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1993 San Diego Chargers season

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1993 San Diego Chargers season
OwnerAlex Spanos
General managerBobby Beathard
Head coachBobby Ross
Home fieldJack Murphy Stadium
Results
Record8–8
Division place4th AFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros

The 1993 San Diego Chargers season was the team's 34th season, their 33rd in San Diego, and 24th in the National Football League.

The 1993 season began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record in 1992. Instead, they slipped to an 8–8 record. A tougher schedule made wins harder to come by — their beaten opponents averaged a 0.500 win percentage, compared to 0.369 the year before. Football Outsiders nonetheless rated the 1993 Chargers as the fourth-best team that season, and the second best in the AFC behind their conference rival Chiefs.[3]

Uncertainty at the quarterback position contributed to a slow start. Stan Humphries suffered a shoulder injury during the pre-season,[4] and posted a quarterback rating of just 46.12 through the first four games; John Friesz replaced him, posting better numbers but going 2–4 as a starter. Humphries returned for the final six games with a greatly improved rating of 90.7, and San Diego won four of them, but missed the playoffs by a single win.

The pass-catching corps were largely unchanged. Anthony Miller led the team in all major receiving categories (84 receptions, 1,162 yards, 7 touchdowns), while Ronnie Harmon had 73 catches out of the backfield. Marion Butts (746 yards, 4 touchdowns) split time in the backfield with rookie Natrone Means (645 yards, 8 touchdowns). On defense, the leaders were Leslie O'Neal (12.0 sacks), Junior Seau (129 tackles), and Darren Carrington (7 interceptions, plus 1 fumble recovery). Veteran cornerback Gill Byrd missed the entire season with injury and retired afterwards. Kicker John Carney started the season in fine form, running the consecutive field goal streak he'd started in 1992 up to a new NFL record of 29.[5] His form slipped as the season wore on, and he finished on 31 field goals from 40 attempts.

Offseason

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NFL draft

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Main article: 1993 NFL draft
1993 San Diego Chargers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 22 Darrien Gordon  Cornerback Stanford
2 41 Natrone Means *  Running back North Carolina
3 64 Joe Cocozzo  Guard Michigan
4 95 Raylee Johnson  Defensive end Arkansas
4 99 Lewis Bush  Linebacker Washington State
5 134 Walter Dunson  Wide receiver Middle Tennessee
6 161 Eric Castle  Defensive back Oregon
7 188 Doug Miller  Linebacker South Dakota State
8 222 Trent Green *  Quarterback Stanford
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Personnel

[edit]

Staff

[edit]
1993 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 – Chip Morton


Roster

[edit]
1993 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, 9 reserve, 2 practice squad

Regular season

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Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
1 September 5 Seattle Seahawks W 18–12 1–0 Jack Murphy Stadium 58,039
2 September 12 at Denver Broncos L 17–34 1–1 Mile High Stadium 75,074
3 September 19 Houston Oilers W 18–17 2–1 Jack Murphy Stadium 58,519
4 Bye
5 October 3 at Seattle Seahawks L 14–31 2–2 Kingdome 54,778
6 October 10 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 3–16 2–3 Three Rivers Stadium 55,264
7 October 17 Kansas City Chiefs L 14–17 2–4 Jack Murphy Stadium 60,729
8 Bye
9 October 31 at Los Angeles Raiders W 30–23 3–4 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 45,122
10 November 7 at Minnesota Vikings W 30–17 4–4 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 55,527
11 November 14 Chicago Bears L 13–16 4–5 Jack Murphy Stadium 58,459
12 November 21 Los Angeles Raiders L 7–12 4–6 Jack Murphy Stadium 60,615
13 November 29 at Indianapolis Colts W 31–0 5–6 Hoosier Dome 54,110
14 December 5 Denver Broncos W 13–10 6–6 Jack Murphy Stadium 60,233
15 December 12 Green Bay Packers L 13–20 6–7 Jack Murphy Stadium 57,930
16 December 19 at Kansas City Chiefs L 24–28 6–8 Arrowhead Stadium 74,778
17 December 27 Miami Dolphins W 45–20 7–8 Jack Murphy Stadium 60,311
18 January 2, 1994 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 32–17 8–8 Tampa Stadium 35,587
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

