Highlighted Year: Gary Garrison, 1970

Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers

 Age: 26

5^th season in pro football & with Chargers

College: San Diego State

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 193

Prelude:

Garrison gained 1272 pass receiving yards in San Diego State’s air-oriented offense, setting a school record with 26 touchdowns. He twice received Little All-American honors and appeared in the East-West Shrine Game as a senior. Garrison was a future draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles and Chargers in 1965. Joining the Chargers in 1966, he moved into the starting lineup as split end in place of the injured Don Norton across from star flanker Lance Alworth during his 1966 rookie season, catching 46 passes for 642 yards (14.0 avg.) and four TDs. The speedy Garrison followed up with 44 receptions for 772 yards (17.5 avg.) in 1967 and 52 catches for 1103 yards (21.2 avg.) and 10 TDs in ’68 when he was selected to the AFL All-Star Game. Plagued by injuries in 1969, Garrison’s numbers dropped to a still-impressive 40 catches for 804 yards (20.1 avg.) with 7 TDs.

1970 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 44 [16, tied with four others]         

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 165 yds.) at Chicago 10/18

Yards – 1006 [4]

Most yards, game – 165 (on 8 catches) at Chicago 10/18

Average gain – 22.9 [4]

TDs – 12 [2, tied with Gene Washington, 1^st in AFC]

100-yard receiving games – 4

Rushing

Attempts – 4

Yards – 7

Average gain – 1.8

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 12 [3, tied with Ron Johnson & Gene Washington, 1^st in AFC]

Points – 72 [20, tied with Ron Johnson & Gene Washington]

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 5-6-3 to finish third in the AFC West.

Aftermath:

Garrison followed up with Pro Bowl seasons in 1971 and ‘72, catching 42 passes for 889 yards (21.2 avg.) and 6 TDs in ’71 and 52 for 744 yards (14.3 avg.) and 7 scores in ’72. He spent a total of 11 seasons with San Diego, until 1976, catching a total of 404 passes for 7533 yards (18.6 avg.) and 58 touchdowns. He appeared in one game with the Houston Oilers in 1977 after being let go by the Chargers and caught one last pass for five yards to close out his career. Garrison received second-team All-AFL or All-AFC honors twice and was chosen to three Pro Bowls.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: Dan Fouts, 1980

Quarterback, San Diego Chargers

Age:  29

8^th season in pro football & with Chargers

College: Oregon

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 210

Prelude:

A third-round draft choice by the Chargers in 1973, Fouts gradually took over the starting job as a rookie while an over-the-hill Johnny Unitas faded from the scene in his last season. He struggled for the next two years but benefited from the presence of Bill Walsh as offensive coordinator in 1976. Fouts missed the first 10 games in ’77 due to a lawsuit against the NFL, although he performed well upon his return. Head Coach Tommy Prothro was replaced by the pass-oriented Don Coryell during the 1978 season, and the sturdy drop-back passer’s career benefited greatly. After leading the NFL in yards per attempt in ’78 (7.9), he set a new passing yardage record in 1979 with 4082, led the league in completion percentage (62.6), and was a consensus first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl selection.  

1980 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 589 [1]

Most attempts, game – 45 vs. Denver 11/9

Completions – 348 [1]

Most completions, game – 29 vs. Oakland 9/14, vs. Denver 11/9

Yards – 4715 [1]

Most yards, game – 444 vs. NY Giants 10/19

Completion percentage – 59.1 [10]

Yards per attempt – 8.0 [2]

TD passes – 30 [2, tied with Vince Ferragamo & Brian Sipe, 1^st in AFC]

Most TD passes, game – 4 at Seattle 9/7

Interceptions – 24 [5]

Most interceptions, game – 5 vs. Oakland 9/14

Passer rating – 84.7 [6]

400-yard passing games – 1

300-yard passing games – 8

200-yard passing games – 15

Rushing

Attempts – 23

Most attempts, game – 5 (for -5 yds.) vs. Philadelphia 11/30

Yards – 15

Most yards, game – 12 yards (on 2 carries) at Miami 11/20

Yards per attempt – 0.7

TDs – 2

Scoring

TDs – 2

Points – 12

Postseason: 2 G

Pass attempts – 82

Most pass attempts, game – 45 vs. Oakland, AFC Championship

Pass completions – 44

Most pass completions, game – 22 vs. Buffalo, AFC Divisional playoff; vs. Oakland, AFC Championship

Passing yardage – 650

Most passing yards, game – 336 vs. Oakland, AFC Championship

TD passes – 4

Most TD passes, game – 2 vs. Buffalo, AFC Divisional playoff; vs. Oakland, AFC Championship

Interceptions – 3

Most interceptions, game – 2 vs. Oakland, AFC Championship

Rushing attempts – 3

Most rushing attempts, game – 2 vs. Buffalo, AFC Divisional playoff

Rushing yards – -4

Most rushing yards, game – 2 vs. Oakland, AFC Championship

Average gain rushing – -1.3

Rushing TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

2^nd team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 11-5 to finish first in the AFC West while leading the NFL in total yards (6410) and passing yards (4531). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Buffalo Bills (20-14). Lost AFC Championship to Oakland Raiders (34-27).

