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1972 San Diego Chargers season

1972 NFL team season

1972 NFL team season

FieldValue
teamSan Diego Chargers
year1972
record4–9–1
division_place4th AFC West
coachHarland Svare
general managerHarland Svare
ownerEugene V. Klein
stadiumSan Diego Stadium
pro bowlers{{Collapsible list
title4
1WR Gary Garrison
2QB John Hadl
3DE Deacon Jones
4G Walt Sweeney
AP All-pros*None*
playoffs*Did not qualify*
shortnavlinkChargers seasons

| AP All-pros = None

The ** San Diego Chargers season** was the franchise's third season in the National Football League (NFL), and its 13th overall. The team failed to improve on their 6–8 record in 1971. The Chargers would get off to a poor start, as they were devoured 34–3 in their season opener at San Francisco. After their week 2 win against the Denver Broncos, the Chargers would play to a 17–17 draw with another cross-state rival, the Oakland Raiders. It was San Diego's fourth tie in 3 seasons (they tied 3 times in 1970). Even after they defeated the Baltimore Colts in the week following the tie, the Bolts would stumble the rest of the year, winning only 2 more games en route to a 4–9–1 season.

This squad featured several players like Duane Thomas, Tim Rossovich, Dave Costa and John Mackey who were unwanted by most of the other NFL teams.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1972 NFL draft

Roster

Preseason

San Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"WeekSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"DateSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"OpponentSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"ResultSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"RecordSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"VenueSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"Attendance123456
August 5[Atlanta Falcons](1972-atlanta-falcons-season)**W** 30–71–0San Diego Stadium
August 12at [Minnesota Vikings](1972-minnesota-vikings-season)**L** 13–241–1Metropolitan Stadium
August 19[San Francisco 49ers](1972-san-francisco-49ers-season)**W** 17–162–1San Diego Stadium
August 26at [New Orleans Saints](1972-new-orleans-saints-season)**W** 16–143–1Tulane Stadium
September 2[Los Angeles Rams](1972-los-angeles-rams-season)**W** 14–134–1San Diego Stadium
September 6[New York Jets](1972-new-york-jets-season)**T** 20–204–1–1San Diego Stadium

Regular season

Schedule

San Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"WeekSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"DateSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"OpponentSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"ResultSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"RecordSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"VenueSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"AttendanceSan Diego Chargersyear=1972border=2}}"Recap1234567891011121314
September 17at [San Francisco 49ers](1972-san-francisco-49ers-season)**L** 3–340–1Candlestick Park59,438[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197209170sfo.htm)
September 24**[Denver Broncos](1972-denver-broncos-season)****W** 37–141–1San Diego Stadium49,048[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197209240sdg.htm)
October 1at **[Oakland Raiders](1972-oakland-raiders-season)****T** 17–171–1–1Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum53,455[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197210010rai.htm)
October 8at [Baltimore Colts](1972-baltimore-colts-season)**W** 23–202–1–1Memorial Stadium55,459[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197210080clt.htm)
October 15at [Miami Dolphins](1972-miami-dolphins-season)**L** 10–242–2–1Miami Orange Bowl80,010[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197210150mia.htm)
October 22at [Detroit Lions](1972-detroit-lions-season)**L** 20–342–3–1Tiger Stadium54,371[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197210220det.htm)
October 29**[Kansas City Chiefs](1972-kansas-city-chiefs-season)****L** 14–262–4–1San Diego Stadium54,533[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197210290sdg.htm)
November 5[Dallas Cowboys](1972-dallas-cowboys-season)**L** 28–342–5–1San Diego Stadium54,476[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197211050sdg.htm)
[Cleveland Browns](1972-cleveland-browns-season)**L** 17–212–6–1San Diego Stadium54,205[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197211190kan.htm)
November 19at **[Kansas City Chiefs](1972-kansas-city-chiefs-season)****W** 27–173–6–1Arrowhead Stadium79,011[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197211190kan.htm)
November 26[Houston Oilers](1972-houston-oilers-season)**W** 34–204–6–1San Diego Stadium46,289[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197211260sdg.htm)
December 3**[Oakland Raiders](1972-oakland-raiders-season)****L** 19–214–7–1San Diego Stadium54,611[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197212030sdg.htm)
December 10at **[Denver Broncos](1972-denver-broncos-season)****L** 13–384–8–1Mile High Stadium51,478[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197212100den.htm)
December 17[Pittsburgh Steelers](1972-pittsburgh-steelers-season)**L** 2–244–9–1San Diego Stadium52,873[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197212170sdg.htm)
**Note:** Intra-division opponents are in **bold** text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at San Francisco 49ers

