The San Diego Chargers "Glory Road....or not"

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Saturday, August 20, 1977
(0-2) Oklahoma City Outlaws @ (1-1) San Diego Chargers
Location: San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California
Attendance: 30,582
Weather: Sunny, 86 degrees, wind from the SE 4 mph
Game MVP: Dwight McDonald

“McDonald shines as Bolts jail Outlaws 29-17” – David Warner, San Diego tribune

Dwight McDonald hauled in 7 passes for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns Saturday afternoon as the Bolts ran down the Outlaws 29-17. “He had a brilliant afternoon. Anytime you have one hundred yard day…it’s a good day,” commented Assistant Coach Thomas about his receiver’s performance after the game. McDonald was on the receiving end to two touchdown passes, a 22 yard pass from Glenn Carano and a 14 yard strike from Neal Jeffery. “Both Carano and Jeffery had a great game. Each stated their case today to back up Mr. Fouts,” noted Coach Coryell in his post game conference.” On the defensive side of the ball linebacker Linden King and defensive end Charles DeJurnett both had great games. For the Oklahoma City Outlaws Coach Leeman Bennett praised the performance of running back Woody Green who carried that ball 18 times for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had 3 receptions for 24 yards. “He is battling incumbent starter Glenn Davis and played a fantastic game today,” answered Bennett shortly after the game. “I did not want to be 0-3, preseason or not, 0-3 stinks. Individual performances aside we need to perform better as a team or we might as well hang up our cleats now.”
Top performers
San Diego
QB Glenn Carano 10-14, 167 yards, 1 td
QB Neal Jeffery 7-13, 100 yards. 1 td
RB Clarence Willaims 9 carries, 51 yds, 1 td
K Gary Ellsworth 3 FG’s (21, 41, 37 yds) 2 PAT’s (1 missed PAT) 11 points
DE Charles DeJurnett 6 tackles, 2 sacks
LB Linden King 7 tackles, 1 sack
CB Mike Williams, 5 tackles, 1 INT
Oklahoma City
QB Randy Hedberg 14-24-1, 200 yds
RB Woody Green 18 carries, 99 yds, 2 tds, 3 receptions, 24 yds
WR Johnny Perkins 5 receptions, 71 yds
LB Casey Brooks 9 tackles, 1 sack
CB Eddie McMillan 7 tackes

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Tuesday, August 23, 1977

“Bolts head into final week of preseason with a 2-1 record” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

Don Coryell and the San Diego Chargers head up the road few hours to face the Los Angeles Express on Saturday. “It is our final chance to figure some things out before we open our season in Oakland,” commented Coach Coryell at his regular Tuesday afternoon meet and greet. “It’s been a long off season. We’ve got some new faces here in camp and all the guys have worked their tails off. I met with Sanders and Altizer this morning and the roster has officially been trimmed to 70. Sanders did not want to wait until Thursday. So the decisions were made this morning.” Coach Coryell informed those attending the press conference that second year quarterback Josh Hatch has been released. Joining him on the NAFL unemployment line are offensive tackle Charles Alu, running back Gary Davis, and linebacker Rick Middleton. Coach Coryell was please to announce that fan favorite running back Mike Montgomery will start his seventh season in a Bolts uniform. The Chargers have until August 30th to get the final roster count set at 66.

“Jacksonville Bulls are early favorites to repeat as NAFL Champs.” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

The defending NAFL Champion Jacksonville Bulls have been picked by the Sports Writers Association to repeat as champions. Veteran signal caller Bob Griese, who has thrown for 27,986 yards in his career, returns with a full arsenal of weapons at his disposal. Tight End Bob Moore, who missed all but two games last season, will join receivers Boyd Dowler, J.D. Hill, and Brian Dowling on an already very talented receiving corp. Last year’s NAFL rushing leader Larry Crowe will, again, challenge for the Doak Walker Award behind a very strong and tough offensive line. Jacksonville has all the pieces needed to successfully defend the title. However, several teams are primed to steal it from the champs. First, there is the Arizona Wranglers. The most expensive quarterback in the NAFL, Gary Huff, will be aiming for his third 4,000 yard plus season in a row with targets like receivers Moses Ford and Trumaine Johnson. Second year running back Clark Gaines looks to challenge for the Doak Walker award as well. Next, there is the Dallas Texans. A healthy Roger Staubach returns to lead a solid offense filled with rising stars Robert Newhouse, Billy Joe Dupree, and Herman Franklin. But it’s the “Big D” that makes the Dallas Texans a title contender. Ed Jones, Randy White, Phil Olsen, and Harvey Martin form one of best defensive lines in the NAFL. Finally, there is the blue and white from north of the border. The Toronto Argonauts have a solid offense led by quarterback Bobby Scott. Scott, who threw for 3,512 yards last season, will again look to receivers Drew Pearson and Byron Matthews for that winning combination. While Toronto’s defense, anchored by Justin Holmes and Ken Hutcherson, will making difficult for opposing offenses to get into the endzone.