Aftermath:

With an outstanding group of receivers to throw to in the Air Coryell passing game, Fouts broke his passing yardage record once again with 4802 yards in 1981 while leading the NFL in attempts (609) and completions (360) as well as TD passes (33). He was a Pro Bowl selection for a third straight year, although the Chargers once again came up short in the playoffs. In the strike-shortened ’82 season Fouts led the NFL in passing yards (2883), TD passes (17), and yards per attempt (8.7) and received MVP honors from the PFWA and NEA as well as Offensive Player of the Year recognition from AP. Playing in just 10 games in 1983, Fouts again achieved Pro Bowl recognition. While he never again passed for 4000 yards in the remaining five years of his career, he did throw for over 3000 three more times, led the league in yards per attempt (8.5) and TD percentage (6.3) in 1985, and was twice more selected to the Pro Bowl (for a total of six). At the time of his retirement, he ranked second all-time in NFL career pass attempts (5604), completions (3297), and yards (43,040) and had a passer rating of 80.2. The Chargers retired his #14 and Fouts was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1993.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1960: Oilers Defeat Chargers for Home-Opening Win

The Houston Oilers faced the Los Angeles Chargers in their first home game of the inaugural American Football League season on September 18, 1960. Coached by Lou Rymkus, the Oilers had made one of the new league’s biggest splashes when they signed HB Billy Cannon, the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU, away from the NFL’s Rams. They also had an established veteran in 33-year-old QB George Blanda (pictured at right), formerly of the Chicago Bears, who had been lured out of a year’s retirement and also doubled as a reliable placekicker. Nagged by injuries, Cannon had yet to show the expected form as a pro, but less-heralded first-year FB Dave Smith gained 104 yards on the ground in the first-week win over the Raiders.

The Chargers promised to be a significant test. A highly-regarded team under the direction of Head Coach Sid Gillman, formerly of the Rams, they featured QB Jack Kemp throwing to a capable group of receivers. The line, anchored by rookie OT Ron Mix, was a good one and the defense was especially effective in the secondary. LA had won all four of its preseason games and then came from behind the previous week to defeat the Dallas Texans in the regular season opener.

There were 20,156 fans in attendance at Jeppessen Stadium on a steamy 90-degree day. On their second possession, the Chargers put together the first scoring drive as Jack Kemp completed five of six passes for 47 yards. The last was to flanker Royce Womble in the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown and Ben Agajanian kicked the extra point.

On LA’s next series, following a punt by the Oilers, CB Mark Johnston intercepted a long pass by Kemp and returned it 33 yards to the Los Angeles 47. After an incompletion on first down, Blanda pitched out to Dave Smith, who ran 47 yards for a TD. Blanda added the game-tying point after.

The Oilers again got into scoring position thanks to a 51-yard punt return by Billy Cannon to the LA 27. A screen pass to FB Charley Tolar reached the three and the series ended when Blanda kept the ball himself for the final yard and a touchdown. Blanda converted and the home team was in front by 14-7.

As the game headed into the second quarter, the Chargers were forced to turn the ball over on downs at their 36 after FB Howie Ferguson was twice stopped short of gaining the necessary yard to keep the series going. Blanda passed to a leaping end John Carson for a first down at the two and it was the quarterback scoring once again from a yard out and adding the point after to extend the lead to 21-7.

The Chargers came back with a 62-yard drive as Kemp (pictured at left) connected on seven of eight throws, the last to end Ralph Anderson in the end zone. Agajanian’s kick narrowed the Houston margin to 21-14, and that remained the score at halftime.

The Oilers started the third quarter by advancing 71 yards in seven plays that included Blanda throwing to Carson for a 36-yard gain. For the third time, Blanda finished the series off with a one-yard touchdown on a quarterback sneak and added the extra point.

HB Ron Waller fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Houston recovered at the Los Angeles 19. The home team wasn’t able to reach the end zone, but Blanda kicked a 13-yard field goal and Houston was ahead by 31-14. Once again the Chargers turned the ball over on the kickoff, with HB Paul Lowe the culprit this time, and the Oilers again had possession at the LA 23. A clipping penalty moved them back to the 41, but Cannon, breaking three tackles, ran 39 yards to the two yard line. Tolar powered over for a one-yard TD, Blanda converted, and Houston, with 17 third quarter points, had a huge lead of 38-14.

The reeling Chargers finally put together a sustained drive, going 83 yards as Kemp passed to TE Howard Clark for a 50-yard gain and to Womble for a 19-yard touchdown, with Agajanian kicking the PAT. But the Oilers were able to run the clock down in the fourth quarter with backups Jacky Lee and Charlie Milstead in relief of Blanda.

Late in the game, Los Angeles put together a five-play, 89-yard scoring possession with the big play a pass from Kemp to FB Charlie Flowers that covered 55 yards for a touchdown. But with less than two minutes left to play, the verdict was long decided. Houston won by a final score of 38-28.

The Oilers had the edge in total yards (377 to 357), with 284 of Houston’s total coming on the ground, while the teams were even in first downs with 22 apiece. The third quarter proved critical as the Oilers scored 17 points and Los Angeles ran only seven plays to take an insurmountable lead. The Chargers turned the ball over four times, to two by Houston, although the Oilers were penalized ten times, at a cost of 88 yards, to five flags thrown on LA.

George Blanda didn’t have a high-percentage passing day, completing just 6 of 17 throws for 101 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, but he was effective when he connected. He also scored three TDs on quarterback sneaks among his 20 yards on five carries. Dave Smith (pictured below) topped the Houston rushers with 77 yards on 14 attempts that included a touchdown. Billy Cannon added 68 yards on 8 carries and returned a kickoff for 32 yards and two punts for 57. John Carson led the receivers with three catches for 54 yards.

For the Chargers, Jack Kemp completed 27 of 44 passes for 337 yards and four touchdowns (all of which remained season highs) while giving up one interception. Ralph Anderson had 8 catches for 50 yards and a TD and Howard Clark gained 94 yards on his four receptions. Royce Womble contributed five catches for 65 yards and two TDs. It was a lackluster day for Los Angeles running the ball and Howie Ferguson led the club with 20 yards on 7 attempts.