First quarter

  • SF – Gene Washington 13-yard pass from John Brodie (Bruce Gossett kick), 8:28. ''49ers 7–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards.'''''
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 30-yard field goal, 2:06. ''49ers 7–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 6:22.''''' Second quarter
  • SF – Bruce Gossett 43-yard field goal, 12:10. ''49ers 10–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 39 yards, 4:56.'''''
  • SF – Gene Washington 23-yard pass from John Brodie (Bruce Gossett kick), 3:23. ''49ers 17–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:13.'''''
  • SF – Gene Washington 45-yard pass from John Brodie (Bruce Gossett kick), 0:42. ''49ers 24–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 0:38.''''' Third quarter
  • SF – Jimmy Thomas 4-yard run (Bruce Gossett kick), 7:36. ''49ers 31–3. '''Drive: 1 play, 8 yards, 0:07.''''' Fourth quarter
  • SF – Bruce Gossett 20-yard field goal, 10:28. ''49ers 34–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 2:12.''''' Top passers
  • SDG – John Hadl – 11/25, 109 yards, 2 INT
  • SF – John Brodie – 11/19, 156 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
  • SDG – Mike Garrett – 19 rushes, 80 yards
  • SF – Jimmy Thomas – 13 rushes, 64 yards, TD Top receivers
  • SDG – Dave Williams – 3 receptions, 83 yards
  • SF – Gene Washington – 8 receptions, 140 yards, 3 TD

Week 2: vs. Denver Broncos

First quarter

  • DEN – Randy Montgomery 94-yard kickoff return (Jim Turner kick), 14:45. Broncos 7–0.
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 45-yard field goal, 9:29. ''Broncos 7–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 40 yards, 5:16.'''''
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 11-yard field goal, 6:24. ''Broncos 7–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 1:22.'''''
  • SDG – Mike Garrett 41-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 4:42. ''Chargers 13–7. '''Drive: 3 plays, 57 yards, 0:28.''''' Second quarter
  • SDG – Gary Garrison 9-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 9:21. ''Chargers 20–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 4:21.'''''
  • SDG – Dave Williams 31-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 3:05. ''Chargers 27–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 1:47.'''''
  • SDG – Joe Beauchamp 47-yard interception return (Dennis Partee kick), 2:07. Chargers 34–7. Third quarter
  • No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
  • DEN – Steve Ramsey 8-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 4:47. ''Chargers 34–14. '''Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:14.'''''
  • SDG – Bill McClard 47-yard field goal, 0:55. ''Chargers 37–14. '''Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 3:52.''''' Top passers
  • DEN – Steve Ramsey – 14/25, 192 yards, 3 INT
  • SDG – John Hadl – 15/32, 188 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
  • DEN – Fran Lynch – 5 rushes, 43 yards
  • SDG – Mike Garrett – 21 rushes, 104 yards, TD Top receivers
  • DEN – Rod Sherman – 6 receptions, 95 yards
  • SDG – Gary Garrison – 6 receptions, 69 yards, TD

Week 3: at Oakland Raiders

First quarter

  • OAK – Raymond Chester 23-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 7:26. ''Raiders 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:16.'''''
  • OAK – Marv Hubbard 1-yard run (George Blanda kick), 3:20. ''Raiders 14–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:10.''''' Second quarter
  • SDG – Cid Edwards 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 2:10. ''Raiders 14–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 6:54.''''' Third quarter
  • No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
  • SDG – Carl Mauck offensive fumble recovery in end zone (Dennis Partee kick), 14:12. ''Tied 14–14. '''Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 5:18.'''''
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 41-yard field goal, 7:02. ''Chargers 17–14. '''Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 5:43.'''''
  • OAK – George Blanda 40-yard field goal, 4:28. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 2:34.''''' Top passers
  • SDG – John Hadl – 9/13, 156 yards, INT
  • OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 14/26, 152 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 18 rushes, 97 yards, TD
  • OAK – Marv Hubbard – 16 rushes, 58 yards, TD Top receivers
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 6 receptions, 100 yards
  • OAK – Fred Biletnikoff – 5 receptions, 75 yards

