1986 San Diego Chargers season

NFL team season

1986 San Diego Chargers season
OwnerAlex Spanos
General managerJohnny Sanders
Head coachDon Coryell (weeks 1-8)
Al Saunders (weeks 9-16)
Home fieldJack Murphy Stadium
Results
Record4–12
Division place5th AFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
  • RB Gary Anderson
AP All-ProsNone[2]

The 1986 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 17th season in the National Football League (NFL), and its 27th overall. the team failed to improve on their 8–8 record from 1985. Following a stagnant 1–7 start, Head Coach Don Coryell was fired and Al Saunders was named interim Head Coach. After the season, Saunders was named the permanent Head Coach and would hold the position through the end of the 1988 season. Leslie O'Neal was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

NFL draft

1986 San Diego Chargers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 8 Leslie O'Neal *  DE Oklahoma State
1 13 James FitzPatrick  OT USC
3 66 Terry Unrein  DE Colorado State
3 70 Jeff Walker  T Memphis State
4 95 Ty Allert  LB Texas
4 97 Tommy Taylor  LB UCLA
5 118 Doug Landry  LB Louisiana Tech
5 129 Donald Brown  DB Maryland
5 133 Matt Johnson  DB USC
6 155 Curt Pardridge  WR Northern Illinois
7 182 Fred Smalls  LB West Virginia
8 209 Mike Perrino  T Notre Dame
9 235 Mike Zordich  DB Penn State
11 293 Chuck Sanders  RB Slippery Rock
11 298 Drew Smetana  T Oregon
12 320 Jeff Sprowls  DB Brigham Young
12 333 Mike Travis  DB Georgia Tech
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Roster

1986 San Diego Chargers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Rookies in italics

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
1 September 7 Miami Dolphins W 50–28 1–0 Jack Murphy Stadium 57,726 Recap
2 September 14 at New York Giants L 7–20 1–1 Giants Stadium 74,921 Recap
3 September 21 Washington Redskins L 27–30 1–2 Jack Murphy Stadium 57,853 Recap
4 September 28 at Los Angeles Raiders L 13–17 1–3 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 63,153 Recap
5 October 6 at Seattle Seahawks L 7–33 1–4 Kingdome 63,207 Recap
6 October 12 Denver Broncos L 14–31 1–5 Jack Murphy Stadium 55,662 Recap
7 October 19 at Kansas City Chiefs L 41–42 1–6 Arrowhead Stadium 55,767 Recap
8 October 26 at Philadelphia Eagles L 7–23 1–7 Veterans Stadium 41,469 Recap
9 November 2 Kansas City Chiefs L 23–24 1–8 Jack Murphy Stadium 48,518 Recap
10 November 9 at Denver Broncos W 9–3 2–8 Mile High Stadium 75,012 Recap
11 November 16 Dallas Cowboys L 21–24 2–9 Jack Murphy Stadium 55,622 Recap
12 November 20 Los Angeles Raiders L 31–37 (OT) 2–10 Jack Murphy Stadium 56,031 Recap
13 November 30 at Indianapolis Colts W 17–3 3–10 Hoosier Dome 47,950 Recap
14 December 7 Houston Oilers W 27–0 4–10 Jack Murphy Stadium 40,103 Recap
15 December 14 Seattle Seahawks L 24–34 4–11 Jack Murphy Stadium 47,096 Recap
16 December 21 at Cleveland Browns L 17–47 4–12 Cleveland Municipal Stadium 68,505 Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

All game reports use the Pro Football Researchers' gamebook archive as a source.[3]

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week One: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 14 7728
Chargers 17 9 141050

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

First quarter

  • SDG – Gary Anderson 18-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 10:52. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:07.
  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 26-yard field goal, 2:17. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 6:17.
  • SDG – Tim Spencer 17-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:24. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 0:53.

Second quarter

  • MIA – Mark Clayton 22-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick), 12:00. Chargers 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:24.
  • SDG – Buford McGee 4-yard run (kick blocked), 4:02. Chargers 23–7. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 2:59.
  • MIA – Mark Clayton 49-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick), 2:19. Chargers 23–14. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:43.
  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 36-yard field goal, 0:28. Chargers 26–14. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 1:51.