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Thursday, August 25, 1977

(2-1) San Diego Chargers @ (1-2) Los Angeles Express preseason pre-game report
Location: Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Date/time: Saturday, August 27, 1977; 1:15 pm

The San Diego Chargers coaching staff and players concluded their final preseason practice this afternoon at San Diego State University. “On Friday while the players and coaches have most the afternoon off….other than meetings and such…we will begin moving back to our facilities near Murphy Cannon Road. On that note buildings are up and the new practice fields are looking quite nice,” commented Director of Football Operations Edwin Altizer. After the Saturday match up in Los Angeles the coaching staff will sit down with Johnny Sanders, Edwin and Lorne Altizer to discuss the final roster moves needed to get the team to the designated number of 66 by following Tuesday. Coach Coryell also announced that most of the starting positions have been locked up and those players will not see much action this Saturday.

News from around the league

“Reed wins starting Job over rookie Robinson” – The Baltimore Sun

First year Head Coach Tom Bass has announced that veteran signal caller Joe Reed will get start in Baltimore’s home opener against the Arizona Wranglers on Sunday, September 4. “Both had a great preseason. It was a tough decision. Reed just has the edge at this time.” Reed, a first round pick in 1971 by the Chicago Bears (1st round, 6th pick) has started six games in the NAFL and has compiled 2,388 yards on 221 completions and 9 touchdowns. “We have two first round quarterbacks on our roster….I ‘ll say our future looks bright.”

“Gaines….gains ground on Profit and announced as starter” – The Arizona Republic

In eleven games last season running back Joe Profit ran for 740 yards before succumbing to a season ending injury. Backup running back Wayne Walton took over and blasted for 560 yards behind and solid offensive line. Walton also had a brilliant playoff run and was expected to wrestle the starting position from Profit. “Profit and Walton came into camp ready to go. We knew it was going to a tough camp for both men,” explained Coach Jurgensen. “We were not expecting Gaines to have such a great camp.” Gaines has been announced as the starter over Profit and Walton with one game left in the preseason. It was also reported by the Arizona Republic that eight year running back Andrew Brown, who was cut Wednesday afternoon, has been picked up by the Chicago Bears. Brown, who has started 31 games in the NAFL, has 1,715 yards rushing and will back up all world running back Walter Payton.

“Titans great Ralph Baker announces retirement” – The New York Times

Thirteen year veteran linebacker Ralph Baker has announced his retirement. Baker, who spent 11 years with New York and 2 with Arizona, has 804 total career tackles and 82 career sacks (Good for 13th all time). Baker was part a tough defense that guided New York to the ‘72 and ‘74 season titles. Baker’s best year came in 1972 when he registered 97 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions. His second best season came in 1974 when tallied up 91 tackles, 12 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Between 1972 and 1974 Baker was part of the most dominating ‘linebacking’ corps in the NAFL, which included Ralph Baker, Larry Grantham, and Al Atkinson. Baker retires as the New York Titans all time sack leader with 74. Grantham retired last season as New York's all time tackles leader with 1,003. However, Atkinson, starting his thirteenth season, is sitting a 1,002 tackles and expects to break the record on September 4, 1977. Grantham retired 14th on the NAFL all time tackles list, Atkinson currently sits in 15th.

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Saturday, August 27, 1977
San Diego @ Los Angeles (final preseason game)
Location: Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 55,946
Weather: Sunny, 82 degrees, no wind
Game MVP: Glenn Carano

“Carano throws three TD’s. Guides Bolts to 26-25 victory” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

Rookie quarterback Glenn Carano secured his position as the backup to Dan Fouts following a 200 yard, 3 touchdown performance Saturday afternoon. “Glenn had a great game today. Most of our starters as well as the Express starters sat out today’s game…..All that aside the kid still had great game. He is building a great relationship with Dwight McDonald as well,” mentioned Coach Coryell after the game. Carano hooked up with McDonald 5 times for 71 yards and 2 touchdowns. “Defensively…..we just had a hard time stopping ‘em,” continued Coryell.