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Week 1: vs. Seattle Seahawks

[edit]
Week One: Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 7 3 0212
Chargers 6 6 0618

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: September 5
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21.1 °C), relative humidity 82%, wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
  • Game attendance: 58,039
  • Referee: Howard Roe
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks and Joe Gibbs
  • Box score
Game information

In a game with no offensive touchdowns, John Carney's six field goals brought San Diego their first opening day win for seven years. They had to overcome a terrible start, Stan Humphries' second pass attempt of the season being batted in the air by Cortez Kennedy for Joe Nash to intercept and return 13 yards for a touchdown. Humphries was intercepted again only three plays later, but Seattle missed a field goal, and the Charger offense began to move the ball. Four consecutive field goal drives had them up 12–10 at the half.

Marion Butts rushed for 87 yards on 15 carries, but had to leave the game early in the 3rd quarter. Still, the Chargers managed two more Carney kicks, the latter making it a two score game with just 5:35 to play. The Seahawks responded with a drive deep into Charger territory, but Burt Grossman recovered a fumble at the two. Charger punter John Kidd then gave up an intentional safety as time expired.

Carney's six field goals were a club record; he had successes from 50 and 51 yards out, becoming the first Charger with two 50+ yard field goals in the same game. Humphries wasn't intercepted again after the first two possession, but completed only 13 of 30 for 123 yards and a 27.5 QB rating.

Week 2: at Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week Two: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 0 14317
Broncos 0 17 71034

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: September 12
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: 76 °F (24.4 °C), relative humidity 20%, wind 11 miles per hour (18 km/h; 9.6 kn)
  • Game attendance: 75,074
  • Referee: Ron Blum
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen
  • Box score
Game information

The Chargers' first loss of the season arrived after a comeback attempt faltered. Two John Elway touchdown passes either side of an Eric Bieniemy fumble helped Denver lead 17–0 at halftime. Cornerback Marquez Pope played a key role in shifting momentum after the break, intercepting a pass and forcing a fumble on consecutive Bronco possessions. Both turnovers set the Chargers up with excellent field position, and both chances were converted, Humphries hitting Derrick Walker and Nate Lewis for touchdowns.

Now trailing only 17–14, San Diego were close to a stop on the next drive, but Elway converted a 3rd and 19 with a 46-yard completion to the one yard line. Ex-Charger Rod Bernstine scored a play later. Following an exchange of field goals, Humphries was intercepted and Denver iced the win.

Nate Lewis had 10 receptions and 119 yards, both career highs.

Week 3: vs. Houston Oliers

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Week Three: Houston Oliers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Oilers 0 14 0317
Chargers 3 6 3618

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: September 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 66 °F (18.9 °C), relative humidity 76%, wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
  • Game attendance: 58,519
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen
  • Box score
Game information

It was déjà vu for the Chargers, as John Carney kicked six field goals for the second consecutive home game. San Diego's defense played a huge role throughout the game; in the first half, Darren Carrington and Junior Seau both intercepted Warren Moon, either side of a Carrington fumble recovery. Each of these takeaways was converted into a field goal. Carney's third, from 27 yards out, gave him a streak of 26 consecutive regular season successes, stretching back to the previous season. This broke an NFL record set by Morten Andersen only a week earlier.

Moon got Houston in the end zone on their next drive, then Humphries threw his second pick six of the season, and it was 14–9 at the break. Humphries continued to struggle in the 3rd quarter, and was pulled for John Friesz, who completed a 47-yard pass downfield to Nate Lewis on his very first play. That set up Carney's fourth kick. Moon was intercepted on the next two Houston possessions: the first of these, by Sean Vanhorse, ended an Oiler threat; the second was Seau again, and led to Carney's fifth field goal and a 15–14 lead.