Third quarter

  • SDG – Wes Chandler 7-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 9:22. Chargers 33–14. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 4:21.
  • MIA – Nat Moore 6-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick), 6:47. Chargers 33–21. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 2:35.
  • SDG – Pete Holohan 17-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:21. Chargers 40–21. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 6:26.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Buford McGee 4-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 14:15. Chargers 47–21. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 0:59.
  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 36-yard field goal, 5:48. Chargers 50–21. Drive: 8 plays, 20 yards, 4:25.
  • MIA – Nat Moore 17-yard pass from Don Strock (Fuad Reveiz kick), 0:58. Chargers 50–28. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 0:46.

Top passers

  • MIA – Dan Marino – 23/36, 290 yards, 3 TD
  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 23/35, 293 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • MIA – Mark Clayton – 5 receptions, 143 yards, 2 TD
  • SDG – Wes Chandler – 6 receptions, 78 yards, TD

[4]

Week 2: at New York Giants

Week Two: San Diego Chargers at New York Giants – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 7 007
Giants 3 7 01020

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: September 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18.3 °C), relative humidity 52%, wind 17 mph
  • Game attendance: 74,921
  • Referee: Fred Wyant
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui and Bob Trumpy
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • NYG – Joe Cooper 21-yard field goal, 6:10. Giants 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 4:49.

Second quarter

  • NYG – Joe Morris 1-yard run (Joe Cooper kick), 13:16. Giants 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 1:35.
  • SDG – Gary Anderson 29-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 3:24. Giants 10–7. Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards, 1:22.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • NYG – Lionel Manuel 12-yard pass from Phil Simms (Joe Cooper kick), 7:14. Giants 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:14.
  • NYG – Joe Cooper 20-yard field goal, 3:12. Giants 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:32.

Top passers

  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 19/43, 224 yards, TD, 5 INT
  • NYG – Phil Simms – 18/37, 300 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • SDG – Buford McGee – 5 rushes, 19 yards
  • NYG – Joe Morris – 30 rushes, 83 yards, TD

Top receivers

[5]

Week 3: vs. Washington Redskins

Week Three: Washington Redskins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 7 13730
Chargers 14 7 3327

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: September 21
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 64 °F (17.8 °C), relative humidity 72%, wind 8 mph
  • Game attendance: 57,853
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan and Terry Bradshaw
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • WAS – Mark Moseley 29-yard field goal, 10:06. Redskins 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 3:43.
  • SDG – Gary Anderson 13-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 6:17. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:49.
  • SDG – Buford McGee 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:47. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 4:10.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Buford McGee 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 8:02. Chargers 21–3. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:11.
  • WAS – George Rogers 2-yard run (Mark Moseley kick), 4:08. Chargers 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 3:54.

Third quarter

  • WAS – Mark Moseley 24-yard field goal, 10:48. Chargers 21–13. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 4:12.
  • WAS – Mark Moseley 26-yard field goal, 4:19. Chargers 21–16. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 4:24.
  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 50-yard field goal, 2:03. Chargers 24–16. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:16.
  • WAS – George Rogers 10-yard run (Mark Moseley kick), 0:13. Chargers 24–23. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:50.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 31-yard field goal, 9:07. Chargers 27–23. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 4:21.
  • WAS – Gary Clark 14-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Mark Moseley kick), 1:16. Redskins 30–27. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 0:44.

Top passers

  • WAS – Jay Schroeder – 16/36, 341 yards, TD
  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 22/36, 235 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

  • WAS – George Rogers – 23 rushes, 87 yards, 2 TD
  • SDG – Lionel James – 9 rushes, 67 yards

Top receivers

[6]

Week 4: at Los Angeles Raiders

Week Four: San Diego Chargers at Los Angeles Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 6 7 0013
Raiders 0 7 7317

at Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: September 28
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 62 °F (16.7 °C), relative humidity 75%, wind 9 mph
  • Game attendance: 57,726
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui and Bob Trumpy
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • SDG – Kellen Winslow 9-yard pass from Dan Fouts (kick failed), 8:38. Chargers 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 4:26.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Trumaine Johnson 9-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 3:34. Chargers 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 2:56.
  • RAI – Dokie Williams 12-yard pass from Marc Wilson (Chris Bahr kick), 0:16. Chargers 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 0:43.