The Oilers lost their next game but remained consistently strong throughout the season, topping the Eastern Division with a 10-4 record. The Chargers lost two of their next three contests but finished with eight wins in nine games (including the rematch with Houston) to also compile a 10-4 tally and top the Western Division (A key component of the second-half surge was the insertion of HB Paul Lowe into the starting lineup, adding potency to the running game). The two teams met for the AFL Championship, won by the Oilers. The Chargers departed LA for San Diego the following season.

George Blanda passed for 2413 yards and 24 touchdowns and ranked second in the AFL in field goals with 15 and scoring with 115 points. The three rushing TDs against the Chargers were truly an anomaly, as he had compiled a total of five in his years with the Bears and, after tallying one more during the 1960 season, never scored another in the remainder of his long career that ended in 1975.

1978: Raiders Cap Comeback Against Chargers with “Holy Roller”

The Oakland Raiders were at 0-1 as they faced their downstate rivals, the San Diego Chargers, on September 10, 1978. In their tenth season under Head Coach John Madden, the Raiders had reached the playoffs six straight times and were the NFL Champions in 1976. QB Ken “The Snake” Stabler had a lesser year in ’77 but remained tough in the clutch. There was a good stable of running backs led by FB Mark van Eeghen as well as a receiving corps that included All-Pro TE Dave Casper. The line remained solid and the defense seasoned and looking forward to the return of LB Phil Villapiano from a knee injury. They had lost to Denver, the team that had moved past them in the AFC West the previous year, in the opening week and needed to even their record.

San Diego, coached by Tommy Prothro, had won at Seattle to start the season, and was coming off of a 7-7 record that was the club’s best since 1969, its last year in the AFL. The offense, led by the up-and-coming QB Dan Fouts, was developing and the defense was especially adept at rushing enemy passers. The Chargers had beaten Oakland for the first time in 18 games (including two ties) in their last meeting the previous year and they were looking to do it again.

There were 51,653 fans in attendance at San Diego Stadium. Neither team was able to score in the early going, but both had opportunities. The normally-reliable Rolf Benirschke missed a 28-yard field goal attempt for the Chargers while kicking from the dirt in the baseball infield portion of the field. Oakland drove once into scoring territory but Mark van Eeghen fumbled the ball away at the ten.

Early in the second quarter, Dan Fouts tossed a pass that was deflected by SS Mike Davis and caught by TE Pat Curran for a 14-yard TD. Benirschke added the extra point for the 7-0 lead. Oakland finally got on the board as well. Dave Casper caught a Stabler pass on his fingertips for a 44-yard gain, and that set up another Stabler to Casper throw for a six-yard TD. Errol Mann converted to tie the score.

The Chargers moved back in front later in the period on a one-yard carry by short-yardage specialist HB Hank Bauer, but Benirschke hooked the extra point attempt. The significance of that failure was not yet apparent and the home team took a 13-7 lead into halftime.

San Diego dominated time of possession in the third quarter, but didn’t score again until early in the fourth quarter when FB Bo Matthews broke away for a 28-yard gain to set up Bauer’s two-yard touchdown carry. This time Benirschke added the point after, and the Chargers appeared to be in command with a 20-7 lead. Facing an upset, the Raiders came through with a big play as Stabler went long to WR Morris Bradshaw and the result was a 44-yard touchdown. Mann converted and San Diego’s margin was reduced to six with 8:26 left to play.

It seemed as though the margin would hold up when the Chargers managed to hold on to the ball for five minutes and the Raiders finally regained possession at their 20 with 1:07 left on the clock. Oakland, with all three timeouts available, advanced down the field as Stabler completed passes to Bradshaw for 13 yards and HB Pete Banaszak for 14. A long completion to TE Raymond Chester  gained 27 yards and a fourth completion, to WR Fred Biletnikoff, picked up another 13 yards.

With the clock down to ten seconds and the ball at the San Diego 14, Stabler was hit from behind by LB Woodrow Lowe as he was setting up to pass. The ball bounced forward toward the end zone and players from both teams scrambled after it, with Banaszak batting it along. TE Dave Casper also rolled the ball forward (pictured at top) before he fell on it in the end zone for a touchdown and, with Errol Mann’s all-important extra point, the Raiders, having advanced 81 yards in eight plays, came away winners by a final score of 21-20.

A furious Coach Tommy Prothro insisted that the play should have been ruled an incomplete pass since the ball had traveled forward after leaving Stabler’s hand. There was also a question pertaining to Oakland players helping to propel it forward. The existing rule was clear on the matter: “A player may not bat or push a loose ball in the field of play toward the opposition’s goal line”. But it was a judgment call by the officials, led by referee Jerry Markbreit, and there was no replay option available to challenge the ruling. The touchdown on the play that came to be known as the “Holy Roller” stood.

“Somebody grabbed me and I was trying to throw the ball about the time I got hit,” said Stabler of the climactic play. “I fumbled it on purpose, yes, I was trying to fumble.”

“Sure I batted it,” added Pete Banaszak of his role in propelling the ball along. “I could see a San Diego guy right alongside of me. If I picked it up, he would have tackled me and the game would have been over.”

The Chargers had the edge in total yards (372 to 364), with 197 on the ground, and first downs (24 to 18). Oakland turned the ball over four times, to none by San Diego, and the Chargers recorded four sacks, with none recorded by the Raiders. But the home team failed to score more points when it had opportunities, including the missed field goal and extra point.

Ken Stabler completed just 15 of 35 passes, but they were good for 307 yards and two touchdowns while giving up three interceptions. Dave Casper had five catches for 100 yards and a TD and Morris Bradshaw (pictured at left) gained 107 yards on his four pass receptions that also included a score. Mark van Eeghen rushed for 72 yards on 12 carries.

