56. Chargers 45–7. Drive: 15 plays, 69 yards. SDG – Jerry Robinson 8-yard pass from John Hadl (Dave Kocourek pass from John Hadl), 0:00. Chargers 53–7. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards. Top passers SDG – Tobin Rote – 21/29, 369 yards, 3 TD NYJ – Dick Wood – 15/30, 173 yards, INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 16 rushes, 79 yards, TD NYJ – Mark Smolinski – 8 rushes, 29 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 5 receptions, 180 yards, TD NYJ – Bake Turner – 5 receptions, 70 yards The Chargers kicked off a three-game trip to the east coast by thrashing the Jets.Rote's aerial tactics stun Jets; Chargers role up 53–7 score https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84207008/chargers-53-7-jets-3-nov-1963/ Mike Rathet Sacramento Bee E7 November 3, 1963 August 27, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224646/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84207008/chargers-53-7-jets-3-nov-1963/ live On their second play from scrimmage, Alworth hauled in a deep pass and gained 62 yards, though a Lincoln fumble prevented San Diego from capitalising with any points. They made no mistake on their next possession, Lowe easily scoring on an 11-yard screen pass. Gross caused Dick Wood to fumble shortly afterwards, with Emil Karas recovering - five plays later, Kocourek scored from 14 yards out. Another turnover soon followed, Harris intercepting an underthrow by Wood. Alworth made a leaping grab on the next play, covering 49 yards; three plays later, Lowe swept right from the 11 behind strong blocking and went in untouched for a 21–0 lead, and Blair added a short field goal before halftime.1963 week 9 gamebook, Chargers at Jets November 2, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live More points followed in the second half. Alworth again outjumped his marker on a 28-yard touchdown reception, Rote and MacDougall scored on short runs up the middle, and, after the Jets averted a shutout, Hadl threw an 8-yard touchdown to Robinson with no time on the clock. The Chargers faked a conversion kick after this final score, and Hadl hit Kocourek for two more points. Rote completed 21 of 29 passes for a club-record 369 yards,Most passing yards, game, Chargers, 1960-1963 https://stathead.com/tiny/B6s4I stathead.com August 31, 2022 with three touchdowns and no interceptions. His passer rating of 149.0 would be the best any Charger achieved in the AFL while making at least 20 attempts in a game.Highest passer rating, game, Chargers, 1960-1969 https://stathead.com/tiny/E9fND stathead.com August 31, 2022 Alworth caught 5 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. Harris had two interceptions and a fumble recovery, while Karas had two fumble recoveries. San Diego set club records for most points (this would be broken six games later),50+ points scored, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/INThX stathead.com August 31, 2022 and margin of victory (still to be surpassed).Greatest margin of victory, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/25E9j stathead.com August 31, 2022 The game featured three ejections, including two for the Chargers; Ladd and Joe Schmidt were both thrown out for their role in a fist fight. Week 10: at Boston Patriots San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Boston Patriots – Game summary November 10 Chargers 7 0 0 0 Patriots 0 0 6 0 Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts 28,402 45 °F 1, relative humidity 83%, wind 15 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 27-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 0:00. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 35-yard field goal, 12:39. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards. BOS – Gino Cappelletti 25-yard field goal, 1:36. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers SDG – Tobin Rote – 17/29, 252 yards, TD, INT BOS – Babe Parilli – 14/30, 194 yards, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Keith Lincoln – 11 rushes, 36 yards BOS – Larry Garron – 23 rushes, 91 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 13 receptions, 210 yards, TD BOS – Art Graham – 3 receptions, 64 yards Alworth and the defense lifted San Diego to a narrow victory in the rain and mud of Fenway Park.Chargers squeeze past Pats, 7–6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84222433/chargers-7-6-patriots-11-nov-1963/ AP San Bernardino County Sun A-8 November 11, 1963 August 27, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224647/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84222433/chargers-7-6-patriots-11-nov-1963/ live Steidel 2015 211 Alworth had catches of 6, 37 and 17 yards on three consecutive plays in the game's opening drive, but Blair missed a 12-yard chip shot field goal, and the Chargers came up empty-handed. Westmoreland's fumble recovery then stopped a dangerous Patriot drive, and San Diego worked their way to the Boston 18, from where Alworth caught Rote's pass in the end zone and appeared to have opened the scoring. A penalty wiped those points off the board, but Rote went straight back to Alworth with a screen, good for 23 yards and a touchdown. Boston looked the more threatening team throughout the 2nd quarter, but Gino Cappelletti missed a 38-yard kick and lost a fumble that Gary Glick recovered. Allen