Moon was also benched at this point - his backup Cody Carlson drove Houston to a 3rd and 2 at the San Diego 8, whereupon a touchdown pass to Haywood Jeffires was incorrectly ruled to have been out of bounds. As a result, the Oliers settled for a field goal, and led by only two points with 4:59 to play. Friesz then completed four passes for 46 yards, as San Diego went 75 yards in 13 plays, culminating in Carney's final kick with just 3 seconds on the clock.

Humphries finished with just 7 completions from 26 attempts, for 73 yards and an interception, for a 23.6 QB rating.

Week 5: at Seattle Seahawks

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Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 0 0714
Seahawks 7 10 7731

at Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

Game information

Stan Humphries struggled again, and the Chargers slipped to 2–2. They trailed 7–0 when John Carney missed a 48-yard field goal, bringing his streak of consecutive kicks without a miss to an end at 29 (a record since surpassed).[6] A Marion Butts run levelled the scores, but Humphries threw two interceptions thereafter as the Seahawks pulled away.

This time, Humphries completed 12 of 27 for 141 yards, with a QB rating of 30.0; three of the six worst ratings of his career came in the first four games of this season.[7] John Friesz, who came in and threw a consolation score to Anthony Miller, was named the starter for the next game.

Week 6: at Pittsburgh Steelers

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Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 3 003
Steelers 3 3 7316

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 10
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 42 °F (5.6 °C), relative humidity 58%, wind 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn)
  • Game attendance: 55,264
  • Referee: Gary Lane
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks and Dan Hampton
  • Box score
Game information

John Friesz struggled on his first start of the season, hindered by a rushing attack which could gain only 19 yards on 20 carries. Still, the defense kept them in the game at half time, trailing only 6–3. On the first Charger drive of the 3rd quarter, Friesz executed a successful QB sneak on 4th and 1, earning a 1st and goal at the 8. However, Kevin Greene hit Friesz as he threw on the next play, causing a goal line interception and knocking the quarterback out of the game with a concussion.

Humphries came in, but was soon sacked by Greg Lloyd, causing a fumble which Levon Kirkland recovered and ran in for the game's only touchdown. San Diego finished with 138 yards, their worst tally for 16 years.

Week 7: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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Week Seven: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 7 3 0717
Chargers 0 7 0714

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: October 17
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 64 °F (17.8 °C), relative humidity 75%, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 60,729
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Bob Trumpy
  • Box score
Game information

San Diego dropped a thriller to lose their third straight. Shortly after Anthony Miller had an 89-yard touchdown reception chalked off for a Harry Swayne hold, the Chiefs opened the scoring, veterans Joe Montana and Marcus Allen combing from 15 yards out. The Chargers were forced to punt on their next possession, but John Kidd's monster 67 yard kick pinned Kansas City at their own three. This shift in field position set San Diego up for a 36-yard touchdown drive, rookie Natrone Means powering over the goal line for his first career touchdown. Montana and Friesz then exchanged interceptions, before a Nick Lowery field goal made it 10–7 at the break.

John Carney had a chance to tie the scores in the 3rd quarter, but saw his kick blocked. Early in the 4th, Darrien Gordon returned a punt 54 yards to the three, and Miller caught the go-ahead touchdown pass on 3rd and goal. Lowery then hit the upright from 35 yards out, before Carney had another one blocked. Taking over on the 20 with 3:27 to play, Montana then led his team on the game-winning drive, converting a 4th and 10 along the way. Allen scored from a yard out with 1:57 remaining. Friesz also managed to convert a 4th and 10, but then threw four consecutive incompletions from the Kansas City 47.

