Jump to content

1971 San Diego Chargers season: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
add short description
returnn → return
 
(42 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
<!--Important Note: This page complies with [[Wikipedia:Centralized discussion/Sports results]]-->
<!--Important Note: This page complies with [[Wikipedia:Centralized discussion/Sports results]]-->
{{Infobox NFL season
{{Infobox NFL team season
| team = San Diego Chargers
| team = San Diego Chargers
| year = 1971
| year = 1971
| record = 6–8
| record = 6–8
| division_place = 3rd [[AFC West]]
| division_place = 3rd [[AFC West]]
| coach = [[Harland Svare]]
| coach = [[Sid Gillman]] <small>(games 1-10)</small><br />[[Harland Svare]] <small>(games 11-14)</small>
| general manager = Harland Svare
| general manager = Harland Svare
| owner = [[Eugene V. Klein]]
| owner = [[Eugene V. Klein]]
| stadium = [[San Diego Stadium]]
| stadium = [[San Diego Stadium]]
| pro bowlers = {{Collapsible list
| title = 2<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1971/probowl.htm |title=1971 NFL Pro Bowlers |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref>
| 1 = WR [[Gary Garrison]]
| 2 = G [[Walt Sweeney]]
}}
| AP All-pros = ''None''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1971/allpro.htm |title=1971 NFL All-Pros |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref>
| playoffs = ''Did not qualify''
| playoffs = ''Did not qualify''
| shortnavlink = Chargers seasons
| shortnavlink = Chargers seasons
}}
}}


The '''{{nfly|1971}} [[San Diego Chargers]] [[List of San Diego Chargers seasons|season]]''' was the franchise's second season in the [[National Football League]] (NFL), and its 12th overall. The team improved on their 5–6–3 record in [[1970 NFL season|1970]]. It was [[Harland Svare]]'s first season as the team's head coach. After a 1-4 start, the Chargers would slightly improve, winning 3 of their next 4 games. However, they would lose 3 of their final 5 games en route to a 6-8 finish.
The '''{{nfly|1971}} [[San Diego Chargers]] [[List of San Diego Chargers seasons|season]]''' was the franchise's second season in the [[National Football League]] (NFL), and its 12th overall. The team improved on their 5–6–3 record in [[1970 NFL season|1970]]. It was [[Harland Svare]]'s first season as the team's head coach. After a 1–4 start, the Chargers would slightly improve, winning 3 of their next 4 games. However, they would lose 3 of their final 5 games en route to a 6-8 finish. The only bright spot was quarterback [[John Hadl]] who completed 233 passes out of 431 attempts for 3,075 yards and 21 touchdowns and won the NFL Man of the Year award as well as leading the league in both passing yards and touchdown passes.

== Offseason ==

=== NFL draft ===
{{main|1971 NFL draft}}

{{NFL team draft start
| year = 1971
| teamname = San Diego Chargers
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = [[List of Los Angeles Chargers first-round draft picks|1]]
| pick = 13
| player = [[Leon Burns]]
| position = [[Running back]]
| college = [[Long Beach State 49ers football|Long Beach State]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 3
| pick = 65
| player = [[Mike Montgomery (American football)|Mike Montgomery]]
| position = Running back
| college = [[Kansas State Wildcats football|Kansas State]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 5
| pick = 115
| player = [[Bryant Salter]]
| position = [[Safety (gridiron football position)|Safety]]
| college = [[Pittsburgh Panthers football|Pittsburgh]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 5
| pick = 117
| player = [[Ray White (American football)|Ray White]]
| position = [[Linebacker]]
| college = [[Syracuse Orange football|Syracuse]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 5
| pick = 119
| player = Phil Asack
| position = [[Defensive end]]
| college = [[Duke University|Duke]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 6
| pick = 143
| player = Jacob Mayes
| position = Running back
| college = [[Tennessee State Tigers football|Tennessee State]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 7
| pick = 169
| player = [[Chuck Dicus]]
| position = [[Wide receiver]]
| college = [[Arkansas Razorbacks football|Arkansas]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 8
| pick = 195
| player = Leon Van Gorkum
| position = Defensive end
| college = [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 9
| pick = 221
| player = [[John Tanner (gridiron football, born 1945)|John Tanner]]
| position = Linebacker
| college = [[Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles football|Tennessee Tech]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 10
| pick = 247
| player = Gary Nowak
| position = Linebacker
| college = [[Michigan State Spartans football|Michigan State]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 11
| pick = 273
| player = Don Pinson
| position = [[Defensive back]]
| college = Tennessee State
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 12
| pick = 299
| player = Wes Garnett
| position = Wide receiver
| college = [[Utah State Aggies football|Utah State]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 13
| pick = 325
| player = Sammy Milner
| position = Wide receiver
| college = [[Mississippi State Bulldogs football|Mississippi State]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 14
| pick = 351
| player = Edward O'Daniel
| position = Defensive end
| college = [[Texas Southern Tigers football|Texas Southern]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 15
| pick = 377
| player = Eric Humston
| position = Linebacker
| college = [[Muskingum University|Muskingum]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 16
| pick = 403
| player = Ed Foote
| position = [[Center (gridiron football)|Center]]
| college = [[Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football|Hawaii]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 17
| pick = 429
| player = [[Chip Kell]]
| position = Center
| college = [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee]]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft end
| hof = no
}}