Scores from the EFC West
Denver 20 @ San Francisco 0; QB Dan Pastorini 12-17, 167 yds, 2 tds
Kansas City 7 @ Washington 13; RB Pat McNeill 14 carries, 81 yds, 1 td
Oklahoma City 0 @ Oakland 33; QB Mike Borlya 17-22-1, 217 yds, 3 tds
Seattle 14 @ St. Louis 16; RB Kermit Johnson 11 carries, 55 yds, 1 td

League round up
Top ten all time rushers entering the 1977 season (NFL/AFL included)
1. Leroy Kelly (Cleveland) 11,039 yards
2. Ron Johnson (Green Bay) 10,560 yards
3. Mike Garrett (Kansas City) 10,501 yrads
4. Hoyle Granger (Houston) 10,417 yards
5. Dickie Post (Tennessee) 10,382 yards
6. Gale Sayers (Chicago) 10,097 yards
7. Emerson Boozer (New York) 8,609 yards
8. Jim Nance (New England) 7,660 yards
9. Paul Robinson (Cincinnati) 7,477 yards
10. Floyd Little 7,380 yards

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Tuesday, August 30, 1977

“Final cuts are in. Bolts trim roster to 66” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

Coach Coryell met with Johnny Sanders and Edwin Altizer to discuss to the final roster moves of the 1977 preseason. “A few tough decisions were made. But at the end of the day all were for the benefit of the organization,” commented Coach Coryell after the, rather lengthy, meeting. The most notable move was the release of 11 year veteran wide receiver Gary Garrison. “Garrison is a great competitor we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” Garrison has 320 receptions for 5,606 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career spanning back to his AFL days. In addition to the wide out, the Bolts parted ways with center Mark Markovich, safety Chris Fletcher, and cornerback Shawn Wilson. Coryell also announced the 53 men that will suit up for next Sunday’s season opener up in Oakland

OFFENSE (Starters highlighted)
Head Coach: Don Coryell
Offensive Coordinator: Ernie Zampese
Quarterbacks (Offensive Backs Coach (RB/FB/QB): Earnel Durden)
#14 Dan Fouts, 6’3” 204, Oregon; #2 Glenn Carano, 6’3” 203, UNLV; #10 Neal Jeffery, 6’3” 196, Baylor

Running Backs (Offensive Backs Coach (RB/FB/QB): Earnel Durden)
#46 Chuck Muncie, 6’2” 227, California; #23 Mike Montgomery, 6’1” 210, Portland State; #43 Clarence Williams, 5’9” 194, South Carolina

Fullbacks (Offensive Backs Coach (RB/FB/QB): Earnel Durden)
#33 Don Woods, 6’1” 209, New Mexico; #34 Tony Benjamin, 6’3” 225, Duke

Tight Ends (WR/TE Coach: Aaron Thomas)
#85 Gary Parris, 6’5” 241, Florida State; #84 Bob Klein, 6’5” 235, Iowa State; #87 Jim Thaxton, 6’2” 242. Tennessee State

Wide Receivers (WR/TE Coach: Aaron Thomas)
#27 John Cathey, 5’9” 171, Western Carolina; #18 Charlie Joiner, 5’11” 184, Grambling State; #20 Johnny Rodgers, 5’10” 180, Nebraska; #89 Dwight McDonald, 6’2” 187, San Diego State; #83 Brian Hazeltine, 6’2” 196, UNLV; #84 Artie Owens, 5’11” 176, West Virginia

Tackles (Offensive Line Coach: Bobb McKittrick)
#70 Ron Singleton, 6’7” 268. Northern Iowa; #66 Billy Shields, 6’7” 266, Georgia Tech; #73 Jim Nicholson, 6’4” 269, Michigan State; #60 Cory Sweitzer, 6’6” 275, Arizona State

Guards (Offensive Line Coach: Bobb McKittrick)
#63 Doug Wilkerson, 6’3” 256, North Carolina Central; #67 Ed White, 6’2” 275, California; #53 Palph Perretta, 6’2” 251 Purdue; #64 Booker Brown, 6’2” 257, USC

Centers (Offensive Line Coach: Bobb McKittrick)
#62 Don Macek, 6’2” 265, Boston College; #77 Alex Parkinson, 6’2” 251, UNLV

