2015 San Diego Chargers season

NFL team 56th season

2015 San Diego Chargers season
OwnerAlex Spanos
General managerTom Telesco
Head coachMike McCoy
Home fieldQualcomm Stadium
Local radioKIOZ, KLSD
Results
Record4–12
Division place4th AFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
1
  • CB Jason Verrett
AP All-ProsNone

The 2015 season was the San Diego Chargers' 46th in the National Football League, their 56th overall and their third under head coach Mike McCoy. The team had its worst season since 2003 with a 4–12 record. 9 of their 12 losses were by 8 points or less.

Offseason

Signings

Position Player 2014 Team Contract
G Orlando Franklin Denver Broncos 5 years, $36.5 million
WR Stevie Johnson San Francisco 49ers 3 years, $10.5 million
DB Jimmy Wilson Miami Dolphins 2 years, $4.25 million
CB Patrick Robinson New Orleans Saints 1 year, $2 million
DE Mitch Unrein Denver Broncos 2 years, $1.9 million
RT Joe Barksdale St. Louis Rams 1 year, $1.095 million
LT Chris Hairston Buffalo Bills 1 year, $685,000

Departures

Position Player 2015 Team
SS Marcus Gilchrist New York Jets
C Nick Hardwick Retired
WR Eddie Royal Chicago Bears
RB Ryan Mathews Philadelphia Eagles
DE Dwight Freeney Arizona Cardinals
G Jeromey Clary Retired
OLB Andrew Gachkar Dallas Cowboys
CB Shareece Wright San Francisco 49ers
K Nick Novak Houston Texans
RB Ronnie Brown Retired
WR Seyi Ajirotutu Philadelphia Eagles

NFL draft

2015 San Diego Chargers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 15 Melvin Gordon *  RB Wisconsin
2 48 Denzel Perryman *  LB Miami (FL)
3 83 Craig Mager  CB Texas St
4 None – see draft trades below
5 153 Kyle Emanuel  DE North Dakota St
6 192 Darius Philon  DT Arkansas
7 None – see draft trades below
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Notes

Staff

2015 San Diego Chargers staff

Front office

  • Owner – Alex Spanos
  • Minority owner – George Pernicano
  • Chairman/president – Dean Spanos
  • Executive vice president – Michael Spanos
  • CEO/president - Business Operations – A. G. Spanos
  • General manager – Tom Telesco
  • President - football operations – John Spanos
  • Executive vice president of football administration/player finance – Ed McGuire
  • Senior executive – Randy Mueller
  • Director of pro scouting – Dennis Abraham
  • Director of player personnel – JoJo Wooden
  • Director of college scouting – Kevin Kelly
  • Assistant director of pro scouting – Bryan Cox

Head coaches

  • Head coach – Mike McCoy

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – John Pagano
  • Defensive line – Don Johnson
  • Linebackers – Mike Nolan
  • Assistant linebackers – Bobby King
  • Secondary – Ron Milus
  • Assistant secondary – Greg Williams
  • Defensive quality control – Chris Shula

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Kent Johnston
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Rick Lyle
  • Coaching administrative assistant – Mark Ridgley

Final roster

2015 San Diego Chargers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 active, 16 inactive, 10 practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 13 Dallas Cowboys W 17–7 1–0 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
2 August 22 at Arizona Cardinals W 22–19 2–0 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
3 August 29 Seattle Seahawks L 15–16 2–1 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
4 September 3 at San Francisco 49ers L 12–14 2–2 Levi's Stadium Recap

