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1995 San Diego Chargers season

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1995 San Diego Chargers season
OwnerAlex Spanos
General managerBobby Beathard
Head coachBobby Ross
Home fieldJack Murphy Stadium
Results
Record9–7
Division place2nd AFC West
Playoff finishLost Wild Card Playoffs
(vs. Colts) 20–35
Pro Bowlers
All-Pros

The 1995 San Diego Chargers season was the team's 36th, its 26th in the National Football League (NFL), and its 35th in San Diego.

The season began with the team as reigning AFC champions and trying to improve on their 11–5 record in 1994. After starting 4–7, the Chargers won their final five games to get into the playoffs. It ended in the first round with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts. That game would mark the last time the Chargers made the playoffs until the 2004 season, by when only long snapper David Binn remained from the 1995 roster.

While most of the offensive starters returned from the Super Bowl run were back, the Chargers slipped down the rankings for both passing and rushing. They were hampered by an injury to Natrone Means, who finished with 730 yards despite only having 5 carries in the second half of the season. Tony Martin established himself as the club's leading receiver, with 1,224 yards from 90 catches — this broke Kellen Winslow's club record for receptions in a season. The defense continued to be solid. Safeties Darren Carrington and Stanley Richard were both released after disappointing performances in the Super Bowl; Rodney Harrison began to see more action as a strong safety, and led the team with five interceptions. Leslie O'Neal, in his final year with the club, was once again the sack leader with 12.5; Junior Seau's 130 tackles were 45 more than the next best of his teammates. Andre Coleman continued to be dangerous, running one punt and two kickoffs back for touchdowns, though he also fumbled ten times. Former Australian Rules full-forward Darren Bennett was voted to the Pro Bowl in his first season as a starting punter.

The Chargers suffered a tragedy during the offseason, when linebacker David Griggs was killed in a road accident.[3]

Offseason

[edit]

NFL draft

[edit]
Main article: 1995 NFL draft
1995 San Diego Chargers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
2 34 Terrance Shaw  Cornerback Stephen F. Austin
2 51 Terrell Fletcher  Running back Wisconsin
2 61 Jimmy Oliver  Wide receiver TCU
3 93 Don Sasa  Defensive tackle Washington State
3 98 Preston Harrison  Offensive guard Ohio State
3 100 Chris Cowart  Linebacker Florida State
4 104 Aaron Hayden  Running back Tennessee
5 162 'Omar Ellison  Wide receiver Florida State
6 177 Troy Sienkiewicz  Offensive guard New Mexico State
6 183 Brandon Harrison  Wide receiver Howard Payne
6 197 Craig Whelihan  Quarterback Pacific
6 200 Tony Berti  Offensive tackle Colorado
7 237 Mark Montreuil  Cornerback Concordia (Quebec)
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Personnel

[edit]

Staff

[edit]
1995 San Diego Chargers staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – John Dunn
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – John Hastings


Roster

[edit]
1995 San Diego Chargers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 2 reserve, 2 practice squad

Regular season

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Schedule

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
1 September 3 at Oakland Raiders L 7–17 0–1 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 50,323
2 September 10 Seattle Seahawks W 14–10 1–1 Jack Murphy Stadium 54,420
3 September 17 at Philadelphia Eagles W 27–21 2–1 Veterans Stadium 63,081
4 September 24 Denver Broncos W 17–6 3–1 Jack Murphy Stadium 58,987
5 October 1 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 16–31 3–2 Three Rivers Stadium 57,012
6 October 9 at Kansas City Chiefs L 23–29 (OT) 3–3 Arrowhead Stadium 79,288
7 October 15 Dallas Cowboys L 9–23 3–4 Jack Murphy Stadium 62,664
8 October 22 at Seattle Seahawks W 35–25 4–4 Kingdome 45,821
9 Bye
10 November 5 Miami Dolphins L 14–24 4–5 Jack Murphy Stadium 61,996
11 November 12 Kansas City Chiefs L 7–22 4–6 Jack Murphy Stadium 59,285
12 November 19 at Denver Broncos L 27–30 4–7 Mile High Stadium 74,681
13 November 27 Oakland Raiders W 12–6 5–7 Jack Murphy Stadium 60,607
14 December 3 Cleveland Browns W 31–13 6–7 Jack Murphy Stadium 56,358
15 December 9 Arizona Cardinals W 28–25 7–7 Jack Murphy Stadium 55,258
16 December 17 at Indianapolis Colts W 27–24 8–7 RCA Dome 55,318
17 December 23 at New York Giants W 27–17 9–7 Giants Stadium 50,243
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