Anthony Miller caught 6 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. This result broke a string of nine consecutive home wins for San Diego, including one in the playoffs.

Week 9: at Los Angeles Raiders

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Week Nine: San Diego Chargers at Los Angeles Raiders – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 3 14630
Raiders 10 0 7623

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 66 °F (18.9 °C), relative humidity 85%, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 45,122
  • Referee: Red Cashion
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen
  • Box score
Game information

Donald Frank's 102 yard interception return gave the Chargers a much-needed win. Los Angeles got off to an ideal start, Jeff Hostetler finding Tim Brown for a 71-yard touchdown on their very first play. San Diego responded quickly with Anthony Miller's 29-yard touchdown reception on the next drive. Following an exchange of field goals, it was 10–10 at halftime.

The Hostetler-to-Brown connection produced another long touchdown in the 3rd quarter (38 yards); San Diego again responded on the ensuing drive, Shawn Jefferson gaining 33 yards on a reverse before Butts ran it in from 12 yards out. Hostetler, who passed for 424 yards on the day, moved his team to the Charger 5 with a 55-yard completion, but threw his next pass straight at Frank, who ran the length of the field for an easy touchdown. Gary Plummer intercepted Hostetler on the next drive, and the teams traded field goals through the final quarter.

While Friesz only threw for 162 yards, the rushing duo of Means and Butts gained 68 and 64 yards respectively.

Week 10: at Minnesota Vikings

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Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 3 61430
Vikings 0 3 14017

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 7
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Dome
  • Game attendance: 54,960
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen
  • Box score
Game information

A balanced offensive performance saw the Chargers even their record at 4–4. A short TD run by Butts opened the scoring, and San Diego led 10–3 at the break. A 66-yard strike from Friesz to Miller extended the advantage, but John Carney missed the conversion, and back-to-back touchdown drives by Minnesota put the Vikings up by a point.

San Diego regained control with a trio of 4th quarter turnovers. First, Sean Vanhorse intercepted Sean Salisbury, and Means put the Chargers ahead seven plays later. On the ensuing kickoff, Marquez Pope forced a fumble, and Friesz found Shawn Jefferson for the Chargers' second score in barely a minute. Finally, Chris Mims knocked the ball from Salisbury's hands, with Leslie O'Neal recovering to end the final Viking threat.

Friesz went 20 of 32 for 268 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, while Miller caught 7 balls for 142 yards and one score. Means had 17 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown - the first 100-yard game of his career.

Week 11: vs. Chicago Bears

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Week Eleven: Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 0 6 10016
Chargers 3 7 0313

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

John Carney's late miss saw the Chargers drop a close game. San Diego sent their field goal unit onto the field at the end of their first three drives. The first two times, Carney attempted kicks - one successful, one blocked. The third time, holder John Kidd swept around left end for a touchdown and a 10–0 lead. Chicago then took charge, three field goals and a Jim Harbaugh touchdown pass putting them up 16–10 late in the 3rd quarter. The Chargers converted three 3rd downs and a 4th down on their next drive, but were eventually forced to settle for a field goal.

Plummer then intercepted Harbaugh in Charger territory, and Friesz led a 46-yard drive. However, Carney's kick missed badly to the left with 1:11 to play, and Chicago ran the clock out.

Week 12: vs. Los Angeles Raiders

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Week Twelve: Los Angeles Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 3 3 3312
Chargers 0 0 077

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 21
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16.1 °C), relative humidity 35%, wind 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h; 4.3 kn)
  • Game attendance: 60,615
  • Referee: Johnny Grier
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Bob Trumpy
  • Box score
Game information

Los Angeles dominated several key statistics, even if the final score was close. The Raiders had more yards (428 to 154) plays (81 to 42) and time of possession (41:48 to 18:12). The tone was set by the opening drive of the game, as LA went 86 yards in 19 plays, taking 11:22 before stalling at the goal line and kicking a field goal. They had to settle for 3 points on three further red zone visits - a pair of turnovers also kept the score down.