Regular season

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 13 Detroit Lions W 33–28 1–0 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
2 September 20 at Cincinnati Bengals L 19–24 1–1 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
3 September 27 at Minnesota Vikings L 14–31 1–2 TCF Bank Stadium Recap
4 October 4 Cleveland Browns W 30–27 2–2 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
5 October 12 Pittsburgh Steelers L 20–24 2–3 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
6 October 18 at Green Bay Packers L 20–27 2–4 Lambeau Field Recap
7 October 25 Oakland Raiders L 29–37 2–5 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
8 November 1 at Baltimore Ravens L 26–29 2–6 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
9 November 9 Chicago Bears L 19–22 2–7 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
10 Bye
11 November 22 Kansas City Chiefs L 3–33 2–8 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
12 November 29 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 31–25 3–8 EverBank Field Recap
13 December 6 Denver Broncos L 3–17 3–9 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
14 December 13 at Kansas City Chiefs L 3–10 3–10 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
15 December 20 Miami Dolphins W 30–14 4–10 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
16 December 24 at Oakland Raiders L 20–23 (OT) 4–11 O.co Coliseum Recap
17 January 3 at Denver Broncos L 20–27 4–12 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Detroit Lions

Week One: Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 7 14 0728
Chargers 3 7 101333

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

First quarter

  • DET – Ameer Abdullah 24-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 10:46. Lions 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:14.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 32-yard field goal, 0:22. Lions 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 7:02.

Second quarter

  • DET – Glover Quin 31-yard interception return (Matt Prater kick), 12:28. Lions 14–3. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:32.
  • DET – Eric Ebron 18-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 8:49. Lions 21–3. Drive: 4 plays, 46 yards, 2:06.
  • SDG – Danny Woodhead 9-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 5:02. Lions 21–10. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:47.

Third quarter

  • SDG – Josh Lambo 25-yard field goal, 9:21. Lions 21–13. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 5:39.
  • SDG – Stevie Johnson 12-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 4:03. Lions 21–20. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 1:12.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Ladarius Green 13-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 11:49. Chargers 26–21. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:52.
  • SDG – Danny Woodhead 1-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 2:33. Chargers 33–21. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 6:18.
  • DET – Theo Riddick 21-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 1:04. Chargers 33–28. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 1:29.

Top passers

  • DET – Matthew Stafford – 19/30, 246 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 35/42, 404 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • DET – Ameer Abdullah – 7 rushes, 50 yards, TD
  • SDG – Melvin Gordon – 14 rushes, 51 yards

Top receivers

  • DET – Eric Ebron – 4 receptions, 53 yds, TD
  • SDG – Keenan Allen – 15 receptions, 166 yards

The Chargers started their season at home against the Lions. After falling behind 21-10 at halftime, the Bolts managed to outscore the Lions 23-7 in the second half of the game and win it 33-28.

With the win, the Chargers started their season 1-0 and improved to 5-0 all-time at home against Detroit.

Week 2: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week Two: San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 3 7619
Bengals 7 7 3724

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

  • CIN – A. J. Green 16-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 12:51. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 19 yards, 0:45.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 40-yard field goal, 8:38. Bengals 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:13.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Josh Lambo 32-yard field goal, 9:24. Bengals 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 5:19.
  • CIN – Marvin Jones 45-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 6:01. Bengals 14–6. Drive: 6 plays, 84 yards, 3:23.

Third quarter

  • SDG – Stevie Johnson 10-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 10:34. Bengals 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:26.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 21-yard field goal, 2:44. Bengals 17–13. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 3:14.

Fourth quarter

  • CIN – Tyler Eifert 9-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 8:49. Bengals 24–13. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:05.
  • SDG – Malcom Floyd 40-yard pass from Philip Rivers (pass failed), 4:20. Bengals 24–19. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:29.

Top passers

  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 21/27, 241 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • CIN – Andy Dalton – 16/26, 214 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • SDG – Danny Woodhead – 6 receptions, 68 yards
  • CIN – Tyler Eifert – 4 receptions, 49 yards, 1 TD

The Chargers would trail all game, and tried to come back towards the end of the game, but Philip Rivers threw an interception, sealing the game. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 1-1.

Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Three: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 7 0714
Vikings 3 7 14731

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: September 27
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/10:00 am. PDT
  • Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 52,400
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • MIN – Blair Walsh 24-yard field goal, 1:15. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:31.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 43-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 12:32. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 1 play, 43 yards, 0:12.
  • MIN – Zach Line 1-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 2:42. Vikings 24–7. Drive: 16 plays, 86 yards, 7:19.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Chad Greenway 91-yard interception return (Blair Walsh kick), 13:57. Vikings 31–7.
  • SDG – Keenan Allen 19-yard pass from Kellen Clemens (Josh Lambo kick), 0:32. Vikings 31–14. Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 8:05.