[edit]

Week 1: at Oakland Raiders

[edit]
Week One: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 7 007
Raiders 0 7 10017

at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: September 3
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17.2 °C), relative humidity 83%, wind 11 mph
  • Game attendance: 50,323
  • Referee: Dick Hantak
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

San Diego had a 3rd and 13 at the Oakland 38 in the opening quarter, but Humphries' long pass was intercepted at the 1-yard line. The Raiders responded with a 14-play, 99-yard drive that featured 10 runs for 58 yards. Means had a 35-yard carry on the ensuing drive, which ended with Carney's 42-yard field goal miss. San Diego faced a 2nd and 20 on their next drive, but Humphries found Martin for 19 yards and Means converted the third down with a 2-yard run. On the next play, Humphries threw to Jefferson at the goal line for a touchdown. The score was 7–7 at halftime.[4]

Means lost a fumble at his own 33-yard line on the first play of the second half; the Chargers' defense allowed only four yards, and Oakland kicked a field goal. The teams then punted twice each, but Coleman fumbled the last of these at his own 27 and Oakland recovered, setting up a touchdown two plays later. The Chargers reached a 4th and 2 at the Raiders 32 in response, but Humphries threw incomplete on the first play of the 4th quarter. San Diego turned the ball over on downs twice more during the final period.[4]

Jefferson's 120 receiving yards were the most he had during five season in San Diego.[5] The Chargers outgained Oakland by 371 yards to 247, but committed all three of the game's turnovers.[6]

Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks

[edit]
Week Two: Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 7 3010
Chargers 7 0 0714

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

San Diego took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards without having to convert a third down, with Martin's touchdown catch putting them ahead. They later moved from their own 9-yard line to the Seattle 40, but Humphries was intercepted and the Seahawks drove 47 yards the other way for the game-tying score. Seattle threatened to take the lead on their next possession, but Harrison intercepted Rick Mirer on a 3rd and 8 from the San Diego 13-yard line. The score remained 7–7 at halftime.[7]

On the opening possession of the second half, Seattle reached a 3rd and goal from the San Diego 9. Mirer attempted to run the ball in, but was stopped a yard short by Bo Orlando and Glen Young. Following an exchange of punts, Humphries completed all five of his passes and accounted for 52 out of 80 yards on the go-ahead drive, capped by Harmon's touchdown catch with 13:41 to play. The Chargers missed a chance to extend their lead when Martin fumbled after a 24-yard catch to the Seattle 19-yard line. Three plays later, Harrison intercepted Mirer's long pass attempt at the San Diego 15. The Chargers then ran off the last 4:35 of the game, together with three Seahawks timeouts, with Means and Martin picking up two first downs each.[7]

Harrison had the first two interceptions of his career.[8] The Chargesr again comfortably outgained their opponents, this time by 397 yards to 209.[9]

Week 3: at Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]
Week Three: San Diego Chargers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 17 10027
Eagles 7 7 7021