DEFENSE (Starters highlighted)
Head Coach: Don Coryell
Defensive Coordinator: Jackie Simpson
Defensive Ends (Defensive Line Coach: Rudy Feldman)
#79 Gary Johnson, 6’2” 260, Grambling State; #68 Leroy Jones, 6’8” 263, Norfolk State; #78 Keith Harris, 6’4” 248, Tennessee; #96 Dave Lindstrom, 6’6” 265, Boston

Defensive Tackles (Defensive Line Coach: Rudy Feldman)
#75 Wally Chambers, 6’6” 253, Eastern Kentucky; #74 Louie Kelcher, 6’5” 290, SMU; #90 Charles DeJurnett, 6’4” 256, San Jose State; #97 John Lee, 6’2” 270, Nebraska

Linebackers (Linebackers Coach: Jeff Staggs)
#91 David Wright, 6’3” 227, Kansas State; #71 Fred Dean, 6’3” 227, Louisana Tech; #51 Woodrow Lowe, 6’0” 227, Alabama; #54 Bob Horn, 6’3” 233, Oregon State; #57 Linden King, 6’4” 241, Colorado State; #50 Don Goode, 6’2” 230, Kansas; #52 Ray Preston, 6’0” 218, Syracuse

Cornerbacks (Defensive Backs Coach: Larrye Weaver)
#28 Ron Bolton, 6’2” 170, Norfolk State; #29 Mike Williams, 5’10” 186, LSU; #24 Brandon Stewart, 6’0” 177, Kansas State; #45 Hal Stringert, 5’11” 185, Hawaii; #26 Sam Williams, 6’2” 192, California

Safeties (Defensive Backs Coach: Larrye Weaver)
#40 Bruce Laird, 6’0” 193, American International, #42 Mike Fuller, 5’9” 187, Auburn; #44 Pete Shaw, 5’10” 180, Northwestern; #41 Clarence Duren, 6’1” 190, California

Special Teams (Special Teams Coach: Mike Eischeid)
Kicker: #3 Gary Ellsworth
Punter: #5 Mike Appleton

Practice Squad (13 players)
RB Hank Bauer, 5’10” 200, California Lutheran; TE Chuck Bradley, 6’6” 243, Oregon; WR Gerald Butler, 6’1” 184, Nicholls State; WR Larry Dorsey, 6’1” 195, Tennessee State; WR Larry Seivers, 6’0” 182, Tennessee; T Barry Darrow, 6’7” 260; G Mickey Marvin, 6’4” 265, Tennessee; DE John Grant, 6’3” 241, USC; DT Curtis Townsend, 6’2” 264, Arkansas; LB William Singletary, 6’1” 233, Temple; LB John Knoble, 6’2” 225, Sam Houston State; CB Jerome Dove, 6’2” 190, Colorado State; S Keith Jenkins, 6'1" 188, Cincinnati

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Friday, September 2, 1977
(0-0) San Diego Chargers @ (0-0) Oakland Raiders pre-game report
Location/time: Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California, 1:15 pm
Last meeting: November 21, 1976; San Diego 17 @ Oakalnd 35
All time record: 6-8
Point spread: -5.5 (SD)
Power Rank: San Diego 5; Oakland 24

“Bolts head north this Sunday to battle rival Oakland Raiders to open ’77 campaign” - David Warner, San Diego Tribune.

Coach Coryell, 29-17-2 as the head man, lead his troops on a short trip north to take on the division rival Oakland Raiders this Sunday afternoon. “This is tough league to compete in….it makes it more challenging when you have to start in Alameda County. I can say that I am not a big fan of those folks up there,” mentioned Coach Coryell during a Friday morning press conference. The Chargers enter the opening game on the heels of a great 10-6 ’76 campaign which ended one game shy of the Super Bowl. Dan Fouts, who has thrown for 19,120 yards, will lead the charge. This year he has the ever versatile Charlie Joiner, picked up from Houston in the off season, as a new and dangerous target. “He and Cathey should make a great one two punch at the wide receiver slot,” Coryell continued. Muncie and Woods, which combined for 1,817 yards rushing, again look to provide excellent ground support for Air Coryell’s offense. In their way are Kenny “The Snake” Stabler and the silver and black of Oakland. The Raiders are coming off a disappointing, injury plagued season which saw them finish 6-10, Coach Madden’s worst season as a Head Coach. The Raiders had a busy off season adding wide receivers Cliff Branch and Bob Chandler, and picking up linebacker Ted Hendricks from the Baltimore Colts.
Opening day starting lineup
Offense
San Diego
QB Dan Fouts; RB Chuck Muncie; FB Don Woods; TE Gary Parris; WR John Cathey; WR Charlie Joiner; LT Ron Singleton; LG Doug Wilkerson; C Don Macek; RG Ed White; RT Billy Shields
Oakland
QB Ken Stabler; RB Clarence Davis; FB Mark Van Eeghen; TE Raymond Chester: WR Cliff Branch; WR Bob Chandler; LT Art Shell; LG Gene Upshaw; C Dave Dalby; RG George Buehler; RT Henry Lawrence