Top passers

  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 21/34, 246 yards, TD, INT
  • MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 13/24, 121 yards, INT

Top rushers

  • SDG – Melvin Gordon – 14 rushes, 51 yards
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson – 20 rushes, 126 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • SDG – Keenan Allen – 12 receptions, 133 yards, 2 TD
  • MIN – Mike Wallace – 3 receptions, 49 yards

The Chargers once again would never lead during the game. The game was officially sealed when Chad Greenway returned an interception 91 yards down the sidelines for a touchdown. Adrian Peterson would rush for 126 yards on 20 attempts, including a 43-yard touchdown early in the third quarter on a play in which he ran through Charger defenders. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 1-2.

Week 4: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week Four: Cleveland Browns at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 10 31127
Chargers 7 6 71030

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • CLE – Duke Johnson 34-yard pass from Josh McCown (Travis Coons kick), 14:10. Browns 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:38.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 46-yard field goal, 10:37. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 3:33.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 45-yard field goal, 1:36. Chargers 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 1:59.
  • CLE – Travis Coons 28-yard field goal, 0:03. Tied 13–13. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 1:33.

Third quarter

  • CLE – Travis Coons 33-yard field goal, 5:54. Browns 16–13. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 5:25.
  • SDG – Ladarius Green 19-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 4:23. Chargers 20–16. Drive: 3 plays, 81 yards, 1:31.

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Travis Coons 40-yard field goal, 9:57. Chargers 20–19. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 5:03.
  • SDG – John Phillips 1-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 7:26. Chargers 27–19. Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 2:31.
  • CLE – Gary Barnidge 1-yard pass from Josh McCown (Taylor Gabriel pass from Josh McCown), 2:09. Tied 27–27. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:17.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 34-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 30–27. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 2:09.

Top passers

  • CLE – Josh McCown – 32/41, 356 yards, 2 TD
  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 23/38, 358 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • CLE – Duke Johnson – 9 receptions, 85 yards, TD
  • SDG – Dontrelle Inman – 3 receptions, 88 yards

The Browns would go down to tie the game with a touchdown and a 2-point conversion. The Chargers would then get into field goal range for kicker Josh Lambo. Lambo attempted a 39-yard attempt, but the kick was no good, and the game appeared to be heading to overtime. However, the Browns were flagged for being offsides, as Tramon Williams jumped before the ball was snapped. The penalty gave Lambo a chance at redemption. This time, Lambo drilled the game-winning 34-yard field goal to give the Chargers the win. With the win, the Chargers improved to 2-2.

Week 5: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Five: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 3 71424
Chargers 7 0 01320

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • PIT – Chris Boswell 47-yard field goal, 4:24. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 5:38.

Third quarter

  • PIT – Antwon Blake 70-yard interception return (Chris Boswell kick), 3:21. Steelers 10–7.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Josh Lambo 40-yard field goal, 14:49. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:32.
  • SDG – Antonio Gates 11-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 8:02. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 5:50.
  • PIT – Markus Wheaton 72-yard pass from Michael Vick (Chris Boswell kick), 7:42. Tied 17–17. Drive: 1 play, 72 yards, 0:20.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 54-yard field goal, 2:56. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 44 yards, 4:46.
  • PIT - Le'Veon Bell 1-yard run (Chris Boswell kick), 0:00. Steelers 24–20. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 2:56.