== Roster ==
== Roster ==
Line 43: Line 232:
{{NFLplayer|84|Walker Gillette}}
{{NFLplayer|84|Walker Gillette}}
{{NFLplayer|25|Jerry LeVias}}
{{NFLplayer|25|Jerry LeVias}}
{{NFLplayer|32|Billy Parks|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|32|Billy Parks}}


| tight_ends =
| tight_ends =
Line 66: Line 255:
{{NFLplayer|75|Gary Nowak|rookie=y|DT}}
{{NFLplayer|75|Gary Nowak|rookie=y|DT}}
{{NFLplayer|79|Andy Rice|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|79|Andy Rice|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|85|John Tanner|d=gridiron football|rookie=y|DE/TE}}
{{NFLplayer|85|John Tanner|d=gridiron football, born 1945|rookie=y|DE/TE}}
{{NFLplayer|73|Lee Thomas|d=American football|rookie=y|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|73|Lee Thomas|d=American football|rookie=y|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|87|Tom Williams|d=defensive lineman|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|87|Tom Williams|d=defensive lineman|DE}}
Line 92: Line 281:


| reserve_lists =
| reserve_lists =
{{NFLplayer|64|Phil Asack|rookie=y|DE|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|65|Sam Gruneisen|C|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|65|Sam Gruneisen|C|IR}}


Line 100: Line 290:


=== Schedule ===
=== Schedule ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}}"| Week
! Week
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}}"| Date
! Date
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}}"| Opponent
! Opponent
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}}"| Result
! Result
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}}"| Record
! Attendance
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}}"| Venue
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}}"| Attendance
| 1
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}}"| Recap
| September 19, 1971
|-style="background:#cfc"
| [[Kansas City Chiefs]]
! 1
| W 21–14
| September 19
| <div style="text-align: center;">54,061</div>
| '''[[1971 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]'''
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| '''W''' 21–14
| 2
| 1–0
| September 26, 1971
| [[Oakland Raiders]]
| [[San Diego Stadium]]
| 54,061
| L 34–0
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197109190sdg.htm Recap]
| <div style="text-align: center;">54,084</div>
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background:#fcc"
| 3
! 2
| September 26
| October 3, 1971
| '''[[1971 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]'''
| at [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]
| L 21–17
| '''L''' 0–34
| 1–1
| <div style="text-align: center;">44,339</div>
| San Diego Stadium
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 4
| 54,084
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197109260sdg.htm Recap]
| October 10, 1971
|-style="background:#fcc"
| at [[Kansas City Chiefs]]
! 3
| L 31–10
| October 3
| <div style="text-align: center;">50,514</div>
| at [[1971 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| '''L''' 17–21
| 5
| 1–2
| October 17, 1971
| at [[Denver Broncos]]
| [[Three Rivers Stadium]]
| 44,339
| L 20–16
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110030pit.htm Recap]
| <div style="text-align: center;">51,200</div>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background:#fcc"
| 6
! 4
| October 23, 1971
| October 10
| at '''[[1971 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]'''
| [[Buffalo Bills]]
| '''L''' 10–31
| W 20–3
| 1–3
| <div style="text-align: center;">49,261</div>
| [[Municipal Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)|Municipal Stadium]]
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 7
| 50,514
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110100kan.htm Recap]
| October 31, 1971
|-style="background:#fcc"
| [[New York Jets]]
! 5
| W 49–21
| October 17
| <div style="text-align: center;">44,786</div>
| at '''[[1971 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]'''
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| '''L''' 16–20
| 8
| 1–4
| November 7, 1971
| at [[New York Giants]]
| [[Mile High Stadium]]
| 51,200
| L 35–17
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110170den.htm Recap]
| <div style="text-align: center;">62,905</div>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background:#cfc"
| 9
! 6
| November 15, 1971
| {{dow tooltip|October 23, 1971}}
| [[1971 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]
| [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]]
| W 20–17
| '''W''' 20–3
| 2–4
| <div style="text-align: center;">46,486</div>
| San Diego Stadium
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 10
| 49,261
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110230sdg.htm Recap]
| November 21, 1971
|-style="background:#cfc"
| at [[Oakland Raiders]]
! 7
| L 34–33
| October 31
| <div style="text-align: center;">54,681</div>
| [[1971 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| '''W''' 49–21
| 11
| 3–4
| November 28, 1971
| San Diego Stadium
| at [[Cincinnati Bengals]]
| 44,786
| L 31–0
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110310sdg.htm Recap]
| <div style="text-align: center;">59,580</div>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background:#fcc"
| 12
! 8
| November 7
| December 5, 1971
| at [[1971 New York Giants season|New York Giants]]
| [[Minnesota Vikings]]
| '''L''' 17–35
| W 30–14
| 3–5
| <div style="text-align: center;">54,505</div>
| [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]]
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 13
| 62,905
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197111070nyg.htm Recap]
| December 12, 1971
|-style="background:#cfc"
| [[Denver Broncos]]
! 9
| W 45–17
| {{dow tooltip|November 15, 1971}}
| <div style="text-align: center;">44,347</div>
| [[1971 St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) season|St. Louis Cardinals]]
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| '''W''' 20–17
| 14
| 4–5
| December 19, 1971
| San Diego Stadium
| at [[Houston Oilers]]
| 46,486
| L 49–33
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197111150sdg.htm Recap]
| <div style="text-align: center;">35,959</div>
|-style="background:#fcc"
! 10
| November 21
| at '''[[1971 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]'''
| '''L''' 33–34
| 4–6
| [[Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum]]
| 54,681
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197111210rai.htm Recap]
|-style="background:#fcc"
! 11
| November 28
| at [[1971 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]
| '''L''' 0–31
| 4–7
| [[Riverfront Stadium]]
| 59,580
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197111280cin.htm Recap]
|-style="background:#cfc"
! 12
| December 5
| [[1971 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]
| '''W''' 30–14
| 5–7
| San Diego Stadium
| 54,505
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197112050sdg.htm Recap]
|-style="background:#cfc"
! 13
| December 12
| '''[[1971 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]'''
| '''W''' 45–17
| 6–7
| San Diego Stadium
| 44,347
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197112120sdg.htm Recap]
|-style="background:#fcc"
! 14
| December 19
| at [[1971 Houston Oilers season|Houston Oilers]]
| '''L''' 33–49
| 6–8
| [[Houston Astrodome]]
| 35,959
| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197112190oti.htm Recap]
|}
|}
'''Note:''' Intra-division opponents are in '''bold''' text.