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Game information

San Diego went three-and-out on each of their first three possessions and already trailed by a touchdown before Means lost a fumble on the first play of their fourth possession. Randall Cunningham threw his second touchdown five plays later, and the Eagles led 14–0. Coleman returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards to the Philadelphia 49-yard line; Harmon ran for 5 yards on a 3rd and 4, and Humphries found Jefferson for a touchdown on the next play. Shortly before halftime, Martin's 41-yard catch took the Chargers inside the Eagles 10-yard line. Humphries fumbled when sacked on 3rd down, but center Courtney Hall recovered and John Carney kicked a field goal to further narrow the gap. On the first play of the following drive, Calvin Williams fumbled and Junior Seau returned the loose ball 29 yards up the sideline before diving over a tackle for a touchdown and a 17–14 halftime lead.[10]

Philadelphia went three-and-out to start the second half, and Coleman returned a punt 88 yards down the right sideline for another score; he ran his next return back 20 yards to the San Diego 42, eventually leading to a short Carney field goal and a run of twenty-seven unanswered points. Cunningham responded with his 3rd touchdown pass with over a quarter still to play, but the Chargers' defense didn't let the Eagles cross midfield on their final four possessions; a Harrison interception in the final seconds clinched the win.[11]

Coleman returned three kickoffs for 75 yards and four punts for 133 yards and a touchdown.[10] Seau's touchdown was the only one of his 20-year career.[12]

Week 4: vs. Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week Four: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 3 306
Chargers 0 7 01017

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: September 24
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21.1 °C), relative humidity 78%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 58,978
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

Means began the Chargers' second possession with a 26-yard run and Humphries kept it going when he converted a 4th and 1 at the Denver 21 with a quarterback sneak; three plays later, Humphries was intercepted to end the threat. Denver drove 84 yards the other way, settling for a field goal after Harrison tackled Ed McCaffrey a yard short on a 3rd and 4 from the San Diego 8-yard line. The Chargers converted four shorts 3rd downs on the ensuing possession; Means accounted for three of these, including a touchdown on 3rd and goal from the Denver 2. There was no more scoring in the half, which ended with San Diego 7–3 ahead.[13]

Terrance Shaw was flagged for a 34-yard pass interference penalty on the first play of the second half, leading to another Denver field goal. After two punts each, the Chargers had another touchdown drive sustained by four 3rd down conversions; the first three of these were on Humphries passes, then Means again scored on 3rd and goal from the Denver 2-yard line. Martin had a 26-yard catch on 2nd and 16 early in the next Chargers drive, leading to Carney's 45-yard field goal. John Elway led the Broncos to the San Diego 31, but threw four consecutive incompletions to end the final series Denver threat.[13]

Means gained over 100 yards for the third consecutive game, all wins. The Broncos converted 3rd down opportunities only 3 times from 13 attempts, while the Chargers converted 11 of 19.[14]

Week 5: at Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 6 7316
Steelers 21 10 0031

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

Pittsburgh opened the game with a six-minute touchdown drive. San Diego reached a 2nd and 7 from the Steelers 43 in response, but a Humphries pass was deflected, intercepted by Willie Williams and run back 63 yards for a touchdown. After an exchange of punts, another deflected pass was run back 32 yards by Alvoid Mays for a score; a field goal extended their lead to twenty-four points. Lewis Bush intercepted a Mike Tomczak pass at midfield, starting a drive that Means capped with a 13-yard touchdown run, but Pittsburgh came straight back with an 82-yard touchdown drive and led 31–6 at halftime.[15]

Humphries threw a touchdown on the Chargers' first possession of the second half, and was intercepted again on their second. He completed four consecutive passes for 70 yards late in the 3rd quarter, but was sacked on 2nd and goal from the 3-yard line and the Chargers settled for a field goal. San Diego had a chance to get closer midway through the final quarter, but Martin dropped a potential 47-yard touchdown and Humphries threw his fourth interception three plays later.[15]

This was a rematch of the previous season's AFC championship game, won by San Diego in the same venue. Humphries threw four interceptions in a regular season game for the first time.[16]

Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Chargers 3 10 010023
Chiefs 0 13 010629