Top passers

  • PIT – Michael Vick – 13/26, 203 yards, TD, INT
  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 35/48, 365 yards, 2 TD INT

Top rushers

  • PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 21 rushes, 111 yards, TD
  • SDG – Melvin Gordon – 15 rushes, 42 yards

Top receivers

  • PIT – Markus Wheaton – 1 receptions, 72 yards, TD
  • SDG – Antonio Gates – 9 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TD

The Chargers took the lead after Josh Lambo made a 54-yard field goal with 2:56 remaining in the game. However, the Steelers, led by Michael Vick, were able to march all the way down the field to score as time expired. The final play came on a wildcat formation call, as running back Le'Veon Bell took the direct snap and rushed in for the game winner as the clock expired. The play was reviewed, and the call stood, giving Pittsburgh the win. This game is also notable for the number of Steeler fans that showed up to the game. According to the attendance, there were over 1,000 Steeler fans in the crowd during this game, and whenever the Steelers would score, terrible towels would be waved all over the place, as if the game was being held at Heinz Field. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 2-3.

Week 6: at Green Bay Packers

Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 7 7320
Packers 14 3 7327

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: October 18
  • Game time: 3:25 pm. CDT/1:25 pm. PDT
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), clear
  • Game attendance: 78,434
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • GB – James Starks 5-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 8:38. Packers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 3:45.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 36-yard field goal, 3:17. Packers 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 62 yards, 5:21.
  • GB – James Starks 65-yard run, (Mason Crosby kick), 1:51. Packers 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 85 yards, 1:26.

Second quarter

  • GB – Mason Crosby 23-yard field goal, 6:48. Packers 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 3:58.
  • SDG – Dontrelle Inman 1-yard pass from Philip Rivers, (Josh Lambo kick), 0:00. Packers 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 88 yards, 4:47.

Third quarter

  • SDG – Ladarius Green 19-yard pass from Philip Rivers, (Josh Lambo kick), 9:24. Packers 17–17. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 4:11.
  • GB – James Jones 8-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, (Mason Crosby kick), 0:46. Packers 24–17. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 2:48.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Josh Lambo 32-yard field goal, 11:10. Packers 24–20. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 4:36.
  • GB – Mason Crosby 28-yard field goal, 2:37. Packers 27–20. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 3:37.

Top passers

  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 43/65, 503 yards, 2 TDs
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers – 16/29, 255 yards, 2 TDs

Top rushers

  • SDG – Melvin Gordon – 7 rushes, 29 yards
  • GB – James Starks – 10 rushes, 112 yards, TD

Top receivers

The Chargers travel to Lambeau Field to take on Aaron Rodgers and the red-hot Green Bay Packers. However, despite a big day from Philip Rivers throwing for 503 yards, it wasn't enough to stun the Packers in Lambeau and they would go on to lose, 27-20.

With the close loss, the Chargers drop to 2-4.

Week 7: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week Seven: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 10 20 7037
Chargers 3 3 02329

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: October 25
  • Game time: 1:05 pm. PDT
  • Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 67,542
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • OAK – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 12:46. Raiders 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 2 yards, 0:41.
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 29-yard field goal, 5:21. Raiders 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards, 5:50.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 40-yard field goal, 1:18. Raiders 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 4:03.

Second quarter

  • OAK – Clive Walford 23-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 13:06. Raiders 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 3:12.
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 32-yard field goal, 9:28. Raiders 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 2:57.
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 31-yard field goal, 4:41. Raiders 23–3. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:17.
  • OAK – Amari Cooper 52-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 1:01. Raiders 30–3. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 0:41.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Raiders 30–6. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 1:01.

Third quarter

  • OAK – Michael Crabtree 25-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 10:41. Raiders 37–6. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:19.

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Ladarius Green 31-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 12:58. Raiders 37–13. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 4:52.
  • SDG – Danny Woodhead 8-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Ladarius Green pass from Rivers), 6:00. Raiders 37–21. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 5:21.
  • SDG – Danny Woodhead 6-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Ladarius Green pass from Rivers), 0:06. Raiders 37–29. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 3:07.

Top passers

  • OAK – Derek Carr – 24/31, 289 yards, 3 TD
  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 38/58, 336 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • OAK – Latavius Murray – 15 rushes, 85 yards, TD
  • SDG – Branden Oliver – 9 rushes, 35 yards

Top receivers

  • OAK – Amari Cooper – 5 receptions, 133 yards, TD
  • SDG – Keenan Allen – 9 receptions, 89 yards

The Chargers would trail as much as 37-6 for most of the game. The Chargers would try to come back, and outscored Oakland 23-0 in the fourth quarter. However, it was not enough, as the Chargers lost 37-29. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 2-5.