=== Game summaries ===

==== Week 1: vs. Kansas City Chiefs ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week One: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=September 19
|time=1:00 p.m. [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]
|road=Chiefs
|R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home='''Chargers'''
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=14
|stadium=[[San Diego Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|attendance=54,061
|weather={{convert|73|°F|1}}, relative humidity 74%, wind 12 mph
|referee=[[Ben Dreith]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197109190sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*KAN – [[Warren McVea]] 6-yard run ([[Jan Stenerud]] kick), 8:29. ''Chiefs 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 1:36.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*KAN – [[Ed Podolak]] 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 14:10. ''Chiefs 14–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:12.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Mike Montgomery (American football)|Mike Montgomery]] 39-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] ([[Dennis Partee]] kick), 4:04. ''Chiefs 14–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 2:56.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – [[Jerry LeVias]] 37-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 9:34. ''Tied 14–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 1:01.'''''
*SDG – [[Mike Garrett]] 26-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 5:20. ''Chargers 21–14. '''Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:17.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*KAN – [[Len Dawson]] – 11/22, 152 yards, 2 INT
*SDG – John Hadl – 17/37, 260 yards, 2 TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*KAN – Ed Podolak – 17 rushes, 65 yards, TD
*SDG – Mike Garrett – 15 rushes, 59 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*KAN – [[Otis Taylor (American football)|Otis Taylor]] – 3 receptions, 76 yards
*SDG – [[Gary Garrison]] – 4 receptions, 72 yards
}}

==== Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Two: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=September 26
|time=1:00 p.m. [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]
|road='''Raiders'''
|R1=3 |R2=3 |R3=14 |R4=14
|home=Chargers
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=[[San Diego Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|attendance=54,084
|weather={{convert|68|°F|1}}, relative humidity 57%, wind 11 mph
|referee=[[Jack Vest]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197109260sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*OAK – [[George Blanda]] 37-yard field goal, 4:26. ''Raiders 3–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:29.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*OAK – George Blanda 42-yard field goal, 5:01. ''Raiders 6–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 2:37.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*OAK – [[Fred Biletnikoff]] 36-yard pass from [[Daryle Lamonica]] (George Blanda kick), 7:55. ''Raiders 13–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:48.'''''
*OAK – [[Clarence Davis]] 2-yard run (George Blanda kick), 0:10. ''Raiders 20–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:44.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*OAK – Fred Biletnikoff 13-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 4:27. ''Raiders 27–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 4:32.'''''
*OAK – [[Ken Stabler]] 1-yard run (George Blanda kick), 0:21. ''Raiders 34–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:10.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 11/17, 162 yards, 2 TD
*SDG – [[John Hadl]] – 14/29, 174 yards, 5 INT
'''Top rushers'''
*OAK – Clarence Davis – 9 rushes, 75 yards, TD
*SDG – [[Jeff Queen]] – 9 rushes, 31 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*OAK – Fred Biletnikoff – 5 receptions, 93 yards, 2 TD
*SDG – [[Billy Parks]] – 5 receptions, 70 yards
}}

==== Week 3: at Pittsburgh Steelers ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Three: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
|date=October 3
|time=1:10 p.m. [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]]
|road=Chargers
|R1=3 |R2=7 |R3=7 |R4=0
|home='''Steelers'''
|H1=7 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=7
|stadium=[[Three Rivers Stadium]], [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]
|attendance=44,339
|weather={{convert|68|°F|1}}, relative humidity 82%, wind 7 mph
|referee=[[Jim Tunney (American football)|Jim Tunney]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110030pit.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*SDG – [[Dennis Partee]] 21-yard field goal, 6:26. ''Chargers 3–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards.'''''
*PIT – [[John Fuqua]] 5-yard run ([[Roy Gerela]] kick), 4:15. ''Steelers 7–3. '''Drive: 1 play, 5 yards.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – [[Billy Parks]] 16-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] (Dennis Partee kick), 4:19. ''Chargers 10–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:02.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*PIT – John Fuqua 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 8:47. ''Steelers 14–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 22 yards, 1:31.'''''
*SDG – [[Mike Garrett]] 4-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 2:09. ''Chargers 17–14. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:38.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*PIT – [[Terry Bradshaw]] 5-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 12:02. ''Steelers 21–17. '''Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 5:07.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – John Hadl – 25/36, 283 yards, TD, 2 INT
*PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 15/24, 175 yards
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – Mike Garrett – 12 rushes, 72 yards, TD
*PIT – John Fuqua – 15 rushes, 60 yards, 2 TD
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – Billy Parks – 8 receptions, 111 yards, TD
*PIT – John Fuqua – 5 receptions, 53 yards
}}

==== Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Four: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
|date=October 10
|time=1:05 p.m. [[Central Daylight Time|CDT]]
|road=Chargers
|R1=3 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home='''Chiefs'''
|H1=0 |H2=10 |H3=7 |H4=14
|stadium=[[Kansas City Municipal Stadium|Municipal Stadium]], [[Kansas City, Missouri]]
|attendance=50,514
|weather={{convert|53|°F|1}}, relative humidity 53%, wind 10 mph
|referee=[[Jack Reader]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110100kan.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*SDG – [[Dennis Partee]] 43-yard field goal, 9:58. ''Chargers 3–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – [[Mike Garrett]] 3-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] (Dennis Partee kick), 14:15. ''Chargers 10–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards.'''''
*KAN – [[Jim Otis]] 3-yard pass from [[Len Dawson]] ([[Jan Stenerud]] kick), 6:24. ''Chargers 10–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards.'''''
*KAN – Jan Stenerud 29-yard field goal, 1:13. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 1:52.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*KAN – [[Otis Taylor (American football)|Otis Taylor]] 3-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick), 4:23. ''Chargers 17–10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:23.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*KAN – [[Warren McVea]] 15-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 11:15. ''Chargers 24–10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:24.'''''
*KAN – [[Ed Podolak]] 7-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 0:16. ''Chargers 31–10. '''Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 8:28.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – John Hadl – 12/23, 125 yards, TD, 2 INT
*KAN – Len Dawson – 16/23, 188 yards, 2 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – Mike Garrett – 7 rushes, 44 yards
*KAN – [[Wendell Hayes]] – 11 rushes, 80 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – [[Billy Parks]] – 2 receptions, 36 yards<br>SDG – [[Gary Garrison]] – 1 reception, 36 yards
*KAN – Otis Taylor – 6 receptions, 97 yards, TD
}}

==== Week 5: at Denver Broncos ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date=October 17
|time=2:00 p.m. [[Mountain Daylight Time|MDT]]
|road=Chargers
|R1=3 |R2=3 |R3=7 |R4=3
|home='''Broncos'''
|H1=7 |H2=13 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=[[Mile High Stadium]], [[Denver, Colorado]]
|attendance=51,200
|weather={{convert|50|°F|1}}, relative humidity 90%, wind 9 mph
|referee=[[Dick Jorgensen]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110170den.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*DEN – [[Bobby Anderson (American football)|Bobby Anderson]] 1-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 11:58. ''Broncos 7–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards.'''''
*SDG – [[Dennis Partee]] 41-yard field goal, 9:15. ''Broncos 7–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:43.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*DEN – [[Jim Turner (placekicker)|Jim Turner]] 49-yard field goal, 14:55. ''Broncos 10–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 5:07.'''''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 20-yard field goal, 11:20. ''Broncos 10–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 3:35.'''''
*DEN – [[Floyd Little]] 2-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 3:54. ''Broncos 17–6. '''Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 7:26.'''''
*DEN – Jim Turner 10-yard field goal, 0:18. ''Broncos 20–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 0:39.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Gary Garrison]] 21-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] (Dennis Partee kick), 0:53. ''Broncos 20–13. '''Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 35-yard field goal, 13:48. ''Broncos 20–16. '''Drive: 5 plays, -2 yards, 1:19.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – John Hadl – 18/44, 236 yards, TD, INT
*DEN – [[Don Horn]] – 7/17, 71 yards, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – [[Billy Parks]] – 1 rush, 54 yards
*DEN – Bobby Anderson – 25 rushes, 106 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – Gary Garrison – 4 receptions, 105 yards, TD
*DEN – Bobby Anderson – 3 receptions, 43 yards
}}

==== Week 6: vs. Buffalo Bills ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Six: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=October 23
|time=6:00 p.m. [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]
|road=Bills
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=3 |R4=0
|home='''Chargers'''
|H1=7 |H2=3 |H3=3 |H4=7
|stadium=[[San Diego Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|attendance=49,261
|weather={{convert|64|°F|1}}, relative humidity 78%, wind 7 mph
|referee=[[Bernie Ulman]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110230sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*SDG – [[Billy Parks]] 56-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] ([[Dennis Partee]] kick), 9:51. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:37.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 9-yard field goal, 4:13. ''Chargers 10–0. '''Drive: 15 plays, 70 yards, 7:28.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*BUF – [[Grant Guthrie]] 36-yard field goal, 9:31. ''Chargers 10–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:27.'''''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 10-yard field goal, 6:31. ''Chargers 13–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 3:00.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – Billy Parks 12-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 2:27. ''Chargers 20–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 3:14.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*BUF – [[James "Shack" Harris|James Harris]] – 4/8, 36 yards, INT
*SDG – John Hadl – 14/28, 215 yards, 2 TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*BUF – [[O. J. Simpson]] – 18 rushes, 106 yards
*SDG – [[Mike Garrett]] – 19 rushes, 94 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*BUF – [[Ike Hill]] – 2 receptions, 20 yards
*SDG – [[Gary Garrison]] – 4 receptions, 106 yards
}}

==== Week 7: vs. New York Jets ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Seven: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=October 31
|time=1:00 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|road=Jets
|R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=7 |R4=0
|home='''Chargers'''
|H1=0 |H2=21 |H3=7 |H4=21
|stadium=[[San Diego Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|attendance=44,786
|weather={{convert|57|°F|1}}, relative humidity 54%, wind 10 mph
|referee=[[Fred Wyant]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197110310sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*NYJ – [[Rich Caster]] 23-yard pass from [[Bob Davis (quarterback)|Bob Davis]] ([[Bobby Howfield]] kick), 6:59. ''Jets 7–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:57.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – [[John Hadl]] 2-yard run ([[Dennis Partee]] kick), 10:32. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 93 yards, 6:09.'''''
*NYJ – [[John Riggins]] 31-yard pass from Bob Davis (Bobby Howfield kick), 5:59. ''Jets 14–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:33.'''''
*SDG – [[Mike Montgomery]] 37-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 2:45. ''Tied 14–14. '''Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:32.'''''
*SDG – [[Billy Parks]] 17-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 0:26. ''Chargers 21–14. '''Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 0:24.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*NYJ – [[Emerson Boozer]] 6-yard run ([[Ralph Baker (linebacker)|Ralph Baker]] pass from Bob Davis), 12:52. ''Tied 21–21. '''Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 1:35.'''''
*SDG – [[Gary Garrison]] 49-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 9:44. ''Chargers 28–21. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:08.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – Mike Montgomery 13-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 10:57. ''Chargers 35–21. '''Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:52.'''''
*SDG – [[Pettis Norman]] 21-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 9:10. ''Chargers 42–21. '''Drive: 2 plays, 21 yards, 0:17.'''''
*SDG – [[Chris Fletcher]] 36-yard interception return (Dennis Partee kick), 3:30. ''Chargers 49–21.''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*NYJ – Bob Davis – 8/18, 83 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
*SDG – John Hadl – 19/27, 358 yards, 4 TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*NYJ – John Riggins – 10 rushes, 63 yards
*SDG – [[Mike Garrett]] – 9 rushes, 55 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*NYJ – Rich Caster – 4 receptions, 53 yards, TD
*SDG – Gary Garrison – 6 receptions, 162 yards, TD
}}