Defense
San Diego
DE Gary Johnson; DT Wally Chambers; DT Louie Kelcher; DE Leroy Jones; LB Woodrow Lowe; LB David Wright; LB Fred Dean; CB Ron Bolton; CB Mike Williams; S Bruce Laird; S Mike Fuller
Oakland
DE John Matuszak; DT Otis Sistrunk; DE Charlie Brodie; LB Charlie Hall; LB Ted Hendricks; LB Phil Villapiano; LB Rod Martin; CB Ken Stoddard; CB Lester Hayes; S Melvin Morgan; S Mike Davis

Opening day schedule; September 4, 1977
Atlanta Falcons @ Cincinnati Bengals
Carolina Panthers @ Dallas Texans
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Bulls
Denver Broncos @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks @ Houston Oilers
Toronto Argonauts @ Kansas CIty Chiefs
Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Express
Philadelphia Eagles @ New England Patroits
New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers
New York Titans @ Tennessee Rebels
Oklahoma City Outlaws @ Washington Federals

Monday Night Football September 5, 1977
Arizona Wranglers @ Baltimore Colts

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Sunday, September 4, 1977
Chargers @ Raiders
Location: Oakland-Alameda County Stadium; Oakland, California
Attendance: 63,026
Weather: Sunny, 76 degrees; wind, calm
Game MVP: Dan Fouts

“Fouts and Muncie shine as Bolts route Raiders by 27” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

The San Diego Chargers opened their 1977 campaign with a surprising 47-20 pounding of the Oakland Raiders in front of a sold out crowd in Alameda County Stadium. Dan Fouts and Chuck Muncie led the charge which produced 480 yards of total offense and 5 touchdowns. “It was better than anybody could have anticipated. We did everything right. Fouts and Muncie were simply marvelous,” remarked Coach Coryell after the game. “And our defense……well Simpson called a fantastic game,” continued Coryell. The Bolts jumped out to an early 16-0 first quarter lead, which included a brilliant 81 yard interception return for a touchdown by safety Bruce Laird. Ken Stabler finally got the Raiders on the board at the 12:45 mark of the second quarter with a 9 yard touchdown pass to newcomer Cliff Branch. “Our one bright spot today was Branch,” commented coach Madden at his post game press conference. On the ensuing drive Fouts engineered a 9 play 75 yard drive that ended with a Don Woods 2 yard touchdown run. “Everyone got into the act today,” answered Ernie Zampese when David Warner cornered him after the game. “It’s like coach said….everything went pretty much as planned….that does not happen very often in this league.” The Chargers built up a 30-17 half lead and just never looked back. They dominated the time of possession 36:04 to 23:56 and handed Madden and the Raiders their worst defeat at home since October of 1970. The victory also put the Chargers opening day record at 7-1 since the 1970 NAFL merger.

Plays from scrimmage: San Diego 70 (30 first downs); Oakland 55 (16 first downs)
Rushing: San Diego 30 for 195 yards (6.5 avg); Oakland 16 for 95 yards (5.9 avg)
Pass plays: San Diego 30 for 39 (77%) 4 TD; Oakland 20 for 39 (51%) 2 TD, 1 INT
Passing: San Diego 285 yards (7.3 per play); Oakland 240 yards (6.2 per play)
Sacked: San Diego 1 time for 5 yards
Turnovers: Oakland 1
Punts: San Diego 1 punt for 38 yards (38.0 avg); Oakland 5 punts for 223 yards (44.6 avg)
Field Goals: San Diego 2 (49, 31); Oakland 2 (38, 39)
Third Down: San Diego 7 for 10 (70%); Oakland 2 for 10 (20%)
Red Zone: San Diego 6 for 6 (1 FG, 5 TD); Oakland 3 for 3 (1 FG, 2 TD)