Week 8: at Baltimore Ravens

Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 13 7326
Ravens 6 7 61029

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

First quarter

  • BAL – Justin Tucker 48-yard field goal, 9:54. Ravens 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 3:15.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 42-yard field goal, 5:44. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:10.
  • BAL – Justin Tucker 29-yard field goal, 2:36. Ravens 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 3:08.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Malcom Floyd 9-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 10:16. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:20.
  • BAL – Crockett Gillmore 3-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 4:54. Ravens 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:22.
  • SDG – Keenan Allen 13-yard pass from Philip Rivers (kick blocked), 0:09. Chargers 17–13. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 4:45.

Third quarter

  • BAL – Justin Tucker 48-yard field goal, 11:11. Chargers 17–16. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:49.
  • SDG – Malcom Floyd 70-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 2:54. Chargers 24–16. Drive: 3 plays, 70 yards, 0:24.
  • BAL – Justin Tucker 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 24–19. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 2:54.

Fourth quarter

  • BAL – Joe Flacco 1-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 4:34. Ravens 27–24. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:56.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 49-yard field goal, 2:27. Tied 27–27. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 2:07.
  • BAL – Justin Tucker 39-yard field goal, 0:00. Ravens 30–27. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 2:27.

Top passers

  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 28/37, 301 yards, 3 TD
  • BAL – Joe Flacco – 25/37, 319 yards, TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • SDG – Malcom Floyd – 4 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TD
  • BAL – Steve Smith, Sr. – 5 receptions, 82 yards

The 1-6 Ravens took down the Chargers after Justin Tucker nailed the game winning 39-yard field goal as time expired. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 2-6.

Week 9: vs. Chicago Bears

Week Nine: Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bears 0 7 01522
Chargers 7 9 0319

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 9
  • Game time: 5:30 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 68,033
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SDG – Jason Verrett 68-yard interception return (kick failed), 9:58. Chargers 13–0.
  • CHI – Martellus Bennett 1-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 6:53. Chargers 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:05.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 31-yard field goal, 0:03. Chargers 16–7. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 2:03.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI – Jeremy Langford 1-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 14:02 Chargers 16–14. Drive: 15 plays, 93 yards, 8:16.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 22-yard field goal, 7:53. Chargers 19–14. Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 6:09.
  • CHI – Zach Miller 25-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 3:19. Bears 22–19. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:34.

Top passers

  • CHI – Jay Cutler, 27/40, 345 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • SDG – Philip Rivers, 26/42, 280 yards, TD

Top rushers

  • CHI – Jeremy Langford, 18 rushes, 72 yards, TD
  • SDG – Danny Woodhead, 6 rushes, 33 yards

Top receivers

For the second time this season, the Chargers home opponent's fans seemed to outnumber their own fans, as Bears fans were heard for most of the game. The Chargers would lead for most of the game. However, the Bears would go down to take the lead on a Zach Miller touchdown. Miller had to go airborne and made the catch with one hand. The grab would seal the win for the Bears. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 2-7.

Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Eleven: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 6 6 71433
Chargers 0 3 003

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Dontari Poe 1-yard run (kick failed), 2:09. Chiefs 6–0. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 5:26.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Josh Lambo 52-yard field goal, 12:09. Chiefs 6–3. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 5:00.
  • KC – Cairo Santos 28-yard field goal, 5:53. Chiefs 9–3. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 6:16.
  • KC – Cairo Santos 24-yard field goal, 0:03. Chiefs 12–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:14.