Week 4: at Baltimore Colts

First quarter

  • SDG – Mike Garrett 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 7:40. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:20.''''' Second quarter
  • BAL – Jim O'Brien 22-yard field goal, 7:28. ''Chargers 7–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 3:55.'''''
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 51-yard field goal, 2:55. ''Chargers 10–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 4:33.''''' Third quarter
  • BAL – Don Nottingham 13-yard run (Jim O'Brien kick), 10:19. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 4:41.'''''
  • BAL – Jim O'Brien 20-yard field goal, 6:06. ''Colts 17–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 2:08.'''''
  • BAL – Don Nottingham 3-yard run (Jim O'Brien kick), 0:11. ''Colts 20–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 3:39.''''' Fourth quarter
  • SDG – Mike Garrett 2-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 10:05. ''Colts 20–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards, 1:52.'''''
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 40-yard field goal, 2:14. ''Tied 20–20. '''Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 1:46.'''''
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 28-yard field goal, 0:04. ''Chargers 23–20. '''Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 1:04.''''' Top passers
  • SDG – John Hadl – 12/20, 148 yards, 3 INT
  • BAL – Johnny Unitas – 14/22, 130 yards Top rushers
  • SDG – Mike Garrett – 27 rushes, 132 yards, 2 TD
  • BAL – Don Nottingham – 17 rushes, 85 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
  • SDG – Gary Garrison – 4 receptions, 59 yards
  • BAL – Cotton Speyrer – 3 receptions, 34 yards

Week 5: at Miami Dolphins

First quarter

  • MIA – Garo Yepremian 37-yard field goal, 5:18. ''Dolphins 3–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:00.'''''
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 12-yard field goal, 0:56. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 4:22.''''' Second quarter
  • MIA – Dick Anderson 35-yard fumble return (Garo Yepremian kick), 13:51. Dolphins 10–3.
  • MIA – Howard Twilley 18-yard pass from Earl Morrall (Garo Yepremian kick), 4:25. ''Dolphins 17–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:10.''''' Third quarter
  • MIA – Paul Warfield 19-yard pass from Earl Morrall (Garo Yepremian kick), 9:25. ''Dolphins 24–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 5:35.''''' Fourth quarter
  • SDG – Cid Edwards 3-yard pass from John Hadl (Bill McClard kick), 4:56. ''Dolphins 24–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:58.''''' Top passers
  • SDG – John Hadl – 12/22, 117 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • MIA – Earl Morrall – 8/10, 86 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
  • SDG – Mike Garrett – 22 rushes, 68 yards
  • MIA – Larry Csonka – 13 rushes, 70 yards Top receivers
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 4 receptions, 39 yards, TD
  • MIA – Howard Twilley – 2 receptions, 41 yards, TD

Week 6: at Detroit Lions

First quarter

  • DET – Errol Mann 25-yard field goal, 8:49. ''Lions 3–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 4:17.'''''
  • SDG – Cid Edwards 1-yard run (kick blocked), 1:55. ''Chargers 6–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 6:54.'''''
  • DET – Errol Mann 41-yard field goal, 0:47. ''Tied 6–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:08.''''' Second quarter
  • DET – Mel Farr 1-yard run (Errol Mann kick), 6:54. ''Lions 13–6. '''Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 7:53.''''' Third quarter
  • DET – Mel Farr 2-yard run (Errol Mann kick), 7:55. ''Lions 20–6. '''Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 7:05.'''''
  • DET – Larry Walton 24-yard pass from Greg Landry (Errol Mann kick), 4:21. ''Lions 27–6. '''Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 2:04.''''' Fourth quarter
  • DET – Greg Landry 5-yard run (Errol Mann kick), 12:03. ''Lions 34–6. '''Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 5:16.'''''
  • SDG – Gary Garrison 15-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 10:08. ''Lions 34–13. '''Drive: 4 plays, 67 yards, 1:55.'''''
  • SDG – Gary Garrison 5-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 6:40. ''Lions 34–20. '''Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 0:56.''''' Top passers
  • SDG – John Hadl – 12/27, 161 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • DET – Greg Landry – 12/24, 151 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 9 rushes, 42 yards, TD
  • DET – Mel Farr – 22 rushes, 96 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
  • SDG – Gary Garrison – 7 receptions, 119 yards, 2 TD
  • DET – Larry Walton – 7 receptions, 101 yards, TD