outwrestled the intended receiver for an interception of Babe Parilli, and it was still 7–0 at the break.1963 week 10 gamebook, Chargers at Patriots November 10, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Cappelletti made a 36-yard field goal early in the second half. Rote converted a 4th and 1 with a quarterback sneak on the next possession, but the drive ended when Blair missed from 48 yards. Boston drove into field goal range once more, and when Cappelletti was good from 25 yards, the lead was cut to a single point. Following a Rote interception, Cappelletti had a chance to put his team ahead, but was short from 37 yards out. Allen continued to make significant plays as the final quarter wore on, stopping Patriot drives with an interception and a fumble recovery. Boston's last chance came after Lowe lost a fumble at his own 42. The Charger defense knocked the Patriots back six yards on three running plays, and Cappelletti's final kick fell well short from 55 yards. Alworth's 50-yard reception helped San Diego run the clock out. Alworth had 13 of his team's 18 pass receptions and gained 210 of their 271 total yards on offense while scoring the game's only touchdown. His 13 receptions were a new club recordMost receptions, game, Chargers, 1960-1963 https://stathead.com/tiny/PEoj2 stathead.com August 31, 2022 and would remain his career high. San Diego's total of 7 points remained the fewest they had scored in a victory until another meeting with the Patriots 60 years later.Fewest points scored, win, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/FFLVg stathead.com August 31, 2022 Week 11: at Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary November 17 Chargers 10 0 7 6 Bills 7 3 3 0 War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York 38,592 53 °F 1, relative humidity 58%, wind 16 mph Box score First quarter BUF – Cookie Gilchrist 1-yard run (Mack Yoho kick), 10:58. Bills 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 46-yard run (George Blair kick), 8:53. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 76 yards. SDG – George Blair 39-yard field goal, 1:55. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards. Second quarter BUF – Mack Yoho 27-yard field goal, 2:48. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards. Third quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 17-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 9:09. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, 20 yards. BUF – Mack Yoho 9-yard field goal, 5:23. Chargers 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – George Blair 15-yard field goal, 9:12. Chargers 20–13. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards. SDG – George Blair 41-yard field goal, 1:37. Chargers 23–13. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards. Top passers BUF – Jack Kemp – 23/36, 278 yards, 3 INT SDG – Tobin Rote – 10/22, 156 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers BUF – Cookie Gilchrist – 17 rushes, 95 yards, TD SDG – Keith Lincoln – 10 rushes, 101 yards, TD Top receivers BUF – Elbert Dubenion – 6 receptions, 112 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 79 yards, TD San Diego completed a three-game east coast sweep with a hard-fought win in Buffalo.38,592 see Chargers turn back Bills, 23–13 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84225056/chargers-23-13-bills-18-nov-1963/ UPI San Francisco Examiner 60 November 18, 1963 August 27, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224653/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84225056/chargers-23-13-bills-18-nov-1963/ live The Bills took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards for Cookie Gilchrist to score from a yard out. The Chargers responded quickly, Lowe's 23-yard gain on a draw being immediately followed by Lincoln's 54-yard scoring trap run through the middle. The next time San Diego had the ball, Lincoln opened the drive with a 24-yard reception, and Blair finished it with a 39-yard field goal. Jack Kemp led his offense inside the Charger 10 late in the first half, but Maguire's third down sack had the Bills settling for a field goal and a 10–10 tie at the intermission.1963 week 11 gamebook, Chargers at Bills November 17, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live In the 3rd quarter, Sweeney blocked a punt by Daryle Lamonica, and San Diego took over at the Buffalo 20. Lincoln appeared to have scored on a 9-yard run a few plays later, but Mix was penalized for a push. The Chargers scored anyway, Alworth gathering Rote's pass under the posts. Buffalo almost tied the game on their next drive, but last defender Westmoreland pulled Elbert Dubenion down at the Charger 5 yard line after a gain of 34, and the defense held Buffalo to a field goal. Lowe's 27-yard run had the Chargers threatening on their next drive, but they were thwarted when Rote was intercepted. Harris intercepted Kemp on the next two Buffalo drives; after the second of these, Rote's 54-yard completion to Alworth set up a short Blair field goal. After forcing a punt, the Chargers drove from their own 20 to Buffalo's 34, and Blair hit the clinching kick from 41 yards out with 1:37 to play. Harris added a third interception on the game's final play, his seventh in a four-game span.Dick Harris 1963 Game Log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrDi20/gamelog/1963/ pro-football-reference.com August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827132541/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrDi20/gamelog/1963/ live Lincoln rushed 10 times for 101 yards and a touchdown, while adding 31 yards on 3 receptions. With Oakland idle, the Chargers stretched their lead in the AFL West to two full games. The attendance figure set a new AFL record. Week 12: vs. Houston Oilers San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 1 Oilers 0 0 0 0 Chargers 7 13 0 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 31,713 60 °F 1, relative humidity 63%, wind 5 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 15-yard run (George Blair kick), 4:30. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards. Second quarter SDG – George Blair 42-yard field goal, 9:16. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 2-yard run (George Blair kick), 6:18. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards. SDG – George Blair 20-yard field goal, 0:14. Chargers 20–0. Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 22-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 11:09. Chargers 27–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards. Top passers HOU – George Blanda – 9/26, 110 yards, 2 INT SDG – Tobin Rote – 13/24, 134 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers HOU – Charley Tolar – 13 rushes, 74 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 13 rushes, 102 yards, TD Top receivers HOU – Willard Dewveall – 5 receptions, 62 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 56 yards, TD In a matchup of division leaders, San Diego shut out the Oilers.Oilers no longer jinx for Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84225616/chargers-27-0-oilers-2-dec-1963/ AP Pomona Progress-Bulletin II-6 December 2, 1963 August 27, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224703/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84225616/chargers-27-0-oilers-2-dec-1963/ live Houston had the game's first scoring chance, but Maguire blocked George Blanda's 48-yard field goal attempt. Lincoln opened the scoring only five plays later, taking a draw up the middle from 15 yards out. Houston fumbled away a red zone chance on their next drive, and the Chargers soon pulled away. A Lincoln run set up Blair's 42-yard field goal, and Maguire recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. After three straight incompletions, San Diego faked a field goal, Rote passing to Kocourek in the left flat, from where the tight end fought his way for 14 yards and a first down. Four plays later, Kocourek drew pass interference on a 3rd and 13 play, and Lowe went in from the 2. A Karas interception and 30-yard return was then wasted as Rote, too, was intercepted. Late in the half, Houston failed on a fourth down conversion attempt, and San Diego had three big runs in a row (Lowe 14 yards, Lincoln 16 yards, Lincoln 13 yards), setting up Blair's second field goal.1963 week 12 gamebook, Oilers at Chargers December 1, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Mitinger's interception two plays into the second half maintained the Chargers' dominance. They later put together an 11-play, 80-yard drive that bridged the 3rd and 4th quarters and ended with Alworth's 22-yard catch from Rote. Houston's threatened to avoid the shutout on their last two possessions, but backup quarterback Jacky Lee was sacked on 4th down, and later intercepted by Glick. Westmoreland was credited with 15 solo tackles and 1 assist, plus 6 passes defensed. Lincoln (13 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown, 1 reception for 5 yards) and Lowe (21 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown, 3 receptions for 25 yards) provided two strong performances in the backfield. Week 13: at Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary December 8 Chargers 7 13 7 0 Raiders 3 7 0 31 Frank Youell Field, Oakland, California 20,249 48 °F 1, relative humidity 66%, wind 6 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Don Norton 32-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 13:07. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards. OAK – Mike Mercer 37-yard field goal, 5:09. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards. Second quarter SDG – Bobby Jackson 14-yard run (George Blair kick), 10:55. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 89 yards. OAK – Art Powell 45-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Mercer kick), 6:06. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 5-yard pass from Tobin Rote (kick failed), 0:42. Chargers 20–10. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards. Third quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 15-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 1:57. Chargers 27–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards. Fourth quarter OAK – Art Powell 10-yard pass from Cotton Davidson (Mike Mercer kick), 12:48. Chargers 27–17. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards. OAK – Mike Mercer 30-yard field goal, 11:36. Chargers 27–20. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards. OAK – Cotton Davidson 9-yard run (Mike Mercer kick), 7:54. Tied 27–27. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards. OAK – Art Powell 40-yard pass from Cotton Davidson (Mike Mercer kick), 5:35. Raiders 34–27. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards. OAK – Alan Miller 2-yard run (Mike Mercer kick), 1:06. Raiders 41–27. Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards. Top passers SDG – Tobin Rote – 17/25, 284 yards, 3 TD, INT OAK – Tom Flores – 11/23, 173 yards, TD Top rushers SDG – Bobby Jackson – 5 rushes, 33 yards, TD OAK – Clem Daniels – 17 rushes, 90 yards Top receivers SDG – Don Norton – 6 receptions, 119 yards, TD OAK – Art Powell – 6 receptions, 132 yards, 3 TD Up by two games over the Raiders with only three to play, the Chargers could end the AFL West race with a win, but a collapse in the 4th quarter cost them the chance to clinch their division.Raiders trail by 17, win https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84231754/chargers-27-41-raiders-9-dec-1963/ Scotty Stirling Oakland Tribune 37, 38 December 9, 1963 August 27, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224647/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84231754/chargers-27-41-raiders-9-dec-1963/ live They began the game with a successful opening drive. Lincoln had a 36-yard reception and, after the Chargers lost six yards on the next two plays, Rote threw a deep pass to Norton for a 32-yard touchdown. For Norton, who had missed seven games through a back injury,Remembering the Chargers' Don Norton https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/remembering-the-chargers-don-norton/ Tales from the American Football League March 24, 2021 April 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210422143928/https://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/remembering-the-chargers-don-norton/ live it was his only touchdown of the regular season.Don Norton 1963 Game Log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NortDo00/gamelog/1963/ pro-football-reference.com August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827151839/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NortDo00/gamelog/1963/ live After a Raider field goal, San Diego suffered a setback when Lincoln was knocked out of the game through injury, with Bobby Jackson taking his place in the backfield. The switch appeared not to have disrupted the offense during a 6-play, 89-yard drive that opened with Alworth's 54-yard reception and ended with Jackson going 14 yards off-tackle to the end zone. Oakland responded with a 44-yard touchdown pass from Tom Flores to Art Powell on 4th and 2, but failed to convert on 4th and 10 from the Charger 39 on their next drive. Norton then had 22- and 36-yard receptions, and MacKinnon's short catch made it 20–10 at halftime.1963 week 13 gamebook, Chargers at Raiders December 8, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Cotton Davidson, who had played a major role in the Raiders' victory in San Diego earlier in the season, was brought on for the second half. The switch had no immediate impact, with the only score of the 3rd quarter going to the Chargers - Kocourek's 40-yard reception paving the way for Alworth's 15-yard touchdown. When the Raiders went three-and-out in response, San Diego took over on their own 20 early in the final quarter, 17 points ahead. Lowe appeared to have gained 38 yards on first down, but the run was nullified by penalty. Jackson took a screen pass to the Chargers 39 on the next play, but fumbled and Oakland recovered. Davidson's touchdown to Powell began the comeback four plays later. Next, Lowe lost a fumble and Oakland capitalized with a field goal. Following a Charger punt, Davidson led his team 57 yards and scored the game-tying touchdown himself with 7:54 to play. San Diego were unable to respond, failing to pick up a first down and punting again. Three plays later, Powell was in the end zone once more, with a 41-yard touchdown. Lowe returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards, and Hadl came out to try and spark the offense. He found Norton for an 18-yard gain to the Oakland 38, but followed that with three incompletions and an interception. The Raiders added a further touchdown in the final minutes, and pulled to within a game at the top of the division. Rote was 17 of 25 for 284 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, while Norton caught six passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. Art Powell scored 5 touchdowns from only 9 catches over the two games with San Diego.Art Powell 1963 Game Log https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoweAr00/gamelog/1963/ pro-football-reference.com August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827155921/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PoweAr00/gamelog/1963/ live It was only the third time in AFL/NFL history that a team was outscored by 30+ points in the 4th quarter.30+ score margin, 4th quarter https://stathead.com/tiny/k3orz stathead.com August 31, 2022 Week 14: at Houston Oilers San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers – Game summary December 15 Chargers 0 17 3 0 Oilers 0 7 0 7 Jeppesen Stadium, Houston, Texas 18,540 38 °F 1, relative humidity 53%, wind 10 mph, wind chill 31 Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SDG – Tobin Rote 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 12:10. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 61 yards. SDG – Bobby Jackson 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 6:36. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards. HOU – Willard Dewveall 24-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 5:20. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 51 yards. SDG – George Blair 22-yard field goal, 1:20. Chargers 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 10 yards. Third quarter SDG – George Blair 10-yard field goal, 2:45. Chargers 20–7. Drive: 9 plays, 27 yards. Fourth quarter HOU – Bo Dickinson 1-yard run (George Blanda kick), 6:30. Chargers 20–14. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards. Top passers SDG – Tobin Rote – 9/17, 81 yards, INT HOU – George Blanda – 17/32, 247 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 19 rushes, 96 yards HOU – Charley Tolar – 5 rushes, 24 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 3 receptions, 28 yards HOU – Charley Hennigan – 2 receptions, 95 yards The stakes were high for both teams - San Diego were looking to maintain their one-game lead over Oakland, while Houston would be eliminated from the AFL East race with a loss. San Diego had the first drive that crossed into opposition territory, but Lowe lost a fumble - Houston then drove into field goal range, but George Blanda was wide right. In the 2nd quarter, three interceptions by Charger linebackers led to points. Firstly, Karas intercepted a Jacky Lee pass; Lowe immediately broke off a 59-yard run, and Rote sneaked into the end zone two plays later. Next, Allen picked off a Blanda pass at the Houston 30, and Jackson scored from close range six plays later. Blanda came straight back with a touchdown pass to Willard Dewveall, and Rote's deep pass was intercepted on the next play. Maguire then took back the momentum with an interception of his own, at the Houston 24-yard line. Blair capitalized with a 22-yard field goal, and it was 17–7 at halftime.1963 week 14 gamebook, Chargers at Oilers December 15, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Blair missed wide left from 43 yards in the 3rd quarter, but Allen's fumble recovery at the Oiler 30 soon gave him another chance, and he converted a chip shot 10-yarder. The Oilers' next drive saw them reach 4th and goal at the 9. They elected to go for the touchdown, but Allen and Glick combined to stop Dewveall one yard short. San Diego gained one first down before being forced to punt, and Blanda converted a 3rd and 28 with a 68-yard completion. The Oilers made no mistake this time, finding the end zone with 6:30 to play in the game. The next three drives were three-and-outs. Houston's final drive started on their own 21-yard line with under two minutes to play. Blanda managed to converted a 4th and 1, but found progress to be slow going. The game's final snap was from the Charger 44 - Houston gained only 9 yards, and time expired. Houston had four turnovers on the day, each of which San Diego converted into points. With Lincoln missing due to injury, Gerry MacDougall rushed 15 times for 56 yards, a complement to Lowe's 19 carries for 96 yards. These gains, plus the four crucial turnovers, were enough to compensate for a weak pass attack that managed only 85 yards total. Oakland also won, leaving the Raiders still one game back and able to force a playoff for the division crown if San Diego lost in Week 15.Chargers edge past Oilers to clinch tie for crown https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84234669/chargers-20-14-oilers-16-dec-1963/ UPI Escondido Times-Advocate Milton Richman 12 December 16, 1963 August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827164353/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84234669/chargers-20-14-oilers-16-dec-1963/ live Week 15: vs. Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 22 Broncos 7 10 3 0 Chargers 10 16 10 22 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 31,312 56 °F 1, relative humidity 53%, wind 5 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 10-yard run (George Blair kick), 13:11. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards. DEN – Billy Joe 1-yard run (Gene Mingo kick), 7:30. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards. SDG – George Blair 17-yard field goal, 4:06. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards. Second quarter SDG – Bobby Jackson 2-yard run (George Blair kick), 14:57. Chargers 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards. DEN – Donnie Stone 10-yard pass from Don Breaux (Gene Mingo kick), 10:39. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards. SDG – Dave Kocourek 26-yard pass from Tobin Rote (kick blocked), 7:23. Chargers 23–14. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards. DEN – Gene Mingo 12-yard field goal, 1:04. Chargers 23–17. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards. SDG – George Blair 28-yard field goal, 0:25. Chargers 26–17. Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards. Third quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 66-yard run (George Blair kick), 10:03. Chargers 33–17. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards. DEN – Gene Mingo 15-yard field goal, 5:44. Chargers 33–20. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards. SDG – George Blair 13-yard field goal, 0:49. Chargers 36–20. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 29-yard run (George Blair kick), 14:24. Chargers 43–20. Drive: 1 play, 29 yards. SDG – Chuck Allen 42-yard fumble return (George Blair kick), 13:31. Chargers 50–20. SDG – Jacque MacKinnon 6-yard pass from John Hadl (Earl Faison pass from Tobin Rote), 0:06. Chargers 58–20. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards. Top passers DEN – Don Breaux – 16/31, 192 yards, TD, 2 INT SDG – Tobin Rote – 7/17, 109 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DEN – Gene Mingo – 6 rushes, 30 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 17 rushes, 183 yards, 2 TD Top receivers DEN – Lionel Taylor – 5 receptions, 79 yards SDG – Don Norton – 3 receptions, 48 yards San Diego clinched their third AFL West title in four seasons while setting a club record for points that still stands.Chargers clinch division crown by scoring 58–20 victory over Broncos https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84236287/chargers-58-20-broncos-23-dec-1963/ Norman Miller UPI Escondido Times-Advocate 10 December 23, 1963 August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827171233/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84236287/chargers-58-20-broncos-23-dec-1963/ live Most points scored by Chargers https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-points-scored-by-chargers statsmuse March 26, 2021 March 9, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220309113713/https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-points-scored-by-chargers live Gross gave his team an excellent start, recovering a Broncos fumble forced by Karas. Lowe ran in the opening touchdown two plays later. After Denver answered with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, Alworth drew a 39-yard pass interference penalty and Blair kicked a field goal to put San Diego back in front. On the next drive, Mitinger made a one-handed interception after twice bobbling the ball. Norton's 29-yard reception on the following play set up Jackson's 2-yard touchdown dive. Denver again responded to a Charger touchdown with one of their own, a Don Breaux pass reducing their deficit to 17–14. Lincoln was back in the starting line-up for San Diego - his tackle-breaking 11-yard run got the Chargers moving on their next possession. Rote finished the drive by hitting Kocourek for a 26-yard touchdown; the tight end caught the ball in stride at the nine, and outran his marker to the corner of the end zone. A Rote interception let Denver pull three points closer with 1:04 remaining in the 2nd quarter, but back-to-back runs of 22 yards by Lowe and 14 yards by Lincoln set up Blair to respond in kind before the half ended.1963 week 15 gamebook, Chargers at Broncos December 22, 1963 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live After both sides punted to start the 3rd quarter, Lowe swept to the right and went 66 yards untouched to make it 33–17. Denver responded with a field goal. With Oakland having achieved victory in their final game at about this time, San Diego still had work to do to reach the AFL title game. They responded with 25 unanswered points. Harris had an interception the next time Denver had the ball, and Blair knocked through his third field goal late in the 3rd quarter. On the first play of the final quarter, Ladd sacked Breaux, forcing a fumble that Faison recovered. Lincoln swept to the right on the next play, and scored without difficulty from 29 yards out. The defense registered the next score themselves, a fumble bouncing up for Allen to field and return 42 yards for a touchdown. Hadl came into the game and eventually threw the final touchdown to MacKinnon in the back of the end zone. San Diego added a two-point conversion on a trick play, with Faison's catch giving them their final points of the regular season. Paul Lowe ran for 183 yards on 17 carries, with two touchdowns. As a team, San Diego had 270 rushing yards and outgained Denver 451–231 in total offense. Standings Playoffs +1963 San Diego Chargers playoff schedule Round Date Opponent Result Venue Attendance Recap Championship January 5, 1964 Boston Patriots W 51–10 Balboa Stadium 30,127 Recap Game summary AFL championship game: vs. Boston Patriots 1963 American Football League Championship Game San Diego Chargers 1963 2;text-align:center; autocollapse AFL championship game: Boston Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Game summary January 5 1:30 p.m. PST Patriots 7 3 0 0 Chargers 21 10 7 13 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 30,127 57 F, relative humidity 26%, wind 10 mph on ABC Curt Gowdy and Paul Christman Box score First quarter SDG – Tobin Rote 2-yard run (George Blair kick), 13:31. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 67-yard run (George Blair kick), 10:48. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 2 plays, 59 yards. BOS – Larry Garron 7-yard run (Gino Cappelletti kick), 7:01. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 58-yard run (George Blair kick), 4:44. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards. Second quarter SDG – George Blair 11-yard field goal, 7:05. Chargers 24–7. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards. BOS – Gino Cappelletti 15-yard field goal, 2:41. Chargers 24–10. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards. SDG – Don Norton 14-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 0:48. Chargers 31–10. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards. Third quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 48-yard pass from Tobin Rote (George Blair kick), 9:14. Chargers 38–10. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 25-yard pass from John Hadl (pass failed), 2:55. Chargers 44–10. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards. SDG – John Hadl 1-yard run (George Blair kick), 1:19. Chargers 51–10. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards. Top passers BOS – Babe Parilli – 14/29, 189 yards, INT SDG – Tobin Rote – 10/15, 173 yards, 2 TD Top rushers BOS – Harry Crump – 7 rushes, 18 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 13 rushes, 206 yards, TD Top receivers BOS – Gino Cappelletti – 2 receptions, 72 yards SDG – Keith Lincoln – 7 receptions, 123 yards, TD thumb|right|273px|alt=A postcard image of San Diego in the late 1960s or early 1970s|The 1963 Chargers won the only major sports championship to date for the city of San Diego. Favored by six points heading into the game, San Diego thrashed the Patriots 51–10 to gain their only league title to date.Chargers tabbed by 6 over Pats https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84236641/title-game-odds-1-jan-1964/ UPI Los Angeles Times III-3 January 1, 1963 August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827174327/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84236641/title-game-odds-1-jan-1964/ live On the game's second play, Lincoln broke through a large hole in the middle of the line and gained 56 yards before being tackled at the Boston 4; two plays later, Rote ran the ball up the middle himself and scored a 2-yard touchdown. The Patriots went three-and-out, and Lincoln broke free again two plays later, this time taking a pitch to the left and racing along the sideline for an easy 67-yard touchdown. Boston was able to get on the scoreboard with a touchdown drive of their own, but San Diego scored again four plays into their response, with Lowe taking a pitch to the right, threading through would-be tacklers near the sideline and cutting back inside to complete a 58-yard touchdown run. Having run only ten offensive plays, San Diego had three rushes of 50-plus yards and a 21–7 lead. In the 2nd quarter, back-to-back sacks by Ladd and Faison forced a Patriots punt, Lincoln broke off a 44-yard run, and Blair extended the lead with a field goal. Boston managed a field goal of their own, but San Diego came back with another touchdown drive, Lincoln's receptions of 11 and 24 yards helping to set up Norton's 14-yard touchdown from a pass in the left flat. Mitinger intercepted Parilli a play later, and San Diego led 31–10 at halftime.1963 AFL Championship gamebook, Patriots at Chargers January 5, 1964 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription June 29, 2022 June 18, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220618090702/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html live Lowe fumbled on the first Charger play of the second half, but the San Diego defense forced a punt. Lincoln had a 32-yard gain on a swing pass on the following drive, setting up an Alworth touchdown; the flanker leaped and outfought a defensive back to pull in a long pass from Rote before completing a 48-yard touchdown. Hadl replaced Rote later in the game and was involved in the final two Charger touchdowns, finding Lincoln wide open over the middle on a 25-yard pass on 4th and 2, then scoring himself on a 1-yard run. Lincoln gained 329 yards from scrimmage, setting an AFL/NFL playoff record that still stands.Most yards from scrimmage, single game, playoffs https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/yds_from_scrimmage_single_game_playoffs.htm pro-football-reference.com March 26, 2021 November 28, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211128130325/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/yds_from_scrimmage_single_game_playoffs.htm live He won the game's MVP award after receiving 38 of the 39 available votes. In total, San Diego gained 610 yards and scored seven touchdown against a defense that had been highly respected coming into the game.Gillman respects Patriots' defense https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84236980/patriots-defense-5-jan-1964/ NEA Pomona Progress-Bulletin III-2 January 5, 1964 August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827174327/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84236980/patriots-defense-5-jan-1964/ live Gillman had drawn up an offensive game plan he dubbed 'Feast or Famine', using motion to confuse Boston's blitzers and spring his running backs for several large gains.Center Bill Sid Gillman helped put AFL on the map https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/the-52/sdut-the-52-sid-gillman-offensive-rocket-scientist-2014jul11-story.html#:~:text=Gillman%20was%20lauded%20for%20the,play%20the%20NFL%20champion%20Bears. San Diego Union Tribune July 11, 2014 February 26, 2022 February 26, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220226164626/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/the-52/sdut-the-52-sid-gillman-offensive-rocket-scientist-2014jul11-story.html#:~:text=Gillman%20was%20lauded%20for%20the,play%20the%20NFL%20champion%20Bears. live Post-match, he described his team as having the greatest balance