For the Chargers, Dan Fouts was successful on 17 of 29 throws for 175 yards and a TD with none intercepted. Bo Matthews ran for 78 yards on 20 attempts and FB Don Woods contributed 66 yards on 17 carries while each caught four passes, for 25 and 51 yards, respectively. On defense, FS Glen Edwards accounted for two of the team’s three interceptions.

The Raiders won five of their next six games and were at 8-4 before losing three straight and finishing with a 9-7 record. It was respectable and placed second in the AFC West, but Oakland missed the postseason. Coach Madden resigned, citing health concerns. Tommy Prothro was gone from the Chargers sooner as San Diego lost its next four games. He was replaced by Don Coryell, formerly of San Diego State and the St. Louis Cardinals, and the team went 7-1 in the second half of the season to also come in at 9-7.

As for the “Holy Roller”, the NFL addressed the issue in the offseason. The new language on advancing forward fumbles was “a fourth down fumble anywhere may be advanced only by the player who fumbled the ball. Any fumble on any down after the two-minute warning of a half can be advanced only by the player who fumbled the ball.”

1976: Cards Beat Chargers in Preseason Game in Tokyo

It was a National Football League first on August 16, 1976 when the San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Cardinals met for a preseason game in Tokyo, Japan. While NFL contests had been played in Canada, never before had one occurred outside of North America.

The game was referred to as the Mainichi Star Bowl since it was jointly sponsored by the Mainichi Newspaper Company and the Sports Nippon Newspaper Company as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration.

There were 38,000 fans in attendance in a misty rain at the Korakuen Stadium, normally used for baseball. The crowd was mostly Japanese with some Americans for the Monday night contest and the atmosphere was festive. Fans were enthusiastic and occasionally engaged in chants during the contest, such as “Chargers, Chargers, Banzai! Banzai!” and “Cardinals, attack the ball!”

Many citizens of the city of Suwa in central Japan, which had engaged in several cultural exchanges with St. Louis, were at the game, led by Mayor Setsuji Iwamoto. Four firemen played Japanese army assault marches on their bugles while another citizen of the city banged on a drum.

“They are such nice people, and they respond very quickly to our action,” said Lori West, a University of Missouri student and cheerleader for the Cardinals.

As for the participants on the field, it was the third preseason game for each club. The Cardinals, coached by Don Coryell for the fourth year, were coming off of consecutive NFC East titles and had been 11-3 in 1975. San Diego was a less successful club under the direction of Head Coach Tommy Prothro and posted a 2-12 record the previous year, its sixth straight losing season. In a rebuilding mode, the Chargers hired Bill Walsh away from Cincinnati to be offensive coordinator and especially to provide guidance for young QB Dan Fouts.

Neither team generated much of a ground attack in the early going. In the first quarter, Jim Bakken kicked a 30-yard field goal for the Cards and, in the second quarter, St. Louis again moved into scoring position thanks to a nine-yard carry by HB Jerry Latin and a run by HB Wayne Morris that picked up five for a first down at the San Diego 15. From there, QB Bill Donckers threw a touchdown pass to WR Pat Tilley and Bakken converted to put the Cards up by 10-0. San Diego finally got on the board with four seconds left in the first half as Sergio Albert booted a 30-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, a bad punt by a heavily-rushed Terry Joyce of the Cards, kicking from his own end zone, gave the Chargers possession at the St. Louis 28. Dan Fouts tossed a four-yard completion to WR Charlie Joiner before throwing a 23-yard TD pass to WR Dwight McDonald and Albert added the extra point that tied the contest at 10-10.

The Cardinals came right back as Jim Hart went long to WR Ike Harris in a play that covered 52 yards for a touchdown. Bakken closed out the scoring with a 10-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and St. Louis won by a final tally of 20-10.

The game was pass-heavy, with the Cards running 41 times for 105 yards and San Diego gaining just 34 yards on 19 attempts. St. Louis had 20 first downs to 12 for the Chargers.

Bill Donckers and Jim Hart both threw 14 passes apiece for the Cardinals, with Donckers, the backup, completing 10 for 94 yards and a touchdown and Hart 9 for 111 yards and a TD. Neither was intercepted. Wayne Morris gained 49 yards on 14 carries and Pat Tilley caught 4 passes for 54 yards.

For the Chargers, Dan Fouts completed just 4 of 10 passes for 70 yards while backup Jesse Freitas was successful on 9 of 20 for 85 yards and was intercepted once. FB Jim Harrison had 28 yards on 6 carries to pace the club in rushing. Dwight McDonald caught two passes for 44 yards and a TD.

In the regular season, St. Louis put together a 10-4 record but just missed the playoffs this time, ending up third in the NFC East. The Chargers improved to 6-8 and third in the AFC West.

As a side note, Bill Walsh stayed for a year with the Chargers before departing for Stanford, and Dan Fouts, who showed much improvement under Walsh’s guidance, would go on to Hall of Fame success after Don Coryell left the Cards and came to San Diego to replace Tommy Prothro.

As for the NFL playing outside of North America, the next overseas preseason game occurred in London, UK in 1983, and London would become a regular host to preseason and, eventually, regular season contests. The NFL would also return to Tokyo, but not until 1989, and for preseason games only.

Highlighted Year: Antonio Cromartie, 2007

Cornerback, San Diego Chargers

Age: 23

2^nd season in pro football & with Chargers

College: Florida State

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 203

Prelude:

Cromartie intercepted five passes in college and returned 43 kickoffs for a 23.3-yard average, but in 2005, his last year, he missed the season due to a knee injury suffered during a summer workout. A raw talent with great potential, Cromartie was chosen by the Chargers in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft and split time with CB Drayton Florence as a rookie. He emerged in ’07, showing off outstanding ball-hawking ability in addition to fine speed for coverage.