Third quarter

  • RAI – Jessie Hester 40-yard pass from Marc Wilson (Chris Bahr kick), 14:35. Raiders 14–13. Drive: 1 play, 40 yards, 0:07.

Fourth quarter

  • RAI – Chris Bahr 18-yard field goal, 1:41. Raiders 17–13. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 5:32.

Top passers

  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 20/45, 208 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
  • RAI – Marc Wilson – 19/28, 314 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • SDG – Lionel James – 8 receptions, 77 yards
  • RAI – Dokie Williams – 8 receptions, 143 yards, TD

[7]

Week 5: at Seattle Seahawks

Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 0 007
Seahawks 0 6 171033

at Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SEA – Norm Johnson 29-yard field goal, 13:49. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 15 plays, 68 yards, 5:54.
  • SEA – Norm Johnson 30-yard field goal, 0:08. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 3:15.

Third quarter

  • SEA – Norm Johnson 54-yard field goal, 10:36. Seahawks 9–7. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 4:24.
  • SEA – Byron Franklin 46-yard pass from Dave Krieg (Norm Johnson kick), 9:04. Seahawks 16–7. Drive: 3 plays, 50 yards, 0:15.
  • SEA – Steve Largent 15-yard pass from Dave Krieg (Norm Johnson kick), 8:51. Seahawks 23–7. Drive: 1 play, 15 yards, 0:03.

Fourth quarter

  • SEA – Eric Lane 2-yard pass from Dave Krieg (Norm Johnson kick), 12:39. Seahawks 30–7. Drive: 11 plays, 95 yards, 5:43.
  • SEA – Norm Johnson 20-yard field goal, 7:12. Seahawks 33–7. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:45.

Top passers

  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 20/31, 231 yards, 3 INT
  • SEA – Dave Krieg – 21/35, 284 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • SDG – Wes Chandler – 3 receptions, 61 yards
  • SEA – Byron Franklin – 5 receptions, 118 yards, TD

[8]

Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos

Week Six: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 3 71431
Chargers 7 0 0714

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: October 12
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 66 °F (18.9 °C), relative humidity 74%, wind 10 mph
  • Game attendance: 55,662
  • Referee: Gene Barth
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Jimmy Cefalo
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • DEN – Rich Karlis 21-yard field goal, 0:26. Broncos 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:19.

Third quarter

  • DEN – Gerald Willhite 3-yard pass from John Elway (Rich Karlis kick), 5:48. Broncos 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 5:47.

Fourth quarter

  • DEN – Gerald Willhite 1-yard run (Rich Karlis kick), 8:01. Broncos 24–7. Drive: 15 plays, 82 yards, 10:11.
  • DEN – Mike Harden 41-yard punt return (Rich Karlis kick), 7:06. Broncos 31–7.
  • SDG – Buford McGee 4-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 1:29. Broncos 31–14. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 2:18.

Top passers

  • DEN – John Elway – 20/34, 242 yards, TD, INT
  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 26/40, 352 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • DEN – Sammy Winder – 17 rushes, 74 yards, TD
  • SDG – Lionel James – 5 rushes, 27 yards

Top receivers

  • DEN – Steve Watson – 4 receptions, 92 yards
  • SDG – Gary Anderson – 6 receptions, 95 yards, TD

[9]

Week 7: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 17 71041
Chiefs 7 21 7742

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 19
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16.1 °C), relative humidity 74%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 55,767
  • Referee: Dick Jorgensen
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Jimmy Cefalo
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KAN – Lloyd Burruss 56-yard interception return (Nick Lowery kick), 9:53. Chiefs 14–7.
  • KAN – Kevin Ross 21-yard fumble return (Nick Lowery kick), 9:41. Chiefs 21–7.
  • SDG – Buford McGee 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 4:41. Chiefs 21–14. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:00.
  • KAN – Lloyd Burruss 47-yard interception return (Nick Lowery kick), 2:42. Chiefs 28–14.
  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 30-yard field goal, 1:06. Chiefs 28–17. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 1:36.
  • SDG – Leslie O'Neal 5-yard interception return (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:56. Chiefs 28–24.