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

The first quarter saw only one possession each. San Diego opened with a 19-play drive on which Humphries completions converted four 3rd downs; they reached 2nd and goal from the 1 but were pushed when Vaughn Parker was flagged for a false start and Carney made a short field goal. The Chiefs' response took 14 plays and ended with another field goal. A 54-yard kickoff return by Coleman then set up the Chargers for a short touchdown drive capped by Means' 2-yard run. After a Chiefs field goal, Coleman fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Kansas City recovered to set up a 3-play touchdown drive and a three-point lead lead. The Chiefs were in position to add to that advantage shortly before halftime, but on 1st and 10 from the Chargers 18-yard line Steve Bono was sacked by Raylee Johnson and fumbled. Shawn Lee recovered the loose ball with 43 seconds remaining in the half, and Humphries managed to drive the Chargers into range for Carney to tie the score at 13–13 going into halftime.[17]

Tony Martin fumbled away the best scoring chance of the 3rd quarter after catching a 30-yard pass to the Chiefs 11; the next score was a Lin Elliott field goal 13 minutes from time. On the next drive, Humphries ran for 11 yards on 3rd and 9 and converted a 3rd and 1 with a quarterback sneak. He then hit Shawn Jefferson for 45 yards down to the Chiefs 4-yard line and threw the go-ahead touchdown on the following play. After Junior Seau and Dennis Gibson stopped Marcus Allen in mid-flight for no gain on 3rd and 1, Kansas City punted. A 44-yard connection from Humphries to Ronnie Harmon converted a 3rd and 11 and took San Diego into Chiefs territory, but Humphries fell awkwardly on his throwing arm while completing another pass and had to leave the game with a shoulder injury. The Chargers ran the clock down to 1:12 before extending their lead with a field goal, but Bono led a rapid 79-yard drive and found Derrick Walker to tie the game at 23–23 with 15 seconds remaining.[17]

San Diego won the toss in overtime. Gale Gilbert led the team to the edge of field goal range but was sacked by Neil Smith, forcing a punt. The Chiefs also had to kick the ball away, but not until after Lewis Bush had dropped a potential interception at the 22-yard line. Another Smith sack forced the Chargers to go three-and-out; Tamarick Vanover fielded the ensuing punt at his own 14, cut back to the left sideline, broke Bennett's tackle and completed the game-winning return.[18]

It was the first NFL game to be decided by an overtime punt return touchdown, and also the fifth overtime game in the NFL that week, a setting a new record.[18]

Week 7: vs. Dallas Cowboys

[edit]
Week Seven: Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 7 7 6323
Chargers 2 0 709

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

Humphries was out with the shoulder injury he had picked up the previous week, so Gilbert started. He led the Chargers to a first down at the Dallas 34-yard line on the game's opening possession, then threw an interception on the next play after a miscommunication with Jefferson. Dallas took over at their own 7-yard line, but Reuben Davis immediately sacked Troy Aikman in the end zone for a safety. Gilbert was sacked near midfield on the next possession and lost a fumble, setting up a quick touchdown drive for the Cowboys. San Diego were soon threatening again; Gilbert's 41-yard completion to Coleman on 3rd and 26 was the biggest play as they moved from their own 16-yard line to a 2nd and goal from the Dallas 5. Gilbert then threw a wayward pass that was intercepted in the end zone. The Cowboys went three-and-out and San Diego took over near midfield, but Gilbert immediately threw another interception. It was the Chargers' fourth turnover in their first four possessions, and Dallas drove 85 yards to convert it into a touchdown and a 14–2 halftime lead.[19]

Harmon broke away for a 48-yard touchdown early in the second half to cut the deficit to five points. Dallas took eight minutes off the clock on a 14-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. After an exchange of punts, the Chargers reached a 3rd and 12 on the Dallas 37. Gilbert hit Jefferson for an apparent touchdown, but Jefferson had stepped out of bounds before making the catch. San Diego tried to convert on 4th and 12, but could only gain 6 yards and turned the ball over. Dallas added a field goal and the Chargers failed to cross midfield on their final three possessions.[19]

