The 2011 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. The team failed to improve on its 9–7 record from 2010, and finished in a three-way tie with the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders for the AFC West division title, with an 8–8 record, but lost the tiebreaker to the Broncos and missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season. For Norv Turner, this was his fifth season as the head coach of the Chargers. The Chargers had the 18th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Offseason
Coaching changes
On January 11, defensive coordinator Ron Rivera became the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers.[1] That same day, Rich Bisacchia was named the team's new special teams' coach, replacing Steve Crosby, whose contract was not renewed.[2][3] Three days later (January 14), the team hired former San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator Greg Manusky to replace Rivera. Manusky previously served as the Chargers' linebackers coach from 2002–2006.[4]
Arrivals
Departures
2011 draft board
Draft notes
Preseason
Schedule
Regular season
Kicker Nate Kaeding suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the year. He was replaced by Nick Novak, who set a Charger record making 11 kicks from 40 yards or longer.[5]
Schedule
- Indicates that the game was blacked out locally due to low ticket sales.
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Minnesota Vikings
| Game information |
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First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
SD – Mike Scifres 40 yd. FG (Tie 17–17)
SD – Mike Tolbert 19 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, M. Scifres XP good (SD 24–17)
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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Coming off their special teams woes in 2010, the Chargers allowed a 103-yard opening kickoff return to Percy Harvin to start the season. Kicker Nate Kaeding suffered a season-ending injury on the play, and punter Mike Scifres assumed place kicking responsibilities for the game.[6][7] The Chargers outscored the Vikings 10–0 in the fourth quarter to come back and win the game, 24–17. Fullback Mike Tolbert scored three touchdowns, and Phillip Rivers completed 33 of 48 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns. He was also intercepted twice. Scifres kicked a 40-yard field goal, the first of his NFL career, and kicked three PATs. With the win, the Chargers started their season out 1–0.[7]
Week 2: at New England Patriots
| Game information |
|
First quarter
- NE – Aaron Hernandez 14-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostowski kick), (NE 7–0)
- SD – Ryan Matthews 10-yard run (Nick Novak kick), (Tied 7–7)
Second quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostowski 22-yard field goal, (NE 10–7)
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 10-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostowski kick), (NE 17–7)
- NE – Stephen Gostowski 47-yard field goal, (NE 20–7)
Third quarter
No Scoring
Fourth quarter
- SD – Vincent Jackson 3-yard pass from Phillip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), (NE 20–14)
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 17-yard pass from Tom Brady (Danny Woodhead run), (NE 28–14)
- SD – Vincent Jackson 26-yard pass from Phillip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), (NE 28–21)
- NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis 16-yard run (Stephen Gostowski kick), (NE 35–21)
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Top passers
- SD – Phillip Rivers – 29/40, 378 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
- NE – Tom Brady – 31/40, 423 yards, 3 touchdowns
Top rushers
- SD – Ryan Matthews – 12 carries, 64 yards, 1 touchdown
- NE – BenJarvus Green Ellis – 17 carries, 70 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
- SD – Vincent Jackson – 10 receptions, 172 yards, 2 touchdowns
- NE – Deion Branch – 8 receptions, 129 yards
Top tacklers
- SD – Eric Weddle – 8 tackles, 3 assists
- NE – Jerod Mayo – 8 tackles, 3 assists
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With the loss, the Chargers fell to 1–1.
Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Week Three: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs |
0 |
0 |
7 | 10 | 17 |
| Chargers |
0 |
10 |
7 | 3 | 20 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
- Date: September 25
- Game time: 1:05 p.m. PDT
- Game weather: 67°F (Partly Cloudy)
- Game attendance: 62,236
- Referee: Walt Coleman
- TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
| Game information |
|
First quarter
No Scoring
Second quarter
- SD – Ryan Matthews 2-yard run (Nick Novak kick), (SD 7–0)
- SD – Nick Novak 35-yard Field Goal, (SD 10–0)
Third quarter
- KC – Dewayne Bowe 4-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), (SD 10–7)
- SD – Ryan Matthews 4-yard run (Nick Novak kick), (SD 17–7)
Fourth quarter
- KC – Ryan Succop 33-yard Field Goal, (SD 17–10)
- SD – Nick Novak 41-yard Field Goal, (SD 20–10)
- KC – Leonard Pope 1-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), (SD 20–17)
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Top passers
- KC – Matt Cassel – 17/24, 176 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
- SD – Philip Rivers – 24/38, 266 yards, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
- KC – Dexter McCluster – 9 receptions, 45 yards
- SD – Ryan Matthews – 21 carries, 98 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top receivers
- KC – Dexter McCluster – 5 receptions, 17 yards
- SD – Vincent Jackson – 5 receptions, 63 yards
Top tacklers
- KC – Jovan Belcher – 8 tackles, 2 assists
- SD – Takeo Spikes – 2 tackles, 4 assists
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With the win, the Chargers improved to 2–1.