For the Chargers, John Friesz struggled during his rare visits to the field, going 3 of 8 for 38 yards, and getting sacked twice. Stan Humphries came in at halftime, but saw a 44-yard completion to Shawn Jefferson wiped out by an offensive pass interference penalty, and couldn't breech the Raider red zone until late on in the game. After the fourth Raider field goal, Humphries threw six straight completions for 73 yards, the final nine coming on a touchdown to Nate Lewis. However, there was only 1:53 to play - the Raiders recovered an onside kick and only 14 seconds remained when San Diego got the ball back, whereupon Humphries was intercepted.

Week 13: at Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 14 31431
Colts 0 0 000

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

The Charger defense had three takeaways while imposing a Monday Night shutout. Indianapolis drove to a first down at the Charger 26 on the game's first possession, but Stanley Richard intercepted an underthrown HB option pass, and there were few threats thereafter.

Stan Humphries had a successful return to the starting lineup, going 16 of 25 for 216 yards, and 2nd quarter touchdowns to Jefferson and Lewis. In the second half, Chris Mims and Junior Seau recovered a pair of fumbles, which San Diego turned into rushing touchdowns by Butts and Eric Bieniemy. In total, the Chargers rolled up 247 yards on the ground.

It was the second consecutive season in which San Diego shut out the Colts.

Week 14: vs. Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week Fourteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 3 7 0010
Chargers 0 0 31013

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 5
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (13.9 °C), relative humidity 74%, wind 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h; 5.2 kn)
  • Game attendance: 60,233
  • Referee: Dale Hamer
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Bob Trumpy
  • Box score
Game information

John Carney kicked the winner, as both he and the Chargers overcame their early errors. In the first half, Carney missed two long field goals, and a Nate Lewis touchdown was negated by a penalty. San Diego were also fooled by a fake field goal, and it was 10-0 Denver at the break.

Darren Carrington intercepted John Elway on the first play of the second half, and the tide began to turn, the turnover leading to a successful field goal, before Means tied the scores early in the 4th quarter. After Denver missed a field goal and both team punted, the Chargers began their final possession on their own 5 yard line. Following an eight-yard run by Means, Humphries threw on 10 consecutive plays, completing 7 passes for 72 yards. Carney's decisive kick came from 34 yards out with 3 seconds left.

Week 15: vs. Green Bay Packers

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Week Fifteen: Green Bay Packers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Packers 7 6 7020
Chargers 3 3 7013

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 12
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13.3 °C), relative humidity 78%, wind 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn)
  • Game attendance: 57,930
  • Referee: Howard Roe
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick and Joe Theismann
  • Box score
Game information

San Diego's playoff chances took a knock, as Green Bay edged a hard-fought encounter. The Packers took an early 7–0 lead, after which both sides kicked two field goals, and Brett Favre and Stan Humphries were intercepted on consecutive plays - it was 13–6 at the break.

Early in the 3rd quarter, Humphries led his team to a 4th and 4 at the Green Bay 34. They opted to go for it, but Humphries was sacked, and the Packers soon doubled their lead. A Nate Lewis reception soon had San Diego back in the game, after which they crossed midfield twice more, but could produce no further points. Means was stopped for a loss on 4th and 1 from the 37, and Humphries threw an interception on 2nd and 9 from the 43 with 2:29 on the clock.

In total, Humphries completed 27 of a career-high 51 attempts, for 257 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. Anthony Millar had 8 catches for 103 yards.