As well as the four turnovers, Gilbert was sacked six times and San Diego committed 9 penalties for 87 yards.[20] The 48-yard run was the longest of Harmon's career.[21]

Week 8: at Seattle Seahawks

[edit]
Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 6 19 01035
Seahawks 7 3 6925

at Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: October 22
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: Dome
  • Game attendance: 45,821
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jim Lampley and Bob Golic
  • Box score
Game information

Gayle made an early interception of Mirer. Humphries had returned to the starting line-up, but was intercepted in turn on the next drive, and Seattle drove 59 yards for the opening touchdown. San Diego faced 4th and 2 from their own 41-yard line on the next series, Fletcher took a direct snap on a fake punt for 46 yards; Humphries found Harmon for a touchdown three plays later. On the next Chargers drive he converted a 4th and 1 with a quarterback sneak, followed up with a 37-yard completion to Martin, and hit Mark Seay for a 2-yard touchdown on 3rd and goal. Shortly afterwards, a 37-yard Bennett punt pinned the Seahawks at their own 1-yard line. Gayle recovered a fumbled snap in the end zone two plays later. After a Seahawks field goal, Means broke off a 36-yard run, then went the final 7 yards to the end zone on the next play; it was 25–10 at the break.[22]

Seattle drove for a touchdown on the first possession of the second half. Late in the 3rd quarter, Harper intercepted Mirer and lateraled to Orlando, who ran the ball back 37 yards to the Seattle 26-yard line. Humphries and Harmon connected for a 23-yard touchdown on 3rd and 18 shortly afterwards. Shaw added a further interception as Seattle were kept at bay in the latter stages.[22]

Leslie O'Neal had four of the Chargers' seven sacks; he had achieved only 2+1⁄2 sacks through the previous seven weeks. San Diego converted all three of their 4th down attempts.[23]

Week 10: vs. Miami Dolphins

[edit]
Week Ten: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 0 71024
Chargers 3 0 11014

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

Miami avenged their recent postseason defeat in a hard-fought encounter. San Diego suffered an early blow when Means was forced out of the game with a groin strain — he had only a handful of carries throughout the remainder of the season. In his absence, the Chargers could muster only 3 points in the first half; Dan Marino found Irving Fryar to put Miami ahead, and was threatening to extend the lead in the 2nd quarter when Seau came up with a goal line interception. The scoring accelerated in the 3rd quarter — after a Charger field goal, Marino threw his second touchdown, then Humphries found Martin behind the defense for a 50-yard score. A Humphries-to-Seay two-point conversion levelled the scores.

Miami restored their lead with a field goal, and then the turnover issues which had plagued San Diego's season thus far returned. A Humphries pass was thrown behind Martin, tipped and intercepted, setting up a Dolphins touchdown. Attempting a quick response, the Chargers drove inside the Miami 10, where Alfred Pupunu lost a fumble, and the Dolphins ran out the clock.

Tony Martin caught 7 passes for 121 yards. With Means out of the game, Ronnie Harmon rushed for 52 yards while catching passes for a further 54.[24][25]

Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week Eleven: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 7 6 6322
Chargers 7 0 007

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 12
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17.2 °C), relative humidity 87%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 59,285
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

While they were only outgained by three yards, the Chargers generated few threats against the division-leading Chiefs. Down 7-0 early, the Chargers put together an 80-yard touchdown drive in response. They had a stroke of luck when officials missed Duane Young fumbling two plays before Rodney Culver's game-tying score. Thereafter, Charger drive repeatedly broke down around midfield, while the Chiefs steadily built a game-winning lead.[26][27]

Week 12: at Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week Twelve: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 3 31427
Broncos 21 6 0330

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: November 19
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 48 °F (8.9 °C), relative humidity 33%, wind 10 mph
  • Game attendance: 74,681
  • Referee: Gerald Austin
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

A spirited fightback couldn't prevent the Chargers from slipping to their sixth defeat in seven games. John Elway and rookie running back Terrell Davis were dominant as Denver scored touchdowns on their first three possessions, leading 21–0 in the 1st quarter. A 91-yard kickoff return touchdown got San Diego on the board, before the scoring calmed down in the middle quarters. Denver led 27-13 when Jason Elam missed a 46-yard field goal. That sparked a Charger recovery, as they drove 64 and 72 yards on their next two possessions, tying the game with touchdowns by Harmon and Culver. However, following an exchange of punts, Davis ran on six consecutive plays for 53 yards, and Elam kicked a game-winning field goal with two seconds left.