Third quarter

  • KC – Justin Houston 17-yard interception return (Cairo Santos kick), 3:27. Chiefs 19–3.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Spencer Ware 3-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 6:11. Chiefs 26–3. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 3:39.
  • KC – Spencer Ware 3-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 2:32. Chiefs 33–3. Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 1:41.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • KC – Spencer Ware – 11 rushes, 96 yards, 2 TD
  • SDG – Melvin Gordon – 15 rushes, 37 yards

Top receivers

  • KC – Albert Wilson – 4 receptions, 56 yards
  • SDG – Stevie Johnson – 7 receptions, 54 yards

This game was originally going to be on Sunday Night Football, but was later changed to 4:25 after the Bengals-Cardinals game was flexed to Sunday Night. The Chiefs rattled the Chargers 33-3, and it was the first time the Chargers failed to score a touchdown since 2012 against the Falcons. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 2-8.

Week 12: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Twelve: San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 21 3731
Jaguars 6 3 31325

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/10:00 am. PST
  • Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 59,477
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • JAX – Jason Myers 22-yard field goal, 10:39. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:21.
  • JAX – Jason Myers 51-yard field goal, 4:43. Jaguars 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 3:41.

Second quarter

  • SDG – Dontrelle Inman 2-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 14:21. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 1:37.
  • JAX – Jason Myers 27-yard field goal, 7:04. Jaguars 9–6. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 2:02.
  • SDG – Antonio Gates 9-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 1:50. Chargers 14–9. Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 5:14.
  • SDG – Antonio Gates 12-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 0:45. Chargers 21–9. Drive: 3 plays, 22 yards, 0:16.

Third quarter

  • JAX – Jason Myers 28-yard field goal, 10:03. Chargers 21–12. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:27.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 28-yard field goal, 1:02. Chargers 24–12. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 6:30.

Fourth quarter

  • JAX – Julius Thomas 21-yard pass from Blake Bortles (Jason Myers kick), 10:58. Chargers 24–19. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:04.
  • SDG – Steve Johnson 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 4:45. Chargers 31–19. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:13.
  • JAX – Allen Robinson 8-yard pass from Blake Bortles (kick failed), 1:21. Chargers 31–25. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:09.

Top passers

  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 29/43, 300 yards, 4 TD
  • JAX – Blake Bortles – 30/49, 329 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • SDG – Stevie Johnson – 7 receptions, 92 yards, TD
  • JAX – Julius Thomas – 9 receptions, 116 yards, TD

The Chargers were able to hold off a comeback by the Jaguars in the fourth quarter, and the Chargers got their first road win of the season. With the win, San Diego went to 3-8.

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 14 3 0017
Chargers 0 3 003

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 1:05 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 68,631
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon and Scott Kaplan
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • DEN – Brandon McManus 23-yard field goal, 5:26. Broncos 17–0. Drive: 14 plays, 46 yards, 7:18.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 51-yard field goal, 1:41. Broncos 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 3:45.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

  • DEN – Brock Osweiler – 16/26, 166 yards, TD, INT
  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 18/35, 202 yards, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 6 receptions, 61 yards, TD
  • SDG – Antonio Gates – 6 receptions, 50 yards

For the second time in 3 weeks, the Chargers would fail to score a touchdown, as they were only held to 3 points against a powerful Broncos defense. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 3-9.

Week 14: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Fourteen: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 0 303
Chiefs 0 10 0010

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST/10:00 am. PST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), cloudy with rain
  • Game attendance: 72,314
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • KC – Albert Wilson 44-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 1:53. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 96 yards, 5:23.
  • KC – Cairo Santos 40-yard field goal, 0:02. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 0:27.

Third quarter

  • SDG – Josh Lambo 30-yard field goal, 5:47. Chiefs 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 6:22.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 24/43, 263 yards, INT
  • KC – Alex Smith – 15/23, 191 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • SDG – Antonio Gates – 6 receptions, 76 yards
  • KC – Albert Wilson – 4 receptions, 87 yards, TD

For the second time this season against the Chiefs, the Chargers did not score a touchdown. This game, however, was a lot closer, as the Chargers lost by a mere 7 points. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 3-10. They were outscored in the season series with Kansas City 43-6.