Week 7: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

First quarter

  • No scoring plays. Second quarter
  • KAN – Jan Stenerud 33-yard field goal, 8:52. ''Chiefs 3–0. '''Drive: 16 plays, 54 yards, 9:05.'''''
  • SDG – Mike Garrett 27-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 3:41. ''Chargers 7–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 5:11.''''' Third quarter
  • KAN – Jan Stenerud 50-yard field goal, 12:37. ''Chargers 7–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 2:23.'''''
  • KAN – Ed Podolak 6-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 0:40. ''Chiefs 13–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 3:18.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KAN – Jan Stenerud 15-yard field goal, 9:20. ''Chiefs 16–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:46.'''''
  • SDG – Mike Garrett 3-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 3:17. ''Chiefs 16–14. '''Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 6:03.'''''
  • KAN – Robert West 8-yard offensive fumble return (Jan Stenerud kick), 1:49. ''Chiefs 23–14. '''Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, 1:28.'''''
  • KAN – Jan Stenerud 37-yard field goal, 0:31. ''Chiefs 26–14. '''Drive: 4 plays, -5 yards, 0:40.''''' Top passers
  • KAN – Len Dawson – 14/27, 154 yards, 2 INT
  • SDG – John Hadl – 18/36, 231 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers
  • KAN – Ed Podolak – 18 rushes, 71 yards, TD
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 12 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers
  • KAN – Otis Taylor – 5 receptions, 86 yards
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 7 receptions, 93 yards

Week 8: vs. Dallas Cowboys

First quarter

  • DAL – Mike Montgomery 54-yard fumble return (Toni Fritsch kick), 13:16. Cowboys 7–0.
  • DAL – Toni Fritsch 25-yard field goal, 7:32. ''Cowboys 10–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:39.''''' Second quarter
  • DAL – Walt Garrison 9-yard run (Toni Fritsch kick), 10:25. ''Cowboys 17–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 2:22.'''''
  • DAL – Mike Ditka 1-yard pass from Craig Morton (Toni Fritsch kick), 0:43. ''Cowboys 24–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:26.''''' Third quarter
  • DAL – Craig Morton 7-yard run (Toni Fritsch kick), 6:31. ''Cowboys 31–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 3:47.'''''
  • SDG – Chuck Dicus 46-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 3:56. ''Cowboys 31–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:35.''''' Fourth quarter
  • SDG – Gary Garrison 42-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 13:39. ''Cowboys 31–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:26.'''''
  • SDG – Chuck Dicus 20-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 10:09. ''Cowboys 31–21. '''Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 1:36.'''''
  • DAL – Toni Fritsch 31-yard field goal, 3:47. ''Cowboys 34–21. '''Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 6:22.'''''
  • SDG – Dave Williams 47-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 0:00. ''Cowboys 34–28. '''Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards.''''' Top passers
  • DAL – Craig Morton – 15/21, 161 yards, TD, INT
  • SDG – John Hadl – 11/26, 211 yards, 4 TD, 3 INT Top rushers
  • DAL – Walt Garrison – 13 rushes, 44 yards, TD
  • SDG – Mike Garrett – 17 rushes, 88 yards Top receivers
  • DAL – Ron Sellers – 3 receptions, 79 yards
  • SDG – Chuck Dicus – 4 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD

Week 9: vs. Cleveland Browns

First quarter

  • No scoring plays. Second quarter
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 26-yard field goal. Chargers 3–0.
  • CLE – Mike Phipps 1-yard run (Don Cockroft kick). Browns 7–3. Third quarter
  • SDG – Cid Edwards 4-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 10–7. Fourth quarter
  • CLE – Ken Brown 2-yard run (Don Cockroft kick). Browns 14–10.
  • SDG – Mike Garrett 3-yard run (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 17–14.
  • CLE – Frank Pitts 38-yard pass from Mike Phipps (Don Cockroft kick). Browns 21–17. Top passers
  • CLE – Mike Phipps – 13/21, 186 yards, TD, INT
  • SDG – John Hadl – 12/21, 140 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
  • CLE – Leroy Kelly – 17 rushes, 67 yards
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 17 rushes, 91 yards Top receivers
  • CLE – Frank Pitts – 5 receptions, 96 yards, TD
  • SDG – Pettis Norman – 3 receptions, 47 yards

Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs

First quarter

  • SDG – Mike Garrett 3-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 5:54. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 63 yards, 1:38.'''''
  • KAN – Wendell Hayes 4-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick), 1:08. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 4:46.''''' Second quarter
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 46-yard field goal, 10:37. ''Chargers 10–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 3:08.'''''
  • SDG – John Hadl 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 6:31. ''Chargers 17–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:06.'''''
  • SDG – Gary Garrison 20-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 0:22. ''Chargers 24–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 1:26.''''' Third quarter
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 24-yard field goal, 11:17. ''Chargers 27–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:14.'''''
  • KAN – Jan Stenerud 28-yard field goal, 1:47. ''Chargers 27–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 4:37.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KAN – Robert West 36-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick), 4:11. ''Chargers 27–17. '''Drive: 11 plays, 37 yards, 4:14.''''' Top passers
  • SDG – John Hadl – 17/28, 216 yards, TD
  • KAN – Mike Livingston – 19/30, 231 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 12 rushes, 62 yards
  • KAN – Ed Podolak – 18 rushes, 71 yards, TD Top receivers
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 6 receptions, 82 yards
  • KAN – Mike Adamle – 9 receptions, 34 yards

Week 11: vs. Houston Oilers

First quarter

  • SDG – Jesse Taylor blocked punt recovery in end zone (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 7–0.
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 31-yard field goal. Chargers 10–0. Second quarter
  • HOU – Skip Butler 49-yard field goal. Chargers 10–3.
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 11-yard field goal. Chargers 13–3.
  • SDG – Cid Edwards 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 20–3. Third quarter
  • SDG – Cid Edwards 31-yard run (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 27–3. Fourth quarter
  • HOU – Skip Butler 47-yard field goal. Chargers 27–6.
  • SDG – Dave Williams 3-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 34–6.
  • HOU – Rhett Dawson 3-yard pass from Dan Pastorini (Skip Butler kick). Chargers 34–13.
  • HOU – Fred Willis 7-yard pass from Kent Nix (Skip Butler kick). Chargers 34–20. Top passers
  • HOU – Dan Pastorini – 17/35, 166 yards, TD, INT
  • SDG – John Hadl – 13/24, 141 yards, TD Top rushers
  • HOU – Paul Robinson – 17 rushes, 67 yards
  • SDG – Mike Garrett – 17 rushes, 102 yards Top receivers
  • HOU – Ken Burrough – 4 receptions, 52 yards
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 3 receptions, 44 yards

Week 12: vs. Oakland Raiders

First quarter

  • OAK – Raymond Chester 16-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 5:01. ''Raiders 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:39.''''' Second quarter
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 15-yard field goal, 14:14. ''Raiders 7–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 5:47.'''''
  • SDG – Cid Edwards 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 5:00. ''Chargers 10–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 6:28.'''''
  • OAK – Fred Biletnikoff 36-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 1:49. ''Raiders 14–10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:11.''''' Third quarter
  • SDG – Gary Garrison 52-yard pass from John Hadl (kick blocked), 6:09. ''Chargers 16–14. '''Drive: 1 play, 52 yards, 0:08.''''' Fourth quarter
  • SDG – Dennis Partee 18-yard field goal, 12:31. ''Chargers 19–14. '''Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 2:43.'''''
  • OAK – Charlie Smith 9-yard run (George Blanda kick), 1:18. ''Raiders 21–19. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:13.''''' Top passers
  • OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 14/23, 223 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • SDG – John Hadl – 15/26, 221 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • OAK – Marv Hubbard – 15 rushes, 68 yards
  • SDG – Mike Garrett – 28 rushes, 145 yards Top receivers
  • OAK – Mike Siani – 4 receptions, 71 yards
  • SDG – Gary Garrison – 4 receptions, 79 yards, TD