of any team he had coached.Chargers are champs, 51–10 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84237905/chargers-51-10-patriots-6-jan-1964/ Braven Dyer Los Angeles Times III-1, III-4 January 6, 1964 August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827174329/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84237905/chargers-51-10-patriots-6-jan-1964/ live Chargers won their only AFL Championship title but in 1964 lose to the Buffalo Bills 20-7. Potential match with NFL champions On December 29, 1963, the Chicago Bears were crowned NFL champions for the eighth time, their top-ranked defense pressuring Y. A. Tittle into five interceptions as they beat the New York Giants 14–10.Bears whip Giants 14–10 for eighth NFL crown https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84243985/bears-14-10-giants-30-dec-1963/ AP Decatur Herald and Review Jack Hand 9 December 30, 1963 August 27, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224647/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84243985/bears-14-10-giants-30-dec-1963/ live San Diego's one-sided victory in the AFL title game a week later led to some speculation as to whether they might be a match for the Bears.Possible overall effect of tilt not significant https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83832161/chargers-bears-iii-18-jan-1964/ AP Greenville News 9 January 18, 1964 August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827201118/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83832161/chargers-bears-iii-18-jan-1964/ live Gillman declared that his team wouldn't disgrace themselves in such an encounter,Chargers' AFL champs say bring on those bears next https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83833032/chargers-bears-i-6-jan-1964/ AP Ventura County Star-Free Press B-2 January 6, 1964 August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827193340/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83833032/chargers-bears-i-6-jan-1964/ live though the Los Angeles Times noted that Chicago would represent a substantial step up in difficulty from the Patriots.Bring on the Bears! https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83832459/chargers-bears-ii-7-jan-1964/ Sid Ziff Los Angeles Times IV-3 January 7, 1964 August 26, 2021 August 26, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210826003458/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83832459/chargers-bears-ii-7-jan-1964/ live AFL commissioner Joe Foss had proposed a title game between the two leagues in a letter to his opposite number Pete Rozelle, published by Sports Illustrated in December 1963, while Gillman wrote to Bears head coach George Halas with a similar offer after the two title games had been played. Both proposals were politely declined.Steidel 2015 330Tobias 2004 18 The first game between the two leagues, Super Bowl I, occurred three years later.It's Super Sunday https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85751586/super-bowl-i-15-jan-1967/ Jack Hand AP 26 La Crosse Tribune January 15, 1967 September 21, 2021 July 31, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220731224647/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85751586/super-bowl-i-15-jan-1967/ live Awards Internal On December 12, the Chargers held their annual awards banquet. The Most Inspirational Player award was conferred by teammates, while the others were decided by a fan vote.Rote Feted by Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82163589/1963-awards/ UPI Camden Courier-Post 31 December 13, 1963 July 30, 2021 July 30, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210730181514/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82163589/1963-awards/ live +1963 San Diego Chargers club awards Award Winner Team MVP Tobin Rote Most Inspirational Player Chuck Allen Rookie of the Year Dick Westmoreland Most Valuable Offensive Back Keith Lincoln Most Valuable Offensive End Lance Alworth Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Ron Mix Most Valuable Defensive Back Chuck Allen Most Valuable Defensive Lineman Earl Faison External Eleven Chargers were in the West division squad for the AFL All-Star game,https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/probowl.htm 1963 AFL All-Stars Pro-Football-Reference December 24, 2023 while five were named to the Associated Press All-AFL 1st team and six to the 2nd team.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1963_AFL/allpro.htm 1963 AFL All-Pros Pro-Football-Reference December 23, 2023 Player Position All-Star AP 1st-team All-Pro AP 2nd-team All-Pro Chuck Allen Linebacker Lance Alworth Flanker George Blair Safety / Kicker Earl Faison Defensive end Dick Harris Cornerback Emil Karas Linebacker Dave Kocourek Tight end Ernie Ladd Defensive tackle Keith Lincoln Running back Paul Lowe Running back Ron Mix Tackle Don Rogers Center Tobin Rote Center Dick Westmoreland Guard Ernie Wright Tackle Notes 60em References 2 Bibliography Steidel Dave 9781631440465 The Uncrowned Champs: How the 1963 San Diego Chargers Would Have Won the Super Bowl Carrel 2015 Tobias Todd 9781596520127 Charging Through the AFL: Los Angeles and San Diego Chargers' Football in the 1960s Turner 2004 Category:American Football League championship seasons San Diego Chargers Category:San Diego Chargers seasons San Diego Chargers f