Third quarter

  • KAN – Stephone Paige 16-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 12:57. Chiefs 35–24. Drive: 2 plays, 20 yards, 0:44.
  • SDG – Gary Anderson 2-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 6:46. Chiefs 35–31. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:11.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 21-yard field goal, 14:06. Chiefs 35–34. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 5:38.
  • KAN – Boyce Green 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 10:18. Chiefs 42–34. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:48.
  • SDG – Gary Anderson 12-yard pass from Mark Herrmann (Rolf Benirschke kick), 3:42. Chiefs 42–41. Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 0:56.

Top passers

  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 19/33, 200 yards, TD, 3 INT
  • KAN – Bill Kenney – 6/9, 97 yards, TD

Top rushers

  • SDG – Tim Spencer – 10 rushes, 57 yards
  • KAN – Mike Pruitt – 10 rushes, 35 yards

Top receivers

  • SDG – Gary Anderson – 11 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TD
  • KAN – Stephone Paige – 3 receptions, 66 yards, 2 TD

[10]

Week 8: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 0 077
Eagles 3 3 31423

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13.3 °C), relative humidity 92%, wind 9 mph
  • Game attendance: 41,469
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (NBC): Kevin Slaten and Dave Rowe
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • PHI – Paul McFadden 33-yard field goal, 6:28. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 3:37.

Second quarter

  • PHI – Paul McFadden 34-yard field goal, 2:00. Eagles 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 3:18.

Third quarter

  • PHI – Paul McFadden 36-yard field goal, 4:58. Eagles 9–0. Drive: 15 plays, 55 yards, 5:21.

Fourth quarter

  • PHI – Mike Quick 10-yard pass from Ron Jaworski (Paul McFadden kick), 10:02. Eagles 16–0. Drive: 3 plays, 15 yards, 1:27.
  • SDG – Charlie Joiner 20-yard pass from Tom Flick (Rolf Benirschke kick), 7:49. Eagles 16–7. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 2:13.
  • PHI – Keith Byars 2-yard run (Paul McFadden kick), 1:12. Eagles 23–7. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 2:24.

Top passers

  • SDG – Mark Herrmann – 11/29, 122 yards, INT
  • PHI – Ron Jaworski – 12/23, 98 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • SDG – Gary Anderson – 12 rushes, 60 yards
  • PHI – Michael Haddix – 14 rushes, 48 yards

Top receivers

  • SDG – Trumaine Johnson – 7 receptions, 85 yards
  • PHI – John Spagnola – 7 receptions, 72 yards

[11]

Week 9: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Nine: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 0 71724
Chargers 2 14 0723

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18.3 °C), relative humidity 59%, wind 9 mph
  • Game attendance: 48,518
  • Referee: Fred Wyant
  • TV announcers (NBC): Fred Roggin and Dave Rowe
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • SDG – Safety, ball snapped out of end zone, 12:11. Chargers 2–0.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Wes Chandler 7-yard pass from Tom Flick (Rolf Benirschke kick), 13:31. Chargers 9–0. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 4:34.
  • SDG – Tim Spencer 4-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 10:42. Chargers 16–0. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:24.

Third quarter

  • KAN – Jeff Smith 1-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 4:08. Chargers 16–7. Drive: 10 plays, 30 yards, 4:26.

Fourth quarter

  • KAN – Emile Harry 5-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 7:43. Chargers 16–14. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:01.
  • KAN – Mike Pruitt 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 1:46. Chiefs 21–16. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 1:52.
  • SDG – Tom Flick 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 1:02. Chargers 23–21. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 0:44.
  • KAN – Nick Lowery 37-yard field goal, 0:07. Chiefs 24–23. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 0:55.

Top passers

  • KAN – Bill Kenney – 21/32, 287 yards, 2 TD
  • SDG – Tom Flick – 4/17, 42 yards, TD, 4 INT

Top rushers

  • KAN – Jeff Smith – 10 rushes, 41 yards
  • SDG – Gary Anderson – 25 rushes, 100 yards

Top receivers

  • KAN – Henry Marshall – 7 receptions, 90 yards
    KAN – Carlos Carson – 4 receptions, 90 yards
  • SDG – Wes Chandler – 3 receptions, 40 yards, TD

[12]

Week 10: at Denver Broncos

Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 3 039
Broncos 0 3 003

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: November 9
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 31 °F (−0.6 °C), relative humidity 48%, wind 8 mph, wind chill 24
  • Game attendance: 75,012
  • Referee: Fred Silva
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Jimmy Cefalo
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 25-yard field goal, 5:37. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 17 plays, 78 yards, 9:23.