Week 13: at Denver Broncos

First quarter

  • DEN – Floyd Little 2-yard run (Jim Turner kick). Broncos 7–0. Second quarter
  • SDG – Bill McClard 26-yard field goal. Broncos 7–3.
  • DEN – Joe Dawkins 4-yard run (Jim Turner kick). Broncos 14–3.
  • DEN – Charlie Greer 65-yard punt return (Jim Turner kick). Broncos 21–3. Third quarter
  • SDG – Bill McClard 48-yard field goal, 9:29. Broncos 21–6.
  • DEN – Jim Turner 12-yard field goal, 4:47. Broncos 24–6.
  • DEN – Haven Moses 11-yard pass from Charley Johnson (Jim Turner kick), 4:47. Broncos 31–6.
  • DEN – Haven Moses 7-yard pass from Charley Johnson (Jim Turner kick), 4:47. Broncos 38–6. Fourth quarter
  • SDG – Gary Garrison 23-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 9:21. Broncos 38–13. Top passers
  • SDG – John Hadl – 22/44, 288 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • DEN – Charley Johnson – 6/10, 85 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
  • SDG – Mike Garrett – 15 rushes, 59 yards
  • DEN – Jim Krieg – 1 rush, 63 yards Top receivers
  • SDG – Gary Garrison – 10 receptions, 156 yards, TD
  • DEN – Haven Moses – 3 receptions, 43 yards, 2 TD

Week 14: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

First quarter

  • PIT – Franco Harris 2-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 11:51. ''Steelers 7–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:19.'''''
  • SDG – Safety, Dave Costa sacked Terry Bradshaw in end zone, 6:42. Steelers 7–2. Second quarter
  • PIT – John Fuqua 2-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 6:05. ''Steelers 14–2. '''Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 1:29.''''' Third quarter
  • PIT – Roy Gerela 26-yard field goal, 1:57. ''Steelers 17–2. '''Drive: 6 plays, 13 yards, 1:26.''''' Fourth quarter
  • PIT – Ron Shanklin 17-yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick), 6:03. ''Steelers 24–2. '''Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 4:01.''''' Top passers
  • PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 12/23, 152 yards, TD, INT
  • SDG – John Hadl – 11/26, 122 yards, 4 INT Top rushers
  • PIT – John Fuqua – 17 rushes, 51 yards, TD
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 13 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers
  • PIT – John Fuqua – 3 receptions, 50 yards
  • SDG – Cid Edwards – 3 receptions, 42 yards

Standings

Notable events

In their last game for the year, the Chargers became the thirty-third team in the NFL or leagues that merged with the NFL to score only a safety in a full game. This unusual occurrence has been repeated only six times since: by the 1980 Buffalo Bills, the 1983 Minnesota Vikings, the 1993 Cincinnati Bengals, the 2011 Atlanta Falcons (the only team to do so in a playoff game), the 2013 Jacksonville Jaguars, and the 2024 Houston Texans.

Awards

Deacon Jones, John Hadl, Walt Sweeney and Gary Garrison were named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad; No Chargers were named All-Pro by the Associated Press, nor were any named the best in his Conference.

References

References

  1. [https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/19/archives/john-mackeys-week.html Anderson, Dave. "Sports of The Times: John Mackey's Week," ''The New York Times'', Tuesday, September 19, 1972.] Retrieved October 22, 2020
  2. "2021 Los Angeles Chargers Media Guide".
  3. "1972 NFL Pro Bowlers".
  4. "1972 NFL All-Pros".
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