==== Week 8: at New York Giants ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at New York Giants – Game summary
|date=November 7
|time=1:07 p.m. [[Eastern Standard Time|EST]]
|road=Chargers
|R1=0 |R2=3 |R3=14 |R4=0
|home='''Giants'''
|H1=7 |H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=14
|stadium=[[Yankee Stadium]], [[New York, New York]]
|attendance=62,905
|weather={{convert|53|°F|1}}, relative humidity 69%, wind 19 mph
|referee=[[Norm Schachter]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197111070nyg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*NYG – [[Ron Johnson (running back)|Ron Johnson]] 1-yard run ([[Pete Gogolak]] kick), 0:47. ''Giants 7–0. '''Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 8:09.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*NYG – [[Charlie Evans (American football)|Charlie Evans]] 9-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 9:54. ''Giants 14–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 3:44.'''''
*NYG – [[Rich Kotite]] 43-yard pass from [[Fran Tarkenton]] (Pete Gogolak kick), 1:10. ''Giants 21–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:34.'''''
*SDG – [[Dennis Partee]] 28-yard field goal, 0:02. ''Giants 21–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 1:08.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Gary Garrison]] 7-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] (Dennis Partee kick), 7:14. ''Giants 21–10. '''Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 6:31.'''''
*SDG – Gary Garrison 21-yard pass from [[Mike Montgomery]] (Dennis Partee kick), 4:02. ''Giants 21–17. '''Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:10.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*NYG – Charlie Evans 1-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 14:58. ''Giants 28–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 4:04.'''''
*NYG – Charlie Evans 1-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 0:55. ''Giants 35–17. '''Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 4:24.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – John Hadl – 16/31, 194 yards, TD, 2 INT
*NYG – Fran Tarkenton – 16/20, 83 yards, TD
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – [[Mike Garrett]] – 6 rushes, 45 yards
*NYG – Ron Johnson – 12 rushes, 67 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – [[Jeff Queen]] – 5 receptions, 85 yards
*NYG – [[Coleman Zeno]] – 4 receptions, 90 yards
}}

==== Week 9: vs. St. Louis Cardinals ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Nine: St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=November 15
|time=6:00 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|road=Cardinals
|R1=7 |R2=3 |R3=0 |R4=7
|home='''Chargers'''
|H1=0 |H2=3 |H3=7 |H4=10
|stadium=[[San Diego Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|attendance=46,486
|weather={{convert|57|°F|1}}, relative humidity 66%, wind 9 mph
|referee=[[John McDonough (American football referee)|John McDonough]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197111150sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*STL – [[Jim McFarland]] 3-yard pass from [[Jim Hart (American football)|Jim Hart]] ([[Jim Bakken]] kick), 2:49. ''Cardinals 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:36.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – [[Dennis Partee]] 25-yard field goal, 13:36. ''Cardinals 7–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:11.'''''
*STL – Jim Bakken 13-yard field goal, 0:30. ''Cardinals 10–3. '''Drive: 14 plays, 72 yards, 4:28.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Jeff Queen]] 4-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 5:32. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:52.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – Jeff Queen 4-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] (Dennis Partee kick), 3:16. ''Chargers 17–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 5:36.'''''
*STL – [[Cid Edwards]] 1-yard run (Jim Bakken kick), 0:17. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 1:08.'''''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 45-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Chargers 20–17. '''Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 0:16.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*STL – Jim Hart – 17/35, 214 yards, TD, 3 INT
*SDG – John Hadl – 20/28, 216 yards, TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*STL – [[MacArthur Lane]] – 18 rushes, 82 yards
*SDG – [[Mike Montgomery]] – 17 rushes, 98 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*STL – [[John Gilliam]] – 5 receptions, 76 yards
*SDG – Mike Montgomery – 6 receptions, 77 yards
}}