Week 16: at Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 10 7 0724
Chiefs 0 14 7728

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: December 19
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 34 °F (1.1 °C), relative humidity 80%, wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn), wind chill 27 °F (−2.8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 74,778
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen
  • Box score
Game information

The Chargers were officially eliminated from playoff contention, after losing a topsy-turvy struggle. They a dream start, Donald Frank intercepting Joe Montana on the very first play from scrimmage, and Stan Humphries throwing a 28-yard touchdown to Ronnie Harmon three plays later. Humphries was knocked out of the game with a concussion, but the big plays kept coming, Plummer forcing a fumble which Mims recovered, setting up a Carney field goal. When blocking tight end Duane Young caught his first career touchdown pass from Friesz, it was 17–0 three seconds into the 2nd quarter.

The Chiefs responded quickly, scoring 14 points on their next two drives, and turning a Gordon fumble and Friesz interception into 14 more after half time. The tide then turned San Diego's way, with consecutive drives into the red zone - they turned the ball over on downs the first time, but quickly forced a punt and scored through Means.

The final Charger drive began on their own 28 with 2:07 to play. Friesz completed four consecutive passes to reach a first down at the Kansas City 32, but threw straight at Albert Lewis on the next play for a game-sealing interception.

Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins

[edit]
Week Seventeen: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 3 10 7020
Chargers 10 14 14745

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 27
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 60 °F (15.6 °C), relative humidity 50%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 60,311
  • Referee: Dick Hantak
  • TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, Frank Gifford and Dan Dierdorf
  • Box score
Game information

After scoring only six touchdowns in their previous seven home games, the Chargers exploded for six in a single night, routing the playoff-chasing Dolphins and avenging their recent playoff defeat. The biggest scoring plays came in the 2nd quarter. First, Natrone Means burst through the line and outran the secondary for a 65-yard touchdown, his second of the game. Then, with five seconds to play in the half, the Chargers reached the Dolphin 41 with five seconds to play in the half. Humphries lofted a Hail Mary that was deflected in the air and grabbed by Anthony Miller just before he stepped out of the end zone. Harmon, Miller and Means added further scores in a processional second half.

Humphries finished 19 of 29 for 248 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, a QB rating of 126.8. Miller had 7 catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns; Means carried 18 times for 118 yards and scored three times. On defense, Darren Carrington had two interceptions while Donald Frank added a third.

Week 18: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[edit]
Week Eighteen: San Diego Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 10 3 31632
Buccaneers 0 3 7717

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20.0 °C), relative humidity 90%, wind 9 mph
  • Game attendance: 35,587
  • Referee: Gary Lane
  • TV announcers (NBC): Drew Goodman and Bob Trumpy
  • Box score
Game information

A strong finish saw the Chargers level their record at 8–8. A 48-yard Anthony Miller touchdown opened the scoring, and the Chargers led 13–3 at halftime. After San Diego botched a fake field, the game turned Tampa Bay's way, and they led 17–16 with 8:26 to play. John Carney's fourth field goal of the game restored the Chargers lead, before they converted a pair of interceptions into touchdowns by Duane Young and Natrone Means.

Humphries had another strong showing: 18 of 30, for 272 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Anthony Miller caught 7 passes for 119 yards and his 40th and final touchdown as a Charger.

Standings

[edit]
AFC West
W L T PCT PF PA STK
(3) Kansas City Chiefs 11 5 0 .688 328 291 W1
(4) Los Angeles Raiders 10 6 0 .625 306 326 W1
(5) Denver Broncos 9 7 0 .563 373 284 L2
San Diego Chargers 8 8 0 .500 322 290 W2
Seattle Seahawks 6 10 0 .375 280 314 L1

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "1993 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  2. ^ "1993 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  3. ^ Schatz, Aaron. "1993 DVOA Ratings and Commentary". Football Outsiders. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012.
  4. ^ "Marino Latest Casualty". The Washington Post. October 12, 1993.
  5. ^ "AFC: Carney is the New Kick on the Block: He boots six field goals and sets record in San Diego's 18–17 victory over Houston". Los Angeles Times. September 20, 1993.
  6. ^ "Colts' Adam Vinatieri sets NFL record for most consecutive field goals".
  7. ^ "Stan Humphries Career Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
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