2007 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 10 [1]

Most interceptions, game – 3 vs. Indianapolis 11/11

Int. return yards – 144 [6]

Most int. return yards, game – 91 (on 2 int.) vs. Houston 10/28

Int. TDs – 1 [7, tied with many others]

Sacks – 0

Fumble recoveries – 2

Forced fumbles – 0

Tackles – 39

Assists – 5

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 3

Yards – 67

Average per return – 22.3

TDs – 0

Longest return – 26 yards

Scoring

TDs – 3

Points – 18

One TD scored on the 109-yard return of a missed field goal vs. Minnesota, a NFL record.

Postseason: 3 G

Interceptions – 2

Int. return yards – 37

TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 11-5 to finish first in the AFC West while leading the NFL in interceptions (30). Won AFC Wild Card playoff over Tennessee Titans (17-6) & AFC Divisional playoff over Indianapolis Colts (28-24). Lost AFC Championship to New England Patriots (21-12).

Aftermath:

Cromartie had a lesser year in 2008, playing with a hip injury, and intercepted just two passes. There were off-field issues in ’09 and he was traded to the New York Jets in 2010. Cromartie had problems with consistency in his first two years with the Jets but stepped up when top CB Darrelle Revis was injured and garnered Pro Bowl recognition in 2012. Following another Pro Bowl year in 2013, Cromartie moved on to the Arizona Cardinals, again achieved Pro Bowl honors, and returned to the Jets as a free agent in 2015. He had a disappointing year, seeming to have lost speed and failing to intercept a pass for the first time since his rookie year, and was released in the offseason. Overall through 2015, Cromartie has intercepted 31 passes, three of which he returned for touchdowns, with 15 pickoffs and two TDs coming with the Chargers. He also has returned two of his five fumble recoveries for touchdowns and ran back 60 kickoffs for a 23.9-yard average. Cromartie received first-team All-NFL honors once and was named to four Pro Bowls.

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Highlighted Years features players who were first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: Wes Chandler, 1982

Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers

Age: 26

5^th season in pro football, 2^nd with Chargers (1^st complete)

College: Florida

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 183

Prelude:

Playing wide receiver in a wishbone offense in college, Chandler caught 93 passes for 1994 yards (21.4 avg.) and 22 touchdowns, adding 353 rushing yards and six TDs in his senior season of 1977. He received some All-American recognition after both the 1976 and ’77 seasons and was chosen by the New Orleans Saints in the first round (third overall) of the 1978 NFL draft. Chandler caught 35 passes for 472 yards (13.5 avg.) as a rookie and broke out in 1979 with 65 receptions for 1069 yards (16.4 avg.) and six TDs, gaining selection to the Pro Bowl as well as second-team All-NFL honors from NEA. He followed up with another solid year in ’80, catching 65 passes for 975 yards (15.0 avg.) and six touchdowns. The Chargers obtained him during the 1981 season after having dealt disgruntled WR John Jefferson to Green Bay, and Chandler proved to fit perfectly in the high-powered “Air Coryell” (for Head Coach Don Coryell) passing offense. Of his 69 catches for 1142 yards and six TDs, 52 for 857 yards (16.5 avg.) and five scores came with San Diego.

1982 Season Summary

Appeared in 8 of 9 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 49 [4, tied with Cris Collinsworth & Ozzie Newsome]  

Most receptions, game – 10 (for 260 yds.) vs. Cincinnati 12/20

Yards – 1032 [1]

Most yards, game – 260 (on 10 catches) vs. Cincinnati 12/20

Average gain – 21.1 [2]

TDs – 9 [1]

200-yard receiving games – 1

100-yard receiving games – 6

Rushing

Attempts – 5

Yards – 32

Average gain – 6.4

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 9 [4, tied with Wilbert Montgomery & Chuck Muncie]

Points – 54 [15, tied with Wilbert Montgomery, Chuck Muncie & Joe Danelo]

Postseason: 2 G

Pass receptions – 11

Most pass receptions, game – 9 at Pittsburgh, AFC First Round playoff

Pass receiving yards – 162

Most pass receiving yards, game – 124 at Pittsburgh, AFC First Round playoff

Average yards per reception – 14.7

Pass Receiving TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly

1^st team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 6-3 in the strike-shortened season and were fifth seed in the AFC playoff tournament that replaced the usual postseason format while leading the NFL in total yards (4048), passing yards (2927), touchdowns (34), and scoring (288 points). Won First Round playoff over Pittsburgh Steelers (31-28). Lost Second Round playoff to Miami Dolphins (34-13).

Aftermath:

Although hampered by a sprained foot, Chandler caught 58 passes for 845 yards (14.6 avg.) and five touchdowns in 1983 and was again selected for the Pro Bowl. He slipped further in ’84 but bounced back with 67 catches for a career-high 1199 yards (17.9 avg.) and 10 TDs in 1985, earning another Pro Bowl trip. Following lesser seasons in 1986 and ’87, and with the team in decline, Chandler was traded to San Francisco in 1988 where he caught four passes in four games in his last year. Overall, Chandler caught 559 passes for 8966 yards (16.0 avg.) and 56 touchdowns, with 373 of those receptions for 6132 yards (16.4 avg.) and 41 TDs coming with the Chargers. He was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection once, received second-team honors after one other season, and was chosen to four Pro Bowls.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: John Carney, 1994

Placekicker, San Diego Chargers

Age: 30

7^th season in pro football, 4^th complete with Chargers

College: Notre Dame

Height: 5’11” Weight: 170

Prelude:

Carney kicked 51 field goals in college and set a Notre Dame season record with his 89.5 percentage in 1984 (17 of 19). He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1987 but failed to make the team and sat out the year. Carney finished out the last four games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1988, substituting for the injured Donald Igwebuike, and started the year in ’89, playing in a total of five games and making good on two of five field goal attempts and all six of his PAT attempts. After failing to make the Chargers during the 1990 preseason, he appeared in one game with the Rams and was then re-signed by San Diego, succeeding on 19 of 21 field goal attempts. Following a lesser year in ’91, Carney bounced back to have two strong seasons, including hitting on 31 of 40 field goal tries in 1993, with two games in which he kicked six field goals in as many attempts.