Week 4: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week Four: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Dolphins |
7 |
3 |
3 | 3 | 16 |
| Chargers |
7 |
6 |
10 | 3 | 26 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
- Date: October 2
- Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
- Game weather: 84°F (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 63,002
- Referee: Jeff Triplette
- TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts (blacked out locally)
| Game information |
|
First quarter
- MIA – Lex Hilliard 1-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), (MIA 7–0)
- SD – Vincent Jackson 55-yard pass from Phillip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), (Tied 7–7)
Second quarter
- SD – Nick Novak 27-yard Field Goal, (SD 10–7)
- MIA – Dan Carpenter 41-yard Field Goal, (Tied 10–10)
- SD – Nick Novak 48-yard Field Goal, (SD 13–10)
Third quarter
- SD – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Nick Novak kick), (SD 20–10)
- MIA – Dan Carpenter 37-yard Field Goal, (SD 20–13)
- SD – Nick Novak 23-yard Field Goal, (SD 23–13)
Fourth quarter
- MIA – Dan Carpenter 51-yard Field Goal, (SD 23–16)
- SD – Nick Novak 38-yard Field Goal, (SD 26–16)
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Top passers
- MIA – Matt Moore – 17/26, 167 yards, 1 interception
- SD – Phillip Rivers – 21/31, 307 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
- MIA – Reggie Bush – 13 carries, 50 yards
- SD – Ryan Matthews – 16 carries, 81 yards
Top receivers
- MIA – Brandon Marshall – 5 receptions, 52 yards
- SD – Ryan Matthews – 5 receptions, 68 yards
Top tacklers
- MIA – Yeremiah Bell – 14 tackles
- SD – Eric Weddle – 6 tackles, 2 assists
|
|
With the win, the Chargers improved to 3–1.
Week 5: at Denver Broncos
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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With the win, the Chargers went into their bye week at 4–1. The team also managed to get their best start after 5 games under head coach Norv Turner.
Week 7: at New York Jets
Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at New York Jets – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers |
7 |
14 |
0 | 0 | 21 |
| Jets |
3 |
7 |
7 | 10 | 27 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Date: October 23
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT
- Game weather: 58°F (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 79,088
- Referee: Ron Winter
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4–2.
Week 8: at Kansas City Chiefs
| Game information |
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First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4–3.
Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week Nine: Green Bay Packers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Packers |
21 |
7 |
3 | 14 | 45 |
| Chargers |
7 |
10 |
7 | 14 | 38 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4–4.
Week 10: vs. Oakland Raiders
Week Ten: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Raiders |
7 |
10 |
7 | 0 | 24 |
| Chargers |
3 |
0 |
14 | 0 | 17 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
- SD – Vincent Brown 30 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, N. Novak XP good (OAK 17–10)
- OAK – Denarius Moore 26 yd. TD reception from Carson Palmer, S. Janikowski XP good (OAK 24–10)
- SD – Jacob Hester 7 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, N. Novak XP good (OAK 24–17)
Fourth quarter
No Scoring
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Chargers stayed at home for a Week 10 AFC West duel with the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night. San Diego struck first in the opening quarter with a 20-yard field goal from kicker Nick Novak, but the Raiders answered with running back Michael Bush getting a 2-yard touchdown run. Oakland added onto their lead in the second quarter with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 23-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Carson Palmer completing a 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Denarius Moore.
The Chargers began the third quarter with quarterback Philip Rivers finding rookie wide receiver Vincent Brown on a 30-yard touchdown pass, but the Raiders struck back with Palmer completing a 26-yard touchdown pass to Moore. Afterwards, San Diego closed out the quarter with Rivers hooking up with fullback Jacob Hester on a 7-yard touchdown pass. The Chargers tried to rally in the fourth quarter, but Oakland's defense held on to preserve the win.
Win the loss, not only did San Diego fall to 4–5, but it marked the first time since 2003 that the Chargers had lost four-straight.
Week 11: at Chicago Bears
Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers |
3 |
7 |
7 | 3 | 20 |
| Bears |
3 |
14 |
14 | 0 | 31 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
- Date: November 20
- Game time: 3:15 p.m. CST/1:15 p.m. PST
- Game weather: 42°F (Cloudy, winds gusting to 20 mph)
- Game attendance: 62,344
- Referee: Jeff Triplette
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4–6 and lost 5 in a row for the first time since 2003.
Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos
Week Twelve: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Broncos |
0 |
7 |
3 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
| Chargers |
3 |
7 |
3 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
- Date: November 27
- Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
- Game weather: 84°F (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 64,436
- Referee: Jeff Triplette
- TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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The loss was the sixth consecutive for the Chargers, their longest such streak in 10 years which took their record down to 4–7.[8]
Week 13: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers |
10 |
14 |
7 | 7 | 38 |
| Jaguars |
0 |
14 |
0 | 0 | 14 |
at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
- Date: December 5
- Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PST
- Game weather: 67°F (Clear)
- Game attendance: 62,743
- Referee: Walt Anderson
- TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and Sal Paolantonio
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
- SD – Malcom Floyd 52 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, N. Novak XP good (SD 31–14)
Fourth quarter
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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Hoping to snap a six-game losing streak, the Chargers flew to EverBank Field for a Week 13 Monday night duel with the Jacksonville Jaguars. San Diego delivered the game's opening punch with a 13-yard touchdown run from running back Mike Tolbert, followed by a 29-yard field goal from kicker Nick Novak. The Jaguars would answer in the second quarter with quarterback Blaine Gabbert completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Maurice Jones-Drew and a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cecil Shorts, yet the Chargers replied with quarterback Philip Rivers connecting with rookie wide receiver Vincent Brown on a 22-yard touchdown pass and a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson.