Week 15: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Fifteen: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 0 7714
Chargers 6 17 0730

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 20
  • Game time: 1:25 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), fair
  • Game attendance: 66,676
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein, Steve Tasker and Scott Kaplan
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SDG – Josh Lambo 28-yard field goal, 9:05. Chargers 9–0. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:12.
  • SDG – Danny Woodhead 2-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 4:18. Chargers 16–0. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 3:09.
  • SDG – Danny Woodhead 9-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 0:39. Chargers 23–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:28.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • SDG – Danny Woodhead 9-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 4:14. Chargers 30–7. Drive: 4 plays, 58 yards, 2:51.
  • MIA – Ryan Tannehill 1-yard run (Andrew Franks kick), 1:35. Chargers 30–14. Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 2:39.

Top passers

  • MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 20/34, 216 yards
  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 26/36, 311 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • MIA – Jay Ajayi – 6 rushes, 27 yards, TD
  • SDG – Donald Brown – 12 rushes, 90 yards

Top receivers

The Chargers easily dominated the Dolphins, 30-14, to go to 4-10 in what some thought could've been the last game the Chargers played in San Diego. After the game, several Chargers players such as Philip Rivers, Eric Weddle, and Malcom Floyd, along with coach Mike McCoy returned to the field to greet and sign autographs for the fans.[1] However, the team would stay in San Diego for the next season.[2]

Week 16: at Oakland Raiders

Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Chargers 7 10 03020
Raiders 7 3 28323

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 5:25 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 47 °F (8 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 54,400
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (NFLN): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SDG – Dontrelle Inman 7-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 11:05. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 3:43.
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 50-yard field goal, 6:03. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards, 5:02.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 47-yard field goal, 0:31. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 2:30.

Third quarter

  • OAK – Safety, Denico Autry sacked Philip Rivers in end zone, 2:10. Chargers 17–12.

Fourth quarter

  • OAK – Michael Crabtree 3-yard pass from Derek Carr (Seth Roberts pass from Derek Carr), 4:42. Raiders 20–17. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:05.
  • SDG – Josh Lambo 45-yard field goal, 0:55. Tied 20–20. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 3:47.

Overtime

  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 31-yard field goal, 8:05. Raiders 23–20. Drive: 15 plays, 67 yards, 6:55.

Top passers

  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 31/49, 277 yards, TD
  • OAK – Derek Carr – 23/38, 204 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • SDG – Danny Woodhead – 11 rushes, 55 yards
  • OAK – Latavius Murray – 19 rushes, 79 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • SDG – Dontrelle Inman – 8 receptions, 82 yards, TD
  • OAK – Michael Crabtree – 6 receptions, 39 yards, TD

The Chargers would tie the game after Josh Lambo converted a 45-yard field goal attempt with 55 seconds remaining in regulation. In overtime, the Raiders would kick the go-ahead field goal on their first possession. The Chargers tried to go down the field to tie or win, but the comeback failed, and the Raiders held on for the win. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4-11 and were swept by the Raiders for the first time since 2010.

Week 17: at Denver Broncos

Week Seventeen: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 3 7720
Broncos 7 0 71327

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: January 3, 2016
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MST/1:25 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C), mostly sunny
  • Game attendance: 76,844
  • Referee: Ron Torbert
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SDG – Josh Lambo 42-yard field goal, 5:52. Broncos 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 0:58.

Third quarter

  • SDG – Antonio Gates 13-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 8:18. Chargers 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 3:05.
  • DEN – C. J. Anderson 1-yard run (Brandon McManus kick), 5:24. Broncos 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:54.

Fourth quarter

  • DEN – Brandon McManus 48-yard field goal, 13:09. Broncos 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 2:20.
  • SDG – Tyrell Williams 80-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Josh Lambo kick), 12:58. Chargers 20–17. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:11.
  • DEN – Brandon McManus 35-yard field goal, 9:45. Tied 20–20. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:13.
  • DEN – Ronnie Hillman 23-yard run (Brandon McManus kick), 4:44. Broncos 27–20. Drive: 1 play, 23 yards, 0:06.