1994 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Kicking

Field goals – 34 [1, tied with Fuad Reveiz]

Most field goals, game – 5 at New Orleans 10/16, vs. Denver 10/23

Field goal attempts – 38 [3]

Most field goal attempts, game – 5 at New Orleans 10/16, vs. Denver 10/23

Field goal percentage – 89.5 [2]

PATs – 33 [9, tied with Ed Murray]

PAT attempts – 33 [9, tied with Ed Murray]

Longest field goal – 50 yards at Atlanta 11/6, vs. San Francisco 12/11

Scoring

Field Goals – 34

PATs – 33

Points – 135 [1]

Postseason: 3 G

Field goals – 4

Most field goals, game – 2 vs. Miami, AFC Divisional playoff

Field goal attempts – 4

Most field goal attempts, game – 2 vs. Miami, AFC Divisional playoff

PATs – 5

Most PATs, game – 2 vs. Miami, AFC Divisional playoff; at Pittsburgh, AFC Championship

PAT attempts – 5

Longest field goal – 31 yards vs. San Francisco, Super Bowl

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, Sporting News

1^st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 11-5 to finish first in the AFC West. Won AFC Divisional playoff over Miami Dolphins (22-21) & AFC Championship over Pittsburgh Steelers (17-13). Lost Super Bowl to San Francisco 49ers (49-26).   

Aftermath:

Carney spent another six years with the Chargers and departed following the 2000 season as the club’s all-time leader in field goals (261) and scoring (1076 points). While not strong on kickoffs, and with concerns about his range, he joined the New Orleans Saints in 2001 and stayed for six years, providing reliability if not long distance. Carney split time with the Jaguars and Chiefs in 2007 before moving on to the New York Giants in ’08, where he had an excellent season, making good on 35 of 38 field goal attempts and gaining selection to the Pro Bowl at age 44. However, his contract was not renewed and he spent parts of the 2009 and ’10 seasons back with the Saints, finishing his 23-year career at 46 years old. Overall, Carney kicked 478 field goals in 580 attempts (82.4 %) and added 628 extra points (with 10 misses) for a total of 2062 points The field goal and point totals ranked third all-time in NFL history. He received first-team All-NFL recognition once, second-team honors twice, and was chosen to two Pro Bowls. Carney was named to the Chargers’ 50^th anniversary all-time team.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1965: Bills Shut Out Chargers to Repeat as AFL Champions

The American Football League Championship game on December 26, 1965 featured a rematch of the previous year’s participants. This time it was the Buffalo Bills, now defending champs, going on the road to face the San Diego Chargers.

The Bills easily topped the Eastern Division with a 10-3-1 record. They were still coached by Lou Saban and QB Jack Kemp (pictured at right), a former Charger, was again lining up behind center and coming off of a season in which he received AFL Player of the Year recognition. But temperamental star FB Cookie Gilchrist had been dealt to Denver and not adequately replaced and injuries cost the offense the services of flanker Elbert Dubenion and split end Glenn Bass for most of the season. Flanker Bo Roberson and rookie TE Paul Costa helped to fill the void, but it was once again the rugged defense that allowed Buffalo to dominate its division. The unit that contained AFL All-Stars in DT Tom Sestak, LB Mike Stratton, CB Butch Byrd, and safety George Saimes was solid throughout. In addition, pioneering soccer-style PK Pete Gogolak led the AFL with 28 field goals.

San Diego won the Western Division for a third consecutive season by going 9-2-3. Under the direction of Head Coach Sid Gillman, the Chargers had the league’s highest-scoring offense. QB John Hadl was developing into a top passer and flanker Lance Alworth was the premier player at his position, possibly in either league. HB Paul Lowe led the AFL in rushing and versatile FB Keith Lincoln was formidable when healthy, which had not been the case through much of ‘65. The defense was strongest on the line, featuring DE Earl Faison and DT Ernie Ladd, and linebackers Chuck Allen and Frank Buncom led a capable group. Moreover, the Chargers had beaten and tied the Bills during the regular season and, playing for the championship at home, were 6.5-point favorites to win.

There were 30,361 fans in attendance on a pleasant day at Balboa Stadium. The game settled into a defensive battle with no scoring in the first quarter. CB Speedy Duncan of the Chargers intercepted a Jack Kemp pass at the San Diego 33, but San Diego had to punt from midfield. On their next series, starting from deep in their own territory, Paul Lowe took off on a 47-yard run, but the Bills tossed John Hadl for consecutive losses and the home team had to punt again. Coach Gillman chose to have rookie FB Jim Allison handle the punting rather than Hadl, in order to keep the quarterback rested, but when the first two kicks went just 19 and nine yards, respectively, Hadl took over that chore.

Early in the second quarter, a promising series for the Chargers reached the Buffalo 28 but Herb Travenio missed a 35-yard field goal attempt that was partially deflected. The teams exchanged punts until late in the period when the Bills put together a six-play, 80-yard drive. FB Wray Carlton had two eight-yard carries and Kemp passed to Paul Costa, who made an outstanding catch for a 22-yard gain. Following two short running plays, Kemp then threw down the middle to TE Ernie Warlick in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown. Pete Gogolak kicked the extra point.

Following a short possession, the Chargers punted and Butch Byrd gathered in the 40-yard kick at his 26, evaded two tackles, and sped down the right sideline for a 74-yard touchdown. Gogolak converted again and the visitors were staked to a 14-0 lead.