Second quarter

  • DEN – Rich Karlis 44-yard field goal, 14:40. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 5:57.
  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 48-yard field goal, 7:27. Chargers 6–3. Drive: 11 plays, 45 yards, 7:13.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 21-yard field goal, 7:18. Chargers 9–3. Drive: 16 plays, 48 yards, 8:45.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • SDG – Curtis Adams – 16 rushes, 38 yards
  • DEN – Sammy Winder – 9 rushes, 24 yards

Top receivers

  • SDG – Kellen Winslow – 7 receptions, 54 yards
  • DEN – Mark Jackson – 2 receptions, 76 yards

[13]

Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week Eleven: Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 10 0 01424
Chargers 0 7 7721

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 16
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18.3 °C), relative humidity 65%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 55,622
  • Referee: Tom Dooley
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jack Buck and Joe Theismann
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • DAL – Rafael Septien 33-yard field goal, 7:02. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 2:58.
  • DAL – Mike Sherrard 68-yard pass from Steve Pelluer (Rafael Septien kick), 3:24. Cowboys 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:39.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Tim Spencer 7-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 3:17. Cowboys 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 3:40.

Third quarter

  • SDG – Kellen Winslow 28-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 6:39. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 5:14.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Kellen Winslow 4-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 14:02. Chargers 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:36.
  • DAL – Herschel Walker 1-yard run (Rafael Septien kick), 7:26. Chargers 21–17. Drive: 3 plays, 2 yards, 0:56.
  • DAL – Steve Pelluer 2-yard run (Rafael Septien kick), 1:37. Cowboys 24–21. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 0:32.

Top passers

  • DAL – Steve Pelluer – 18/33, 246 yards, TD
  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 22/41, 275 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • DAL – Tony Dorsett – 14 rushes, 76 yards
  • SDG – Curtis Adams – 9 rushes, 33 yards

Top receivers

  • DAL – Mike Sherrard – 4 receptions, 115 yards, TD
  • SDG – Gary Anderson – 8 receptions, 85 yards

[14]

Week 12: vs. Los Angeles Raiders

Week Twelve: Los Angeles Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Raiders 14 7 100637
Chargers 0 10 714031

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 20
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16.1 °C), relative humidity 88%, wind 8 mph
  • Game attendance: 56,031
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels and Frank Gifford
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • RAI – Jerry Robinson 2-yard blocked punt return (Chris Bahr kick), 11:41. Raiders 7–0.
  • RAI – Todd Christensen 11-yard pass from Jim Plunkett (Chris Bahr kick), 6:29. Raiders 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 2:58.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 47-yard field goal, 9:12. Raiders 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 4:22.
  • SDG – Curtis Adams 19-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 2:26. Raiders 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:16.
  • RAI – Dokie Williams 10-yard pass from Jim Plunkett (Chris Bahr kick), 0:24. Raiders 21–10. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 2:02.

Third quarter

  • RAI – Chris Bahr 52-yard field goal, 12:31. Raiders 24–10. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:53.
  • RAI – Lester Hayes 39-yard fumble return (Chris Bahr kick), 12:04. Raiders 31–10.
  • SDG – Curtis Adams 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:37. Raiders 31–17. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:32.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Curtis Adams 13-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 12:11. Raiders 31–24. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:38.
  • SDG – Charlie Joiner 16-yard pass from Mark Herrmann (Rolf Benirschke kick), 1:01. Tied 31–31. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 2:22.

Overtime

  • RAI – Marcus Allen 28-yard run, 6:27. Raiders 37–31. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:02.

Top passers

  • RAI – Jim Plunkett – 23/40, 348 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • SDG – Mark Herrmann – 13/23, 198 yards, TD

Top rushers

  • RAI – Marcus Allen – 21 rushes, 88 yards, TD
  • SDG – Curtis Adams – 26 rushes, 93 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

  • RAI – Todd Christensen – 11 receptions, 173 yards, TD
  • SDG – Gary Anderson – 7 receptions, 113 yards

[15]

Week 13: at Indianapolis Colts

Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 10 0 0717
Colts 0 0 303

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: November 30
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: N/A (game played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 47,950
  • Referee: Red Cashion
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph and Dave Rowe
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 19-yard field goal, 4:26. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 18 plays, 82 yards, 10:34.
  • SDG – Wes Chandler 30-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:43. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 2 plays, 42 yards, 0:12.