==== Week 10: at Oakland Raiders ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
|date=November 21
|time=1:00 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|road=Chargers
|R1=10 |R2=14 |R3=0 |R4=9
|home='''Raiders'''
|H1=3 |H2=7 |H3=14 |H4=10
|stadium=[[Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum]], [[Oakland, California]]
|attendance=54,681
|weather={{convert|50|°F|1}}, relative humidity 65%, wind 7 mph
|referee=Jim Tunney
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197111210rai.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*OAK – [[George Blanda]] 34-yard field goal, 7:42. ''Raiders 3–0. '''Drive: 14 plays, 51 yards, 7:18.'''''
*SDG – [[Dennis Partee]] 14-yard field goal, 2:01. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 5:41.'''''
*SDG – [[Jeff Queen]] 2-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 0:09. ''Chargers 10–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 1:39.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – [[Mike Garrett]] 11-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 5:43. ''Chargers 17–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:53.'''''
*OAK – [[Raymond Chester]] 16-yard pass from [[Daryle Lamonica]] (George Blanda kick), 4:48. ''Chargers 17–10. '''Drive: 3 plays, 61 yards, 0:55.'''''
*SDG – Mike Garrett 18-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] (Dennis Partee kick), 1:10. ''Chargers 24–10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:38.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*OAK – Raymond Chester 13-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 11:37. ''Chargers 24–17. '''Drive: 5 plays, 46 yards, 2:02.'''''
*OAK – [[Pete Banaszak]] 2-yard run (George Blanda kick), 2:10. ''Tied 24–24. '''Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 4:52.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*OAK – George Blanda 40-yard field goal, 11:05. ''Raiders 27–24. '''Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 3:55.'''''
*OAK – [[Rod Sherman]] 32-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 6:49. ''Raiders 34–24. '''Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 3:29.'''''
*SDG – [[Walker Gillette]] 15-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 3:08. ''Raiders 34–31. '''Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 3:30.'''''
*SDG – [[Safety (gridiron football score)|Safety]], [[Ray White (American football)|Ray White]] tackled [[Jerry DePoyster]] in end zone, 0:00. ''Raiders 34–33.''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – John Hadl – 20/36, 321 yards, 2 TD, INT
*OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 16/26, 190 yards, 3 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – Mike Garrett – 13 rushes, 63 yards, TD
*OAK – Pete Banaszak – 10 rushes, 50 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – Mike Garrett – 4 receptions, 81 yards, TD
*OAK – [[Fred Biletnikoff]] – 7 receptions, 80 yards
}}

==== Week 11: at Cincinnati Bengals ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
|date=November 28
|time=1:00 p.m. [[Eastern Standard Time|EST]]
|road=Chargers
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home='''Bengals'''
|H1=7 |H2=14 |H3=7 |H4=3
|stadium=[[Riverfront Stadium]], [[Cincinnati, Ohio]]
|attendance=59,580
|weather={{convert|36|°F|1}}, relative humidity 80%, wind 10 mph, wind chill 29
|referee=[[Bob Frederic]]
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197111280cin.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*CIN – [[Fred Willis]] 2-yard run ([[Horst Muhlmann]] kick), 5:41. ''Bengals 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:22.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*CIN – [[Bob Trumpy]] 10-yard pass from [[Virgil Carter]] (Horst Muhlmann kick), 11:57. ''Bengals 17–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:05.'''''
*CIN – [[Al Beauchamp]] 18-yard interception return (Horst Muhlmann kick), 3:42. ''Bengals 21–0.''
'''Third quarter'''
*CIN – Fred Willis 3-yard run (Horst Muhlmann kick), 1:59. ''Bengals 28–0. '''Drive: 17 plays, 86 yards, 9:21.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*CIN – Horst Muhlmann 40-yard field goal, 13:06. ''Bengals 31–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:22.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – [[John Hadl]] – 5/18, 49 yards, 4 INT
*CIN – Virgil Carter – 19/24, 174 yards, TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – [[Mike Montgomery (American football)|Mike Montgomery]] – 7 rushes, 30 yards
*CIN – Fred Willis – 2 rushes, 90 yards, 2 TD
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – [[Pettis Norman]] – 1 reception, 28 yards
*CIN – [[Bruce Coslet]] – 5 receptions, 62 yards
}}

==== Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Twelve: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=December 5
|time=1:00 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|road=Vikings
|R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home='''Chargers'''
|H1=7 |H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=20
|stadium=[[San Diego Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|attendance=54,505
|weather={{convert|55|°F|1}}, relative humidity 45%, wind 8 mph
|referee=Jack Reader
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197112050sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*SDG – [[Gary Garrison]] 5-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] ([[Dennis Partee]] kick), 7:46. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 13 plays, 71 yards, 7:14.'''''
*MIN – [[Oscar Reed]] 10-yard run ([[Fred Cox]] kick), 1:56. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:50.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 12-yard field goal, 8:57. ''Chargers 10–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 4:37.'''''
*MIN – [[Clint Jones]] 1-yard run (Fred Cox kick), 6:31. ''Vikings 14–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 78 yards, 2:26.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*''No scoring plays.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – [[Mike Garrett]] 5-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 13:14. ''Chargers 17–14. '''Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 2:52.'''''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 43-yard field goal, 2:35. ''Chargers 20–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 2:51.'''''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 22-yard field goal, 1:27. ''Chargers 23–14. '''Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 0:39.'''''
*SDG – [[Pete Barnes]] 36-yard interception return (Dennis Partee kick), 0:58. ''Chargers 30–14.''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*MIN – [[Bob Lee (quarterback)|Bob Lee]] – 8/20, 122 yards, INT
*SDG – John Hadl – 20/29, 165 yards, 2 TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*MIN – Clint Jones – 26 rushes, 96 yards, TD
*SDG – [[Jerry LeVias]] – 2 rushes, 61 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*MIN – [[Bill Brown (American football)|Bill Brown]] – 3 receptions, 61 yards
*SDG – Jerry LeVias – 7 receptions, 56 yards
}}

==== Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=December 12
|time=1:00 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|road=Broncos
|R1=0 |R2=3 |R3=7 |R4=7
|home='''Chargers'''
|H1=7 |H2=7 |H3=14 |H4=17
|stadium=[[San Diego Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|attendance=44,347
|weather={{convert|51|°F|1}}, relative humidity 52%, wind 8 mph
|referee=Ben Dreith
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197112120sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*SDG – [[Jeff Queen]] 9-yard pass from [[John Hadl]] ([[Dennis Partee]] kick), 2:20. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 45 yards, 1:28.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*DEN – [[Jim Turner (placekicker)|Jim Turner]] 13-yard field goal, 10:13. ''Chargers 7–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:53.'''''
*SDG – [[Chuck Dicus]] 13-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 5:08. ''Chargers 14–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 5:05.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Gary Garrison]] 77-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 13:33. ''Chargers 21–3. '''Drive: 2 plays, 72 yards, 1:27.'''''
*SDG – Jeff Queen 2-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 5:33. ''Chargers 28–3. '''Drive: 14 plays, 72 yards, 5:51.'''''
*DEN – [[Floyd Little]] 12-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 1:01. ''Chargers 28–10. '''Drive: 1 play, 24 yards, 0:18.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 9-yard field goal, 10:15. ''Chargers 31–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:46.'''''
*DEN – [[Fran Lynch]] 40-yard pass from [[Steve Ramsey (American football)|Steve Ramsey]] (Jim Turner kick), 7:56. ''Chargers 31–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 82 yards, 2:19.'''''
*SDG – [[Mike Garrett]] 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 4:52. ''Chargers 38–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 3:04.'''''
*SDG – [[Walker Gillette]] 25-yard pass from [[Marty Domres]] (Dennis Partee kick), 1:54. ''Chargers 45–17. '''Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 1:44.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*DEN – Steve Ramsey – 10/25, 169 yards, TD, 3 INT
*SDG – John Hadl – 21/36, 332 yards, 4 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*DEN – Floyd Little – 18 rushes, 96 yards, TD
*SDG – Mike Garrett – 15 rushes, 62 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*DEN – [[Billy Masters (American football)|Billy Masters]] – 4 receptions, 43 yards
*SDG – [[Jerry LeVias]] – 6 receptions, 83 yards
}}

==== Week 14: at Houston Oilers ====
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1971|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Fourteen: San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers – Game summary
|date=November 28
|time=1:00 p.m. [[Central Standard Time|CST]]
|road=Chargers
|R1=0 |R2=23 |R3=7 |R4=3
|home='''Oilers'''
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=28 |H4=14
|stadium=[[Astrodome]], [[Houston, Texas]]
|attendance=35,959
|weather=N/A (game played indoors)
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197112190oti.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*''No scoring plays.''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – [[Jeff Queen]] 4-yard run ([[Dennis Partee]] kick), 11:57. ''Chargers 7–0.''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 50-yard field goal, 11:57. ''Chargers 10–0.''
*HOU – [[Charlie Joiner]] 14-yard pass from [[Woody Campbell (American football)|Woody Campbell]] ([[Mark Moseley]] kick), 3:42. ''Chargers 10–7.''
*SDG – Jeff Queen 5-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 11:57. ''Chargers 17–7.''
*SDG – [[Bob Babich (linebacker)|Bob Babich]] 27-yard defensive fumble return (kick failed), 11:57. ''Chargers 23–7.''
'''Third quarter'''
*HOU – [[Robert Holmes (American football)|Robert Holmes]] 1-yard run (Mark Moseley kick), 1:59. ''Chargers 23–14.''
*SDG – [[Leon River]] 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 1:59. ''Chargers 30–14.''
*HOU – [[Ken Burrough]] 62-yard pass from [[Dan Pastorini]] (Mark Moseley kick), 3:42. ''Chargers 30–21.''
*HOU – [[Ken Houston]] 35-yard interception return (Mark Moseley kick), 3:42. ''Chargers 30–28.''
*HOU – Ken Houston 29-yard interception return (Mark Moseley kick), 3:42. ''Houston 35–30.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – Dennis Partee 20-yard field goal, 11:57. ''Houston 35–33.''
*HOU – Robert Holmes 2-yard run (Mark Moseley kick), 1:59. ''Houston 42–33.''
*HOU – [[Bob Atkins (American football)|Bob Atkins]] 25-yard interception return (Mark Moseley kick), 1:59. ''Houston 49–33.''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – [[John Hadl]] – 12/29, 147 yards, 3 INT
*HOU – Dan Pastorini – 14/22, 212 yards, TD, 3 INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – Jeff Queen – 13 rushes, 53 yards, 2 TD
*HOU – Robert Holmes – 16 rushes, 92 yards, 2 TD
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – [[Jerry LeVias]] – 5 receptions, 68 yards
*HOU – Ken Burrough – 4 receptions, 122 yards, TD
}}


=== Standings ===
=== Standings ===

Latest revision as of 06:20, 24 August 2024

1971 San Diego Chargers season
OwnerEugene V. Klein
General managerHarland Svare
Head coachSid Gillman (games 1-10)
Harland Svare (games 11-14)
Home fieldSan Diego Stadium
Results
Record6–8
Division place3rd AFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
AP All-ProsNone[2]

The 1971 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's second season in the National Football League (NFL), and its 12th overall. The team improved on their 5–6–3 record in 1970. It was Harland Svare's first season as the team's head coach. After a 1–4 start, the Chargers would slightly improve, winning 3 of their next 4 games. However, they would lose 3 of their final 5 games en route to a 6-8 finish. The only bright spot was quarterback John Hadl who completed 233 passes out of 431 attempts for 3,075 yards and 21 touchdowns and won the NFL Man of the Year award as well as leading the league in both passing yards and touchdown passes.

Offseason

[edit]

NFL draft

[edit]
Main article: 1971 NFL draft
1971 San Diego Chargers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 13 Leon Burns  Running back Long Beach State
3 65 Mike Montgomery  Running back Kansas State
5 115 Bryant Salter  Safety Pittsburgh
5 117 Ray White  Linebacker Syracuse
5 119 Phil Asack  Defensive end Duke
6 143 Jacob Mayes  Running back Tennessee State
7 169 Chuck Dicus  Wide receiver Arkansas
8 195 Leon Van Gorkum  Defensive end San Diego State
9 221 John Tanner  Linebacker Tennessee Tech
10 247 Gary Nowak  Linebacker Michigan State
11 273 Don Pinson  Defensive back Tennessee State
12 299 Wes Garnett  Wide receiver Utah State
13 325 Sammy Milner  Wide receiver Mississippi State
14 351 Edward O'Daniel  Defensive end Texas Southern
15 377 Eric Humston  Linebacker Muskingum
16 403 Ed Foote  Center Hawaii
17 429 Chip Kell  Center Tennessee
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Roster

