1986 San Diego Chargers season

NFL team season

1986 San Diego Chargers season
Owner	Alex Spanos
General manager	Johnny Sanders
Head coach	Don Coryell (weeks 1-8) Al Saunders (weeks 9-16)
Home field	Jack Murphy Stadium
Results
Record	4–12
Division place	5th AFC West
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	1 RB Gary Anderson
AP All-Pros	None
← 1985 Chargers seasons 1987 →

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 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※

Main article: 1986 NFL draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1986 San Diego Chargers draft
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 14 Dan Fouts 9 Mark Herrmann 12 Tom Flick 7 Bruce Mathison Running backs 26 Lionel James 40 Gary Anderson 42 Curtis Adams 43 Tim Spencer 21 Buford McGee Wide receivers 89 Wes Chandler 18 Charlie Joiner 83 Trumaine Johnson 81 Timmie Ware Tight ends 88 Pete Holohan 80 Kellen Winslow 85 Eric Sievers		Offensive linemen 61 Ken Dallafior G 75 Curt DiGiacomo G 70 James Fitzpatrick G 68 Gary Kowalski T 74 Jim Lachey T 62 Don Macek C 60 Dennis McKnight G 77 Sam Claphan G 63 Jim Leonard G 72 Jeff Walker T/G Defensive linemen 91 Leslie O'Neal DE 99 Lee Williams DE 78 Chuck Ehin 92 Dee Hardison 90 Mack Moore 98 Terry Unrein 96 Lester Williams 93 Earl Wilson 96 Blaise Winter		Linebackers 56 Ty Allert 57 Thomas Benson ILB 51 Woodrow Lowe 55 Derrie Nelson 50 Gary Plummer ILB 54 Billy Ray Smith, Jr. OLB 53 Mike Douglass 52 Mark Fellows 59 Andy Hawkins 90 Fred Robinson 52 Angelo Snipes Defensive backs 22 Gill Byrd CB 37 Jeffery Dale SS 20 Wayne Davis CB 23 Danny Walters CB 25 Vencie Glenn FS 27 Daniel Hunter 32 Donald Brown CB 33 David Martin 33 John Sullivan 24 Ken Taylor CB 30 Kevin Wyatt Special teams 2 Ralf Mojsiejenko P 6 Rolf Benirschke K		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.

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins※

Week One: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	14	7	7	28
Chargers	17	9	14	10	50

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: September 7
Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C), relative humidity 82%, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
Game attendance: 57,726
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph and Jimmy Cefalo
Box score

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

MIA – Lorenzo Hampton – 6 rushes, 26 yards
SDG – Lionel James – 10 rushes, 61 yards

Top receivers

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

Week 2: at New York Giants※

Week Two: San Diego Chargers at New York Giants – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	7	0	0	7
Giants	3	7	0	10	20

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 miles per hour (27 km/h; 15 kn)
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

SDG – Wes Chandler – 4 receptions, 58 yards
NYG – Mark Bavaro – 5 receptions, 89 yards

Week 3: vs. Washington Redskins※

Week Three: Washington Redskins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	3	7	13	7	30
Chargers	14	7	3	3	27

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 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
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

WAS – Art Monk – 7 receptions, 174 yards
SDG – Kellen Winslow – 4 receptions, 42 yards
SDG – Charlie Joiner – 3 receptions, 42 yards

Week 4: at Los Angeles Raiders※

Week Four: San Diego Chargers at Los Angeles Raiders – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	6	7	0	0	13
Raiders	0	7	7	3	17

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 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
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

SDG – Lionel James – 13 rushes, 41 yards
RAI – Napoleon McCallum – 14 rushes, 57 yards

Top receivers

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

Week 5: at Seattle Seahawks※

Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	0	0	0	7
Seahawks	0	6	17	10	33

at Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

Date: October 6
Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
Game weather: N/A (game played indoors)
Game attendance: 63,207
Referee: Red Cashion
TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford and O. J. Simpson
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – Buford McGee 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 7:32. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:34.

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

SDG – Lionel James – 10 rushes, 27 yards
SEA – Curt Warner – 28 rushes, 142 yards

Top receivers

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

Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos※

Week Six: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	7	3	7	14	31
Chargers	7	0	0	7	14

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 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn)
Game attendance: 55,662
Referee: Gene Barth
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Jimmy Cefalo
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – Gary Anderson 7-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 11:09. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 47 yards, 0:33.
DEN – Sammy Winder 1-yard run (Rich Karlis kick), 6:37. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 4:32.