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Third quarter

  • IND – Dean Biasucci 27-yard field goal, 9:27. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:33.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Curtis Adams 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 1:42. Chargers 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 2:45.

Top passers

  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 24/31, 290 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • IND – Jack Trudeau – 15/28, 130 yards, INT

Top rushers

  • SDG – Curtis Adams – 21 rushes, 68 yards, TD
  • IND – Albert Bentley – 8 rushes, 33 yards

Top receivers

  • SDG – Wes Chandler – 5 receptions, 110 yards, TD
  • IND – Bill Brooks – 7 receptions, 76 yards

[16]

Week 14: vs. Houston Oilers

Week Fourteen: Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Oilers 0 0 000
Chargers 0 17 3727

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 7
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14.4 °C), relative humidity 81%, wind 9 mph
  • Game attendance: 40,103
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Jimmy Cefalo
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Tim Spencer 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 13:21. Raiders 14–3. Drive: 3 plays, 23 yards, 0:59.
  • SDG – Gary Anderson 31-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 13:01. Raiders 14–10. Drive: 1 play, 31 yards, 0:07.
  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 20-yard field goal, 0:48. Raiders 31–17. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 4:10.

Third quarter

  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 35-yard field goal, 10:45. Raiders 31–17. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:15.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Kellen Winslow 4-yard pass from Gary Anderson (Rolf Benirschke kick), 8:24. Raiders 31–24. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 4:05.

Top passers

  • HOU – Oliver Luck – 10/26, 110 yards, 2 INT
  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 21/30, 250 yards, TD

Top rushers

  • HOU – Ray Wallace – 9 rushes, 45 yards
  • SDG – Curtis Adams – 17 rushes, 53 yards

Top receivers

[17]

Week 15: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week Fifteen: Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 10 7 31434
Chargers 0 17 0724

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (13.9 °C), relative humidity 71%, wind 6 mph
  • Game attendance: 47,096
  • Referee: Chuck Heberling
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph and Dave Rowe
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • SEA – Norm Johnson 29-yard field goal, 9:29. Seahawks 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 32 yards, 4:06.
  • SEA – Steve Largent 6-yard pass from Dave Krieg (Norm Johnson kick), 3:44. Seahawks 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 4:31.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Tim Spencer 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 13:38. Seahawks 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:06.
  • SEA – Daryl Turner 72-yard pass from Dave Krieg (Norm Johnson kick), 13:19. Seahawks 17–7. Drive: 1 play, 72 yards, 0:19.
  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 23-yard field goal, 4:14. Seahawks 17–10. Drive: 16 plays, 76 yards, 9:05.
  • SDG – Kellen Winslow 14-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:10. Tied 17–17. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 0:58.

Third quarter

  • SEA – Norm Johnson 25-yard field goal, 9:01. Seahawks 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 5:59.

Fourth quarter

  • SEA – Steve Largent 23-yard pass from Dave Krieg (Norm Johnson kick), 13:40. Seahawks 27–17. Drive: 14 plays, 96 yards, 7:42.
  • SDG – Tim Spencer 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 6:56. Seahawks 27–24. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 6:44.
  • SEA – Ray Butler 14-yard pass from Dave Krieg (Norm Johnson kick), 2:23. Seahawks 34–24. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 4:33.

Top passers

  • SEA – Dave Krieg – 15/21, 305 yards, 4 TD
  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 21/38, 237 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • SEA – Curt Warner – 28 rushes, 93 yards
  • SDG – Curtis Adams – 18 rushes, 66 yards

Top receivers

  • SEA – Steve Largent – 6 receptions, 96 yards, 2 TD
  • SDG – Kellen Winslow – 8 receptions, 105 yards, TD

[18]

Week 16: at Cleveland Browns

Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 10 7017
Browns 7 13 171047

at Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: December 21
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 34 °F (1.1 °C), relative humidity 67%, wind 7 mph, wind chill 28
  • Game attendance: 68,505
  • Referee: Bob Frederic
  • TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond and Jon Morris
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • CLE – Kevin Mack 2-yard run (Mark Moseley kick), 11:25. Browns 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 5:50.
  • SDG – Wes Chandler 19-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 8:20. Browns 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:05.
  • SDG – Rolf Benirschke 40-yard field goal, 1:01. Browns 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 0:55.
  • CLE – Brian Brennan 57-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (kick failed), 0:06. Browns 20–10. Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 0:55.