[edit]
1971 San Diego Chargers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Rookies in italics

Regular season

[edit]

Schedule

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
1 September 19 Kansas City Chiefs W 21–14 1–0 San Diego Stadium 54,061 Recap
2 September 26 Oakland Raiders L 0–34 1–1 San Diego Stadium 54,084 Recap
3 October 3 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 17–21 1–2 Three Rivers Stadium 44,339 Recap
4 October 10 at Kansas City Chiefs L 10–31 1–3 Municipal Stadium 50,514 Recap
5 October 17 at Denver Broncos L 16–20 1–4 Mile High Stadium 51,200 Recap
6 October 23 Buffalo Bills W 20–3 2–4 San Diego Stadium 49,261 Recap
7 October 31 New York Jets W 49–21 3–4 San Diego Stadium 44,786 Recap
8 November 7 at New York Giants L 17–35 3–5 Yankee Stadium 62,905 Recap
9 November 15 St. Louis Cardinals W 20–17 4–5 San Diego Stadium 46,486 Recap
10 November 21 at Oakland Raiders L 33–34 4–6 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 54,681 Recap
11 November 28 at Cincinnati Bengals L 0–31 4–7 Riverfront Stadium 59,580 Recap
12 December 5 Minnesota Vikings W 30–14 5–7 San Diego Stadium 54,505 Recap
13 December 12 Denver Broncos W 45–17 6–7 San Diego Stadium 44,347 Recap
14 December 19 at Houston Oilers L 33–49 6–8 Houston Astrodome 35,959 Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

[edit]

Week 1: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week One: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 7 7 0014
Chargers 0 0 71421

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: September 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 73 °F (22.8 °C), relative humidity 74%, wind 12 mph
  • Game attendance: 54,061
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • Box score
Game information

Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders

[edit]
Week Two: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 3 3 141434
Chargers 0 0 000

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: September 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20.0 °C), relative humidity 57%, wind 11 mph
  • Game attendance: 54,084
  • Referee: Jack Vest
  • Box score
Game information

Week 3: at Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
Week Three: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 7 7017
Steelers 7 0 7721

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 3
  • Game time: 1:10 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20.0 °C), relative humidity 82%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 44,339
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • Box score
Game information

Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week Four: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 7 0010
Chiefs 0 10 71431

at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 10
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 53 °F (11.7 °C), relative humidity 53%, wind 10 mph
  • Game attendance: 50,514
  • Referee: Jack Reader
  • Box score
Game information

Week 5: at Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 3 7316
Broncos 7 13 0020

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 17
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10.0 °C), relative humidity 90%, wind 9 mph
  • Game attendance: 51,200
  • Referee: Dick Jorgensen
  • Box score
Game information

Week 6: vs. Buffalo Bills

[edit]
Week Six: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 0 303
Chargers 7 3 3720

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: October 23
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 64 °F (17.8 °C), relative humidity 78%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 49,261
  • Referee: Bernie Ulman
  • Box score
Game information

Week 7: vs. New York Jets

[edit]
Week Seven: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 7 7 7021
Chargers 0 21 72149

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (13.9 °C), relative humidity 54%, wind 10 mph
  • Game attendance: 44,786
  • Referee: Fred Wyant
  • Box score
Game information

Week 8: at New York Giants

[edit]
Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at New York Giants – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 3 14017
Giants 7 14 01435

at Yankee Stadium, New York, New York

  • Date: November 7
  • Game time: 1:07 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 53 °F (11.7 °C), relative humidity 69%, wind 19 mph
  • Game attendance: 62,905
  • Referee: Norm Schachter
  • Box score
Game information

Week 9: vs. St. Louis Cardinals

[edit]
Week Nine: St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 7 3 0717
Chargers 0 3 71020

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (13.9 °C), relative humidity 66%, wind 9 mph
  • Game attendance: 46,486
  • Referee: John McDonough
  • Box score
Game information

Week 10: at Oakland Raiders

[edit]
Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 10 14 0933
Raiders 3 7 141034

at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: November 21
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10.0 °C), relative humidity 65%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 54,681
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • Box score
Game information

Week 11: at Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]
Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 0 000
Bengals 7 14 7331

at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: November 28
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 36 °F (2.2 °C), relative humidity 80%, wind 10 mph, wind chill 29
  • Game attendance: 59,580
  • Referee: Bob Frederic
  • Box score
Game information

Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings

[edit]
Week Twelve: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 0014
Chargers 7 3 02030

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 5
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (12.8 °C), relative humidity 45%, wind 8 mph
  • Game attendance: 54,505
  • Referee: Jack Reader
  • Box score
Game information

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 3 7717
Chargers 7 7 141745

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 12
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 51 °F (10.6 °C), relative humidity 52%, wind 8 mph
  • Game attendance: 44,347
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • Box score
Game information

Week 14: at Houston Oilers

[edit]
Week Fourteen: San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 23 7333
Oilers 0 7 281449

at Astrodome, Houston, Texas

  • Date: November 28
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: N/A (game played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 35,959
  • Box score
Game information

Standings

[edit]
AFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Kansas City Chiefs 10 3 1 .769 4–1–1 8–2–1 302 208 W3
Oakland Raiders 8 4 2 .667 4–1–1 7–3–1 344 278 W1
San Diego Chargers 6 8 0 .429 2–4 4–7 311 341 L1
Denver Broncos 4 9 1 .308 1–5 3–6–1 203 275 L2
Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings until 1972.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "1971 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  2. ^ "1971 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1971_San_Diego_Chargers_season&oldid=1241965939"