Game information
First Quarter
SD – TD: John Cathey 9 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth missed kick); 6-0 SD
SD – FG: Gary Ellsworth 49 yards; 9-0 SD
SD – INT: Bruce Laird 81 yard interception return (Gary Ellsworth kick); 16-0 SD
Second Quarter
OAK – TD: Cliff Branch 9 yard pass from Ken Stabler (Tom Blanchard kick); 16-7 SD
SD – TD: Don Woods 2 yard run (Gary Ellsworth kick); 23-7 SD
OAK – TD: Cliff Brach 17 yard pass from Ken Stabler (Tom Blanchard kick); 23-14 SD
SD – TD: Charlie Joiner 10 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth kick); 30-14 SD
OAK – FG: Tom Blanchard 38 yards; 30-17 SD
Third Quarter
SD – TD: John Cathey 16 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth kick); 37-17 SD
Fourth Quarter
SD – TD: Gary Parris 5 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth kick); 44-17 SD
OAK – FG: Tom Blanchard 39 yards; 44-20 SD
SD – FG: Gary Ellsworth 31 yards; 47-20 SD

Top performers
San Diego
QB Dan Fouts 29-37, 286 yards, 4 tds
RB Chuck Muncie 14 carries, 101 yards; 7 receptions 47 yards
TE Gary Parris 7 receptions, 64 yards, 1 td
WR John Cathey 7 receptions, 83 yards, 2 tds
WR Charlie Joiner 6 receptions, 66 yards, 1 td
S Bruce Laird 5 tackles, 81 yard INT return for td
Oakland
Ken Stabler 17-33-1, 210 yards, 2 tds
FB Mark Van Eeghen 10 carries, 46 yards, 3 receptions, 14 yards
WR Cliff Branch 6 receptions, 94 yards, 2 tds
DT Otis Sistrunk 7 tackles
LB Ted Hendricks 7 tackes
CB Ken Stoddard 7 tackles

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Tuesday, September 6, 1977

“Team returns to practice and begins preparations for next week’s opponent” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

Coach Coryell met with his coaching staff this morning before the 9 am team meeting to discuss what he expects from the day’s practice and the week ahead. In addition, the coaches went over scouting reports provided by Mckenzie and his crew. The medical staff was also glad to report no injuries from the previous weekend’s matchup.

League round up

“Offense dominates opening day” David Warner, San Diego Tribune

The Jacksonville Bulls opened their ’77 campaign in style with a dominating victory over the Cleveland Browns 28-7. All world running back Larry Crowe piled up 210 total yards and 2 touchdowns. “He played an played a great game…….Crowe is, my humble opinion, the best back in the league,” remarked Coach Ron Waller after the game.

The defending WFC champion Green Bay Packers edged out the Chicago Bears 31-28 in a wild offensive shootout. Both teams combined for 980 yards of total offense and eight touchdowns. “It was not the typical smash mouth brawl I am used to when playing Butkus and the Bears,” commented Coach Starr during the post game press conference. “Today neither defense could slow the opposing offense down. That’s something we are going to have to work on if we want another shot at the Super Bowl.”

The number one pick in this year’s NAFL draft, Tony Dorsett, piled up 137 yards on the ground for the Detroit Lions en route to a 31-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “He was everything we anticipated when we draft the kid. He was a tough catch between the tackles,” stated Coach Monte Clark after the game.

Scores from around the league
Arizona 10 @ Baltimore 27; Joe Reed 21/40, 208 yards, 3 td
New Orleans 21 @ San Francisco 7; Archie Manning 29/50, 2 td, 1 int
Toronto 10 @ Kansas City 23; Travis Wilson 23/42 306 yds, 2 td
Atlanta 13 @ Cincinnati 10; Ken Burrow 8 rec, 122 yds, 2 td
Minnesota 20 @ Los Angeles 38; Bert Jones 22/43, 4 td, 1 int
New York 31 @ Tennessee 14; Ron James 136 tot yds, 1 tf
Carolina 35 @ Dallas 14; Marshall Johnson 4 rec, 114 yds, 2 td
Philadelphia 14 @ New England 38; Jim Plunkett 27/39; 5 td, 2 int
Oklahoma City 31 @ Washington 7; Greg Cook 17/39, 3 td 1 int
Seattle 27 @ Houston 3; Bo Levi Mitchell 23/33, 297 yds, 1 td
Denver 0 @ Pittsburgh 24; John Brockington 155 tot yds, 2 td