Davis, a native of San Diego, rushed 30 times for 176 yards, the highest totals of his young career. Denver rolled up 463 yards, the most the Charger defense gave up all year. At 4–7, San Diego were now dead last in their division, and two games back in the wildcard race.[28][29]

Week 13: vs. Oakland Raiders

[edit]
Week Thirteen: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 3 0 036
Chargers 0 6 3312

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 27
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16.1 °C), relative humidity 74%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 60,607
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, Frank Gifford and Dan Dierdorf
  • Box score
Game information

San Diego upset the 8-3 Raiders on Monday Night Football, aided by three Dwayne Harper interceptions. Harper, who only had one other pick all season, also made the most crucial tackle of the game. The Chargers led 9-3 early in the 4th quarter, when Harvey Williams broke through the middle for a 60-yard run. Harper chased him down at the San Diego 33-yard line, and Oakland ultimately settled for a field goal. On the next Raider possession, Chris Mims sacked Vince Evans, forcing a fumble he recovered himself; John Carney's fourth field goal from five attempts restored the six-point margin for San Diego. Harper's third interception came in the final minute, and clinched the win.[30][31]

Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns

[edit]
Week Fourteen: Cleveland Browns at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 3 7313
Chargers 7 10 01431

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

Rookie running back Aaron Hayden rushed 32 times for 127 yards with two touchdowns, guiding the Chargers to another much-needed win. Hayden's TDs had the Chargers up 17–3 at the half, before a Vinny Testaverde touchdown pass pulled Cleveland within seven. San Diego broke the game back open in the 4th quarter, going 96 yards on 10 plays and scoring with a Humphries to Martin connection. A Terrell Fletcher touchdown run extended the lead. In total, the Chargers rushed for a season-high 186 yards, having failed to gain as many as 80 in the four games since Means was injured.[32][33]

Week 15: vs. Arizona Cardinals

[edit]
Week Fifteen: Arizona Cardinals at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 14 3825
Chargers 0 14 14028

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 60 °F (15.6 °C), relative humidity 85%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 55,258
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (FOX): Terry Bradshaw and Jimmy Johnson
  • Box score
Game information

The Chargers overcame six turnovers thanks to a purple patch around halftime. After Mark Seay had opened the scoring, Tony Martin fumbled, setting up a short Arizona touchdown drive. Two possessions later, a Humphries pass was tipped, intercepted and returned for a touchdown by defensive end Clyde Simmons. The Chargers responded quickly, Humphries passing on 12 consecutive plays and converting a 4th and 10 en route to a TD pass to Harmon. Andre Coleman put San Diego ahead to stay when he returned the opening kickoff of the second half 92 yards for another score, then Seay scored again for a 28–14 lead. The Cardinals attempted a comeback, but an onside kick recovery by Seau ensured San Diego could run out the clock.

Humphries had a busy day, going 26 of 41 for 288 yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Mark Seay finished with 7 catches for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns.[34][35]

Week 16: at Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 0 71327
Colts 3 7 01424

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: December 17
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Dome
  • Game attendance: 55,318
  • Referee: Gary Lane
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui and Beasley Reece
  • Box score
Game information

Two John Carney field goals in the final two minutes gave San Diego a thrilling win in a battle of playoff hopefuls. In the first half, Tony Martin got behind the coverage for a 51-yard touchdown on 3rd and 20, but Carney missed two kicks and the Colts led 10–7 at the break. San Diego took a 21–13 lead early in the 4th quarter, with two touchdowns either side of a Colts field goal: Humphries scored the first on a QB sneak, before finding Martin on another long pass, this time of 38 yards. The Colts responded immediately, tying the game with a touchdown and two point conversion, and setting up a wild final seven minutes.