On San Diego’s next offensive play, Hadl’s pass was intercepted by LB Harry Jacobs, who returned it to the Chargers’ 20, but the Bills were unable to pad their lead when Gogolak missed on a 24-yard try for a field goal. The Chargers advanced to the Buffalo 24 in the waning seconds of the first half as Hadl threw to Lance Alworth for 22 yards, ran for another 13, and completed two more short passes. But Travenio was wide on a 31-yard field goal attempt to close out the half.

The Chargers had the first possession in the third quarter and punted. The Bills went right to the air and a Kemp pass to Bo Roberson gained 49 yards to the San Diego 24, and while the Bills didn’t reach the end zone, they came away with an 11-yard field goal by Gogolak (pictured at left) that expanded Buffalo’s margin to 17-0.

Duncan returned the ensuing kickoff 49 yards to the Buffalo 48 and Keith Lincoln ran for 10 yards on first down. But after advancing to the 29, the Chargers tried to convert a fourth-and-one situation and a mix-up in the backfield caused them to lose five yards and turn the ball over on downs. It proved to be their last opportunity to get back into the game.

Following a punt by Buffalo’s Paul Maguire that pinned the Chargers back at their one yard line, the Bills blitzed Hadl, who hurried a long pass from his end zone that Byrd intercepted and returned to the San Diego 23. The Chargers continued to play tough on defense, but the Bills further added to their lead with a 39-yard Gogolak field goal.

Down by 20-0 as the game headed into the fourth quarter, the Chargers again turned the ball over on downs in their own territory and Buffalo capped the scoring with a Gogolak field goal from 32 yards. San Diego never again threatened in the remaining time and Buffalo won by a final score of 23-0.

The Bills led in total yards (260 to 223) and first downs (23 to 12). They also recorded five sacks, at a loss of 45 yards, to two by San Diego. The Chargers turned the ball over twice, to one by Buffalo, and were unable to take advantage of scoring opportunities.

Jack Kemp was not especially efficient with his passing, completing 8 of 19 throws, but they were good for 155 yards and a touchdown against one interception. Bo Roberson had three catches for 88 yards and Ernie Warlick contributed three receptions for 35 yards and a TD. Wray Carlton led the Bills with 63 rushing yards on 16 carries. Butch Byrd (pictured below) made significant contributions with an interception that he returned 24 yards and the touchdown on the punt return. Pete Gogolak was successful on three of his five field goal attempts.

For the Chargers, John Hadl, harried by the fierce pass rush, was successful on 11 of 23 throws for 140 yards and gave up two interceptions. Lance Alworth, who was double-teamed throughout the contest, caught four passes for 82 yards and Paul Lowe gained 57 yards on 12 carries, although most of that total came on one play.

“I can’t believe it,” said Jack Kemp regarding the final score. “Nobody expects to shut out the Chargers.”

“We just got beat,” stated a disappointed Coach Gillman of the Chargers. “We lost to a fine football team. The Bills have excellent personnel and coaching. What else is there to say?”

The AFL Championship game triumph proved to be the end for Coach Saban, who resigned to become head coach at the University of Maryland. Joel Collier, the assistant coach who had been in charge of the defense, was elevated to the top job. The Bills once again finished first in the Eastern Division but lost the title game to Kansas City and went into decline, not posting another winning record until 1973. The defeat for the AFL Championship also marked a transition for the Chargers. After having appeared in five of the league’s first six title contests, they did not appear in another. San Diego remained a respectable team but was blocked by the Chiefs and Raiders in the Western Division even while posting records above .500 for the remaining four AFL seasons before the merger with the NFL in 1970. The Chargers did not reach the postseason again until 1979.

1963: Raiders Score 31 Points in Fourth Quarter to Defeat Chargers

The Oakland Raiders were the American Football League’s most improved team as they hosted the San Diego Chargers on December 8, 1963. Under new Head Coach Al Davis, the Raiders had a new look and attitude, and a 7-4 record which, for a club that had won a total of three games over the last two seasons, was noteworthy enough. The duo of Tom Flores and Cotton Davidson handled the quarterbacking and HB Clem Daniels (pictured above) had emerged as a top rusher and receiver out of the backfield while split end Art Powell was a productive receiver. The defense, although better, was still a work in progress.

San Diego, at 9-2, was the team the Raiders were trying to catch, and they had upset the Chargers earlier in the year on the road. Head Coach Sid Gillman’s club featured an explosive offense directed by 35-year-old QB Tobin Rote. The receiving corps led by flanker Lance Alworth was outstanding and the running back combination of HB Paul Lowe and FB Keith Lincoln productive. The defense was tough, led by a rugged front line that featured DE Earl Faison and DT Ernie Ladd. 

There were 20,249 fans in attendance at Frank Youell Field in Oakland in what was viewed as the biggest game thus far in the Raiders’ brief history. However, it was the Chargers striking quickly on the game’s opening possession. Tobin Rote threw to Keith Lincoln on the first play to pick up 26 yards to the Oakland 26 and, while the visitors lost yardage on the next two plays, Rote passed to split end Don Norton on a third-and-16 play that resulted in a 32-yard touchdown. George Blair added the extra point for the early 7-0 advantage.

The teams exchanged punts before the Raiders, taking possession at their 40, drove to the San Diego 30. Clem Daniels threw an option pass to Art Powell for 10 yards in a third-and-seven situation and QB Tom Flores connected with Daniels for 14 yards to the San Diego 33. Mike Mercer kicked a 37-yard field goal to make it a 7-3 game.