Top performances from week one
Western Football Conference
QB Alex Ross, Chicago Bears 438 yards passing
RB Tony Dorsett, Detroit Lions, 137 yards rushing
WR Lester McClain, Chicago Bears, 140 yards receiving
LB Dave Wilcox, San Francisco 49ers, 12 tackles
Eastern Football Conference
QB Jim Plunkett, New England Patriots, 435 yards passing
RB Larry Crowe, Jacksonville Bulls, 191 yards rushing
WR Danny Burnette, Pittsburgh Steelers, 119 yards receiving
LB Frank LeMaster, Philadelphia Eagles, 11 tackles

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Wednesday, September 7, 1977

League injury report
G Andy Mauer, Atlanta Falcons, is out for the next 3 weeks with strained ankle
LB Gerry Bertier, Carolina Panthers, will be sidelined for the next 7 weeks with a sprained knee
CB Butch Byrd, Carolina Panthers, is out for the next 10 weeks with an inflamed rotator cuff
G Brad Barnhardt, Chicago Bears, will miss the next 9 weeks with a stretched knee ligament
LB Dick Butkus, Chicago Bears, will be sidelined for the next 2 weeks with severely bruised ribs
S Fletcher Smith, Cincinnati Bengals, will miss the next 4 weeks with a broken foot
DT Jerry Sherk, Cleveland Browns, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ankle ligament
TE Billy Joe Dupree, Dallas Texans, will be sidelined for the next 2 weeks with severely bruised ribs
T Ron Yary, Denver Broncos, will miss the next two weeks with a sprained thumb
DE Ezra Johnson, Green Bay Packers, is out for the next 3 weeks with a broken foot
LB William Parker, Jacksonville Bulls, will be sidelined for the next 3 weeks with a torn achilles tendon
T Don Morrison, Jacksonville Bulls, is out for the next 10 weeks with a torn elbow ligament
CB Randy Beverly, New England Patriots, will miss the next 5 weeks with torn biceps
LB Ted Hendricks, Oakland Raiders, will be sidelined for the next 2 weeks with a strained lower back
G Gene Upshaw, Oakland Raiders, will miss the next 6 weeks with a fractured forearm
C Randy Cross, San Francisco 49ers, will be sidelined for the next 14 weeks with a torn knee ligament
T Len Rohde, San Francisco 49ers, will miss the next 2 weeks with a dislocated rib
TE Casey Clarke, Toronto Argonauts, is out for the next 6 weeks with a stretched knee ligament

Free agent report
Dallas Texans sign free agent TE Danny Farrelly (Northern Arizona) 6th season
Philadelphia Eagles sign free agent DT Chantha Wigtown (Pittsburgh) 8th season
San Francisco 49ers sign free agent DE Dave Haverson (Morehead State) 8th season
Toronto Argonauts sign free agent TE Charlie Brooke (Oklahoma) 6th season

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Thursday, September 8, 1977

“Bolts prep for weekend match up against Colts” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

(1-0) Baltimore Colts @ (1-0) San Diego Chargers pre-game report
Location/time: San Diego Stadium; San Diego, California, 1:15 pm start time
Last meeting: November 14, 1976; San Diego 26 @ Baltimore 7
All time record: 1-1
Point spread: -11.5 (SD)
Power Rank: San Diego 3; Baltimore 23

Dan Fouts and the San Diego Chargers play host to Joe Reed and the Baltimore Colts this weekend at San Diego Stadium. The Bolts are coming off an explosive performance up in Oakland which saw the offense produce 480 tot yards. Lead signal caller Dan Fouts enters the game with a 134.8 quarterback rating and has a full arsenal of weapons at his disposal again this weekend. “We made it through the first week with no injuries,” remarked GM Sanders Thursday afternoon. San Diego currently has the 5th ranked offense and the 14th ranked defense in the league
Injury report: none
Passing leader: Dan Fouts 29-37, 286 yards, 4 tds, 78.4 PCT, 7.73 yds/att, QBR 134.8
Rushing leader: Chuck Muncie 14 carries, 101 yards;
Receiving leader: John Cathey 7 receptions, 83 yards, 2 tds
Tackle leader: David Wright 6 tackles (1 solo/5 assists)
Sack leader: N/A
Interception leader: Bruce Laird 1