Humphries was intercepted by Quentin Coryatt on the next play, but Willie Clark picked off Jim Harbaugh just three plays later, and San Diego put together a 47-yard drive capped by Carney first field goal with 1:59 left. Back came the Colts, reaching the San Diego 33 before Harbaugh threw three incompletions and they had to settle for a game-tying field goal with 48 seconds left. A 26-yard Humphries-to-Pupunu completion then moved the ball to the Colts' 49, before a tipped ball flew straight to Coryatt, who dropped the easy interception. Humphries found Harmon for 17 yards on the next play; after a Hayden run netted 7 yards, Carney's winning kick came from 43 yards out with three seconds remaining.

Martin caught 10 passes for 168 yards and the two scores. Carney's two field goals took his tally with the Chargers to 148, breaking a tie with Rolf Benirschke for the club record. The win left San Diego needing only to beat the Giants a week later to clinch a playoff berth.[36][37]

Week 17: at New York Giants

[edit]
Further information: Snowball Game (1995)
Week Seventeen: San Diego Chargers at New York Giants – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 3 71727
Giants 3 14 0017

at Giants Stadium, New York, New York

Game information

The Chargers clinched a playoff spot by overcoming both a 14-point deficit and a barrage of snowballs in New York.[38] Following recent snowfall the aisles at Giants Stadium had been cleared, but there was a substantial amount of snow and ice in the seating area. Fans began throwing snowballs at each other and, increasingly as the game wore on, onto the pitch.

Humphries was knocked out of the game in the 1st quarter, and the Giants appeared in control at the break, 17-3 up. However, Seau recovered a fumble on the third play of the second half; Rodney Culver then converted a 4th and 1 before Aaron Hayden scored two plays later. Following a missed field goal by the Giants, the next four drives ended in punts.

Increasing numbers of snowballs were raining down on the field during this period, with fans targeting both the officials and the Charger sideline. At the end of the 3rd quarter, an announcement over the stadium's PA warned Giants fans that the match could be awarded to San Diego if the barrage continued. One play into the 4th quarter, referee Ron Blum stopped the game and headed over to the Charger sideline to call up to the booth and have the threat repeated. While he bent to pick up the phone, a ball of hard ice was thrown in his direction; it struck San Diego's equipment manager Sid Brooks on the bridge of the nose, briefly knocking him out.

The game continued, with stadium security removing over 100 fans. Gale Gilbert converted a 4th and 6 with a 13-yard completion to Martin; on 4th and 2 from the 8, Culver then ran in the game-tying touchdown. The Giants quickly moved into position to respond, but on 2nd and goal from the 12, Seau hit Dave Brown as he threw, and the ball looped up to be intercepted by Shaun Gayle at the 1 yard line. He returned it 99 yards for a touchdown, covering the ball with both hands as he crossed the goal line to ensure that the continuing volleys of snowballs didn't knock it loose. Shortly afterwards, Leslie O'Neal forced a fumble, Lewis Bush recovered, and John Carney clinched the win with a 45-yard field goal.[39][40]

Standings

[edit]
AFC West
W L T PCT PF PA STK
(1) Kansas City Chiefs 13 3 0 .813 358 241 W2
(4) San Diego Chargers 9 7 0 .563 321 323 W5
Seattle Seahawks 8 8 0 .500 363 366 L1
Denver Broncos 8 8 0 .500 388 345 W1
Oakland Raiders 8 8 0 .500 348 332 L6

Postseason

[edit]
See also: 1995–96 NFL playoffs
Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
Wildcard December 31 Indianapolis Colts (5) L 20–35 0–1 Jack Murphy Stadium 61,182 Recap