The Chargers again punted following a short series and Oakland was driving as the game headed into the second quarter but also was forced to punt from midfield after Flores was sacked on third down. San Diego proceeded to drive 89 yards in six plays. Rote passed to Lance Alworth for a big pickup of 54 yards to the Oakland 35 and then connected with TE Dave Kocurek for another nine yards. Rote carried for five yards and a first down, threw to Norton for seven yards, and two plays later FB Bobby Jackson ran 14 yards for a TD. Blair again successfully converted and the visitors were up by 14-3.

Oakland responded with a scoring drive of 70 yards in six plays. Flores completed consecutive passes to Daniels, the longest for 21 yards, and while a holding penalty cost the Raiders 15 yards, Flores completed a throw to FB Alan Miller for 20 yards while facing second-and-22. A Daniels carry lost a yard, but on fourth down Flores fired down the middle for Powell (pictured below) and the result was a 45-yard touchdown. Mercer added the point after and the San Diego lead was narrowed to 14-10.

Alworth returned the ensuing kickoff 34 yards to give the Chargers good starting field position at their 44 and Rote immediately threw to Paul Lowe for 12 yards. But the series stalled at the Oakland 38 and Blair was wide on a 45-yard field goal attempt. The Raiders reached the San Diego 39 on their next possession but turned the ball over on downs and, with time running down in the first half, the Chargers moved 61 yards in five plays. Rote hit Norton twice, for 22 and 36 yards, to reach the Oakland three and, after losing ground on a running play, it was Rote to TE Jacque MacKinnon for a five-yard TD. Blair missed the extra point but the Chargers took a 20-10 lead into halftime.

The Raiders, with Cotton Davidson now at quarterback, had the first possession in the third quarter and thanks primarily to a run by Daniels for 23 yards they advanced into San Diego territory. But a holding penalty moved them back after reaching the 24 and after a long throw by Davidson intended for Powell in the end zone fell incomplete, Mercer was short on a 48-yard try for a field goal.

The teams again traded punts before the Chargers advanced 75 yards in six plays. A pass interference penalty helped San Diego along and Rote completed a pass to Kocurek for 40 yards. Rote finished the series off with a toss to Alworth for a 15-yard touchdown and, with Blair successful on the extra point, the Chargers carried a seemingly-comfortable 27-10 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Raiders had to punt early in the final period but got the ball back when Jackson fumbled after gaining 24 yards on a screen pass and safety Tom Morrow recovered for Oakland. Daniels took off on a 35-yard run and while Davidson was sacked by Earl Faison on the next play, he connected with Powell in the end zone on third down for a 10-yard TD. Mercer converted and the Raiders were down by ten points at 27-17.

On the second play of San Diego’s next possession, Lowe fumbled and safety Joe Krakoski recovered for the Raiders at the Chargers’ 23. Davidson tossed three incomplete passes but Mercer kicked a 30-yard field goal to narrow the margin to 27-20.

A short series by the Chargers resulted in a punt and Paul McGuire, after fielding a bad snap, kicked short to his own 43. Davidson threw a swing pass to Miller for six yards on second down and scrambled for 12 yards to the 22. Another pass and a run by Daniels got the ball to the nine, and from there Davidson ran for a touchdown. Mercer added the point after and the score was tied at 27-27.

Another short San Diego possession resulted in a punt and a good return by CB Claude Gibson had 15 yards tacked on due to a face mask penalty on the Chargers. Three plays later, Davidson passed to Powell in the end zone for a 40-yard TD. With Mercer’s kick, the Raiders were now in front by 34-27.

John Hadl was at quarterback when the reeling Chargers had the ball next, and he completed his first two passes, the longest of 18 yards to Norton to reach the Oakland 38. But the next three throws were incomplete and, on fourth down, Hadl’s pass was intercepted by LB Clancy Osborne, who returned it 48 yards to the San Diego 12. Miller ran for a two-yard touchdown that was the final nail in San Diego’s coffin. With the 31-point fourth quarter explosion, Oakland came away the winner by a final score of 41-27.

The Raiders led in total yards (406 to 336) and first downs (24 to 17). They held San Diego’s vaunted running attack to just 45 yards while gaining 154 yards of their own. San Diego also turned the ball over three times, with catastrophic results in the fourth quarter, while Oakland had no turnovers. However, the Raiders were penalized eight times, at a cost of 101 yards, to two flags thrown on the Chargers.

Tom Flores was 11 of 23 for 173 yards and a touchdown before being relieved by Cotton Davidson, who completed 6 of 17 passes for 95 yards and two TDs and ran seven times for 41 yards and a score. Clem Daniels rushed for 90 yards on 17 carries and had 7 catches for another 90 yards and also completed a 10-yard pass. Art Powell caught 6 passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns.

For the Chargers, Tobin Rote was successful on 17 of 25 throws for 284 yards and three TDs. Don Norton (pictured at right) had 6 pass receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown and Lance Alworth contributed three catches for 71 yards and a TD as well. However, Bobby Jackson led the team in rushing with 33 yards on five attempts that included a score while Paul Lowe was held to five yards on six carries and Keith Lincoln to no yards on two attempts.

“I didn’t really feel we were out of it at any time,” said Oakland’s Coach Davis. “We were always in there but just couldn’t do things right for awhile.”

The stunning win kept the Raiders in contention in the Western Division and they won their last two games, for a total of eight straight, to finish with a 10-4 record. However, San Diego also won its remaining contests and topped the division at 11-3. The Chargers went on to demolish the Boston Patriots to win the AFL Championship.

With Tom Flores passing for 2101 yards and Cotton Davidson 1276, the Raiders accumulated 3377 yards through the air and a league-leading 31 touchdowns. Clem Daniels set a new AFL record with 1099 rushing yards and also led the circuit by averaging 22.8 yards on 30 pass receptions. Art Powell topped the league with 16 touchdown receptions and 1304 receiving yards on his second-ranked 73 catches.