Third quarter

  • CLE – Harry Holt 1-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Mark Moseley kick), 13:12. Browns 27–10. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 1:33.
  • CLE – Herman Fontenot 9-yard run (Mark Moseley kick), 10:00. Browns 34–10. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 0:54.
  • CLE – Mark Moseley 37-yard field goal, 6:36. Browns 37–10. Drive: 7 plays, 10 yards, 3:14.
  • SDG – Gary Anderson 65-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick, 4:49. Browns 37–17. Drive: 5 plays, 79 yards, 1:47.

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Curtis Dickey 2-yard run (Mark Moseley kick), 13:54. Browns 44–17. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:46.
  • CLE – Mark Moseley 32-yard field goal, 3:19. Browns 47–17. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:49.

Top passers

  • SDG – Dan Fouts – 15/27, 236 yards, 2 TD
  • CLE – Bernie Kosar – 21/28, 258 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • SDG – Tim Spencer – 5 rushes, 22 yards
  • CLE – Major Everett – 10 rushes, 38 yards

Top receivers

  • SDG – Wes Chandler – 6 receptions, 113 yards, TD
  • CLE – Brian Brennan – 7 receptions, 176 yards, TD

[19]

Standings

AFC West
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 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Denver Broncos(2) 11 5 0 .688 5–3 8–4 378 327 L1
Kansas City Chiefs(5) 10 6 0 .625 5–3 9–5 358 326 W3
Seattle Seahawks 10 6 0 .625 5–3 7–5 366 293 W5
Los Angeles Raiders 8 8 0 .500 4–4 7–5 323 346 L4
San Diego Chargers 4 12 0 .250 1–7 4–8 335 396 L2

Awards and honors

  • v
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Los Angeles Chargers
  • Founded in 1960
  • Played in San Diego (1961–2016)
  • Based in Inglewood, California
  • Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California
Franchise
Stadiums
Culture
Lore
Rivalries
Wild card berths (4)
Division championships (15)
Conference championships (1)
League championships (1)
Media
Current league affiliations
Former league affiliation
  • Category
  • v
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Los Angeles Chargers seasons
Played in San Diego (1961–2016)
Bold indicates AFL Championship (1960–69) or Super Bowl (1966–) victory
Italics indicates AFL Championship (1960–69) or Super Bowl (1966–) appearance

References

  1. ^ "1986 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  2. ^ "1986 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  3. ^ "Members area". profootballresearchers.com.
  4. ^ "1986 week 1 gamebook, Dolphins at Chargers". September 7, 1986.
  5. ^ "1986 week 2 gamebook, Chargers at Giants". September 14, 1986.
  6. ^ "1986 week 3 gamebook, Redskins at Chargers". September 21, 1986.
  7. ^ "1986 week 4 gamebook, Chargers at Raiders". September 28, 1986.
  8. ^ "1986 week 5 gamebook, Chargers at Seahawks". October 6, 1986.
  9. ^ "1986 week 6 gamebook, Broncos at Chargers". October 12, 1986.
  10. ^ "1986 week 7 gamebook, Chargers at Chiefs". October 19, 1986.
  11. ^ "1986 week 8 gamebook, Chargers at Eagles". October 26, 1986.
  12. ^ "1986 week 9 gamebook, Chiefs at Chargers". November 2, 1986.
  13. ^ "1986 week 10 gamebook, Chargers at Broncos". November 9, 1986.
  14. ^ "1986 week 11 gamebook, Cowboys at Chargers". November 16, 1986.
  15. ^ "1986 week 12 gamebook, Raiders at Chargers". November 20, 1986.
  16. ^ "1986 week 13 gamebook, Chargers at Colts". November 30, 1986.
  17. ^ "1986 week 14 gamebook, Oilers at Chargers". December 7, 1986.
  18. ^ "1986 week 15 gamebook, Seahawks at Chargers". December 14, 1986.
  19. ^ "1986 week 16 gamebook, Chargers at Browns". December 21, 1986.