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

Week 7: at Kansas City Chiefs※

Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	17	7	10	41
Chiefs	7	21	7	7	42

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 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
Game attendance: 55,767
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Jimmy Cefalo
Box score

Game information

First quarter

KAN – Stephone Paige 45-yard pass from Todd Blackledge (Nick Lowery kick), 9:38. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 45 yards, 0:06.
SDG – Gary Anderson 7-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 3:41. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:57.

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

Week 8: at Philadelphia Eagles※

Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	0	0	7	7
Eagles	3	3	3	14	23

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 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
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

Week 9: vs. Kansas City Chiefs※

Week Nine: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	0	7	17	24
Chargers	2	14	0	7	23

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 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
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

Week 10: at Denver Broncos※

Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	3	0	3	9
Broncos	0	3	0	0	3

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 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn), wind chill 24 °F (−4.4 °C)
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

SDG – Tom Flick – 16/22, 130 yards, INT
DEN – John Elway – 13/31, 196 yards, 3 INT

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

Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys※

Week Eleven: Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	10	0	0	14	24
Chargers	0	7	7	7	21

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 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
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

Week 12: vs. Los Angeles Raiders※

Week Twelve: Los Angeles Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Raiders	14	7	10	0	6	37
Chargers	0	10	7	14	0	31

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 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
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

Week 13: at Indianapolis Colts※

Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	10	0	0	7	17
Colts	0	0	3	0	3

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

Week 14: vs. Houston Oilers※

Week Fourteen: Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Oilers	0	0	0	0	0
Chargers	0	17	3	7	27

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 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
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

HOU – Ernest Givins – 4 receptions, 50 yards
HOU – Allen Pinkett – 4 receptions, 50 yards
SDG – Wes Chandler – 7 receptions, 75 yards

Week 15: vs. Seattle Seahawks※

Week Fifteen: Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	10	7	3	14	34
Chargers	0	17	0	7	24

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 miles per hour (9.7 km/h; 5.2 kn)
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

Week 16: at Cleveland Browns※

Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	10	7	0	17
Browns	7	13	17	10	47

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 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn), wind chill 28 °F (−2.2 °C)
Game attendance: 68,505
Referee: Bob Frederic
TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond and Jon Morris
Box score

Game information

First quarter

CLE – Webster Slaughter 46-yard pass from Herman Fontenot (Mark Moseley kick), 4:15. Browns 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:22.

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

Standings※

AFC West
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
Denver Broncos	11	5	0	.688	5–3	8–4	378	327	L1
Kansas City Chiefs	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※

Leslie O'Neal, Defensive Rookie of the Year

v t e Los Angeles Chargers
Founded in 1960 Played in San Diego (1961–2016) Based in Inglewood, California Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California
Franchise	Franchise History in San Diego NFL in Los Angeles Coaches Seasons Retired numbers Hall of Fame Anniversary teams 40th 50th Starting quarterbacks First-round draft picks
Stadiums	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Balboa Stadium SDCCU Stadium San Diego stadium proposals Dignity Health Sports Park SoFi Stadium
Culture	Fearsome Foursome Air Coryell Alex Spanos "San Diego Super Chargers" Los Angeles Charger Girls Bruise Brothers
Lore	Holy Roller Epic in Miami Freezer Bowl Snowball Game 2006 playoff game vs. New England Patriots
Rivalries	Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders
Wild card berths (4)	1995 2013 2018 2022
Division championships (15)	1960 1961 1963 1964 1965 1979 1980 1981 1992 1994 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009
Conference championships (1)	1994
League championships (1)	1963
Media	Broadcasters KYSR Matt "Money" Smith
Current league affiliations	League: National Football League (1970–present) Conference: American Football Conference Division: West Division
Former league affiliation	League: American Football League (1960–1969)
Category

v t e Los Angeles Chargers seasons
Played in San Diego (1961–2016)
1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Bold indicates AFL Championship (1960–69) or Super Bowl (1966–) victory Italics indicates AFL Championship (1960–69) or Super Bowl (1966–) appearance

1986 NFL season

East	Central	West	East	Central	West
Buffalo	Cincinnati	Denver	Dallas	Chicago	Atlanta
Indianapolis	Cleveland	Kansas City	NY Giants	Detroit	LA Rams
Miami	Houston	LA Raiders	Philadelphia	Green Bay	New Orleans
New England	Pittsburgh	San Diego	St. Louis	Minnesota	San Francisco
NY Jets		Seattle	Washington	Tampa Bay

References※

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

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