San Diego added onto its lead in the third quarter with Rivers hooking up with wide receiver Malcom Floyd on a 52-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, the 'Bolts would pull away in the fourth quarter with a 31-yard touchdown run from running back Ryan Matthews.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 5–7.
Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week Fourteen: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
0 |
0 |
10 | 0 | 10 |
| Chargers |
7 |
9 |
14 | 7 | 37 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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With the win, the Chargers improved to 6–7.
Week 15: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week Fifteen: Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Ravens |
0 |
7 |
0 | 7 | 14 |
| Chargers |
7 |
10 |
14 | 3 | 34 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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With the win, the Chargers improved to 7–7.
Week 16: at Detroit Lions
Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers |
0 |
0 |
10 | 0 | 10 |
| Lions |
10 |
14 |
7 | 7 | 38 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
| Game information |
|
First quarter
- DET – Brandon Pettigrew 7-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 7–0, Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:08.
- DET – Jason Hanson 50-yard field goal, Lions 10–0, Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 6:30.
Second quarter
- DET – Kevin Smith 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 17–0, Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 5:16.
- DET – Calvin Johnson 14 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 24–0, Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:22.
Third quarter
- SD – Malcom Floyd 11-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), Lions 24–7, Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 2:04.
- SD – Nick Novak 22-yard field goal, Lions 24–10, Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 3:45
- DET – Kevin Smith 6-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 31–10, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4;37.
Fourth quarter
- DET – Cliff Avril 4-yard interception return (Jason Hanson Kick), Lions 38–10, Drive: 1 play, 4 plays, 0:00.
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Top passers
- SD – Phillip Rivers – 28/53, 299 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
- DET – Matthew Stafford – 29/36, 373 yards, 3 touchdowns
Top rushers
- SD – Ryan Matthews – 11 carries, 58 yards
- DET – Kevin Smith – 15 carries, 49 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
- SD – Malcolm Floyd – 6 receptions, 95 yards, 1 touchdown
- DET – Calvin Johnson – 4 receptions, 102 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
- SD – Steve Gregory – 7 tackles, 1 assist
- DET – Justin Durant – 8 tackles, 3 assists
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With the loss, the Chargers fell to 7–8.
Week 17: at Oakland Raiders
| Game information |
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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With the win, the Chargers wrapped up their season at 8–8 and snapped their 3-game losing streak against the Raiders.
Standings
Staff
| San Diego Chargers 2011 staff |
|
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Front Office
- Owner – Alex Spanos
- Chairman/President – Dean Spanos
- Executive Vice President – Michael Spanos
- Executive Vice President/CEO – A. G. Spanos
- Executive Vice President/General Manager – A. J. Smith
- Executive Vice President of Football Operations/Assistant General Manager – Ed McGuire
- Senior Executive – Randy Mueller
- Director of Player Personnel – Jimmy Raye
- Director of Pro Scouting – Dennis Abraham
- Director of College Scouting – John Spanos
- Assistant Director of Pro Scouting – Bryan Cox
- Assistant Director of College Scouting – Mike Biehl
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
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|
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Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
- Strength and Conditioning – Jeff Hurd
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Vernon Stephens
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Final roster
| 2011 San Diego Chargers final roster |
|
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Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
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Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
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Reserve lists
Practice squad
Rookies in italics
52 Active, 12 Inactive, 8 Practice squad
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Notes and references
- ↑ Turner, Chargers begin search for new defensive coordinator
- ↑ Crosby's contract not renewed for 2011
- ↑ Bisaccia agrees to become special teams coach
- ↑ Manusky named defensive coordinator
- ↑ Heilbrunn, Annie; Krasovic, Tom (September 28, 2012). "Chargers sign Novak". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012.
- ↑ "Chargers kicker Kaeding out for season with likely torn ACL". Nfl.com. September 11, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
- 1 2 "Chargers complete comeback victory on Tolbert's third TD". Nfl.com. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
- ↑ Williamson, Bill (December 3, 2011). "San Diego no longer an elite program". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2012.
The Chargers – widely considered as a Super Bowl contender going into this season – stagger into a Monday night game at Jacksonville on a six-game losing skid. It is the Chargers’ longest such streak in 10 years.
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| Lore | |
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| Division championships (15) | |
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| Conference championships (1) | |
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| League championships (1) | |
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| Seasons (58) | |
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Championship seasons in bold |