Top passers

  • SDG – Philip Rivers – 21/35, 228 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • DEN – Brock Osweiler – 14/22, 232 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • SDG – Donald Brown – 21 rushes, 81 yards
  • DEN – Ronnie Hillman – 15 rushes, 117 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • SDG – Tyrell Williams – 2 receptions, 90 yards, TD
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 5 receptions, 117 yards, TD

The Chargers went to Denver to try and prevent the Broncos from clinching home-field advantage throughout the AFC Playoffs. Despite forcing 5 turnovers, the Chargers failed to convert them into points, as their offense struggled all afternoon. Brock Osweiler would later be benched, and Peyton Manning would enter the game for Denver. The Chargers would have the lead twice in this game, but lost them both. The game was officially put away after Ronnie Hillman ran for 23 yards for a touchdown to put the Broncos ahead for good. With the loss, the Chargers ended their season at 4-12, and also finished 0-6 against their division.

Standings

Division

AFC West
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 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) Denver Broncos 12 4 0 .750 4–2 8–4 355 296 W2
(5) Kansas City Chiefs 11 5 0 .688 5–1 10–2 405 287 W10
Oakland Raiders 7 9 0 .438 3–3 7–5 359 399 L1
San Diego Chargers 4 12 0 .250 0–6 3–9 320 398 L2

Conference

AFC
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# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division Leaders
1[a] Denver Broncos West 12 4 0 .750 4–2 8–4 .500 .479 W2
2[a] New England Patriots East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 .473 .448 L2
3[a] Cincinnati Bengals North 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 .477 .406 W1
4 Houston Texans South 9 7 0 .563 5–1 7–5 .496 .410 W3
Wild Cards
5 Kansas City Chiefs West 11 5 0 .688 5–1 10–2 .496 .432 W10
6[b] Pittsburgh Steelers North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .504 .463 W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[b] New York Jets East 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .441 .388 L1
8[c] Buffalo Bills East 8 8 0 .500 4–2 7–5 .508 .438 W2
9[c] Indianapolis Colts South 8 8 0 .500 4–2 6–6 .500 .406 W2
10 Oakland Raiders West 7 9 0 .438 3–3 7–5 .512 .366 L1
11 Miami Dolphins East 6 10 0 .375 1–5 4–8 .469 .469 W2
12[d] Jacksonville Jaguars South 5 11 0 .313 2–4 5–7 .473 .375 L3
13[d] Baltimore Ravens North 5 11 0 .313 3–3 4–8 .508 .425 L1
14 San Diego Chargers West 4 12 0 .250 0–6 3–9 .527 .328 L2
15[e] Cleveland Browns North 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 .531 .271 L3
16[e] Tennessee Titans South 3 13 0 .188 1–5 1–11 .492 .375 L4
Tiebreakers[f]
  1. ^ a b c Denver finished ahead of New England and Cincinnati for the No. 1 seed based on head-to-head sweep. New England finished ahead of Cincinnati for the No. 2 seed based
    on record vs. common opponents — New England's cumulative record against Buffalo, Denver, Houston and Pittsburgh was 4–1, while Cincinnati's cumulative record against
    the same four teams was 2–3.
  2. ^ a b Pittsburgh finished ahead of the New York Jets for the No. 6 seed and qualified for the last playoff spot based on record vs. common opponents — Pittsburgh's cumulative
    record against Cleveland, Indianapolis, New England and Oakland was 4–1, while the Jets' cumulative record against the same four teams was 3–2.
  3. ^ a b Buffalo finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory.
  4. ^ a b Jacksonville finished ahead of Baltimore based on head-to-head victory.
  5. ^ a b Cleveland finished ahead of Tennessee based on head-to-head victory.
  6. ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

References

  1. ^ Wilson, Bernie (December 21, 2015). "Chargers win for fans in possible final SD game". 10News. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  2. ^ Gehlken, Michael (January 29, 2016). "Philip Rivers 'fired up' Chargers still in SD". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 1, 2021.

External links

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  • Played in San Diego (1961–2016)
  • Based in Inglewood, California
  • Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California
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Played in San Diego (1961–2016)
Bold indicates AFL Championship (1960–69) or Super Bowl (1966–) victory
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