Game summaries

[edit]

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (#5) Indianapolis Colts at (#4) San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 14 71435
Chargers 3 7 7320

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego

Game information

Rookie fullback Zack Crockett rushed for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Colts pulled off an upset win.[41][42]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "1995 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  2. ^ "1995 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  3. ^ "Chargers linebacker Griggs killed in one-car accident".
  4. ^ a b "San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders - September 3rd, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  5. ^ "Shawn Jefferson career game log". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  6. ^ Williams, Dave (September 19, 1995). "Chargers defeated in opener". Santa Rosa Press Democrat. pp. C1, C8.
  7. ^ a b "Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers - September 10th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  8. ^ "Rodney Harrison career game logs". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  9. ^ Wilson, Bernie (September 11, 1995). "Chargers clip Seahawks' wings—but just barely". Fresno Bee. Associated Press. p. E6.
  10. ^ a b "San Diego Chargers at Philadelphia Eagles - September 17th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  11. ^ Paris, Jay (September 18, 1995). "Chargers rally for a sweet win". North County Times. pp. C-1, C-5.
  12. ^ "Junior Seau stats, height, weight, position, draft, college". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  13. ^ a b "Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers - September 24th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  14. ^ Wilson, Bernie (September 25, 1995). "Bolts bottle up Broncos". Palm Springs Desert Sun. p. D1.
  15. ^ a b "San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers - October 1st, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  16. ^ "Steelers crush Chargers, earn some revenge". Buffalo News. Associated Press. October 2, 1995. p. 7.
  17. ^ a b "San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs - October 9th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  18. ^ a b "Vanover's TD gives Chiefs". Grand Island Independent. AP. October 10, 1995. p. 1-B.
  19. ^ a b "Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers - October 15th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  20. ^ Wilson, Bernie (October 16, 1995). "Cowboy's train backs up over San Diego". Fresno Bee. Associated Press. p. E6.
  21. ^ "Ronnie Harmon stats, height, weight, position, draft, college". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
  22. ^ a b "San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks - October 22nd, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  23. ^ "Humphries returns to get Chargers over the hump". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. October 23, 1995. p. C10.
  24. ^ "Dolphins pick up rare win in San Diego". Davenport Quad-City Times. AP. November 6, 1995. p. 3S.
  25. ^ "Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers - November 5th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  26. ^ "Chiefs revive Super Bowl memories". Miami Herald. Herald Wire Services. November 13, 1995. p. 6D.
  27. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers - November 12th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  28. ^ "Broncos 30 Chargers 27". Longview News-Journal. Wire reports. November 20, 1995. p. 3B.
  29. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos - November 19th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  30. ^ "Chargers capitalize on three Harper threats". Wilmington News Journal. Wire reports. November 28, 1995. p. C1.
  31. ^ "Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers - November 27th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  32. ^ "Given a break, Hayden gives Chargers win". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. December 4, 1995. p. C9.
  33. ^ "Cleveland Browns at San Diego Chargers - December 3rd, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  34. ^ Wilson, Bernie (December 11, 1995). "Suddenly, Chargers are back in business". Temecula Californian. Associated Press. p. B1.
  35. ^ "Arizona Cardinals at San Diego Chargers - December 9th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  36. ^ "Chargers get a big boost from Carney's boots". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. December 18, 1995. p. C6.
  37. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts - December 17th, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  38. ^ Kleinfield, N. R. (May 27, 2010). "Meadowlands in February? Watch for Snowballs". The New York Times.
  39. ^ "Bolts, Colts exult". Modesto Bee. Associated Press. December 24, 1995. p. C-5.
  40. ^ "San Diego Chargers at New York Giants - December 23rd, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  41. ^ Wilson, Bernie (January 1, 1996). "Indianapolis knocks out Chargers". Tulare Advance-Register. Associated Press. p. 6.
  42. ^ "Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers - December 31st, 1995". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
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