Joe Reed and the Baltimore Colts enter next Sunday’s game on the heels of an impressive 27-10 win over the Arizona Wranglers. First year Head coach Tom Bass used an effective ground game and punishing defense to hand the Wranglers an opening day defeat. Franco Harris and Joe Washington combined for 112 yards on the ground and Reed added another 208 through the air in the victory. On the defensive side of the ball a relentless pass rush, led by Cody Jones and George Wright, sacked Wrangler quarterback Gary Huff 7 times. Baltimore enters Sunday’s game in Southern California with the 19th ranked offense and the 18th ranked defense in the NAFL.
Injury report
Guard John Williams is out for one week with a strained back
Passing leader: Joe Reed 21-40, 208 yards, 52.5 PCT, 5.20 yds/att, OBR 92.5
Rushing leader: Franco Harris 11 carries, 73 yards
Receiving leader: James Hibbard 4 receptions, 41 yards
Tackle leader: Cody Jones 6 tackles (6 solo)
Sack leader: Cody Jones 2; George Wright 2
Interception leader: Clarence Ellis 1; Brent Sexton 1

Thursday’s Practice report

Coaches Don Coryell, Ernie Zampese, and Jackie Simpson met with the press after the 2:30 pm practice session this afternoon. One of the topics of discussion was the Bolts rise in the power ranking from 5th to 3rd. “Can I take this one Coach?” asked Ernie Zampese. Coach nodded his approval. “Well…..it’s simple. Whenever you put up 47 points and 3 of the preseason top five drop their opening day contests….there is nowhere to go but up. We punished the Raiders last week and moved up from 5 to 3. Tom Bass beats up Arizona 27-10……who was ranked number 2. At the end of the day power rankings do not mean much on Sunday afternoon.” Midway through the Thursday meet and greet, Dan Fouts popped on in. “Good afternoon guys. I just wanted to say it’s been an awesome training camp and good first week of football….stick around…..its gonna be great show this season.” And that quick Fouts was gone.

[CATLEW2002]

Sunday, September 11, 1977
Colts @ Chargers
Location: San Diego Stadium; San Diego, California
Attendance: 52,596
Weather: Sunny, 86 degrees; wind from the SE 7 mph
Game MVP: Dan Fouts

“Fouts breaks two single game records. Bolts route Colts 35-20” – David Warner, San Diego, Tribune

Dan Fouts set two single game records this afternoon as the San Diego Chargers defeated the visiting Baltimore Colts 35-20. Fouts established a new single game quarterback rating mark at 148.5 eclipsing the old mark of 143.8 he set November 25, 1973. In additions, he threw 5 touchdown passes breaking the record he just set last week up in Oakland. “It was just a dominating performance. He was on target all afternoon,” commented Coach Coryell. “Our team, as a whole, just played out of their minds today.” The first quarter passed without either team finding the end zone. The quarter did not pass without incident, however, as linebacker and team captain David Wright went down with an undisclosed injury with 9:06 left in the first. Wright would not return for the rest of the afternoon. “I have no updates on him as of yet,” answered Jackie Simpson when asked about the health of his team captain. “We will know more this evening.” The Bolts got the scoring going when Fouts found Cathey for a 9 yard touchdown strike with 14:14 left in the second. As a side note Cathey was on the receiving end of three touchdown passes tying Joe Morrison’s single game record set September 13, 1970. That first score opened the flood gates and over the next 14 minutes the Colts and The Bolts put up an additional 24 points. Baltimore ended the scoring frenzy with a 2 yard touchdown strike from Joe Reed to Joe Washington and took a 17-14 halftime lead. San Diego began the second half with an 11 play 84 yard drive to pay dirt. Fouts found Cathey crossing the back of the end zone for a 5 yard strike. On the defensive side of the ball Fred Dean, Ron Bolton, and Wright’s replacement Bob Horn were all over the field and limited the Colts to 97 second half yards and 3 points. Cornerback Ron Bolton pick off two Joe Reed passes as the Bolts outscored Baltimore 21-3 thru the third and fourth quarter.

Plays from scrimmage: Baltimore 51 (16 first downs); San Diego 62 (23 first downs)
Rushing: Baltimore 9 for 25 yards (2.8 avg); San Diego 34 for 187 yards (5.5 avg)
Pass plays: Baltimore 29 for 40 (73%) 2 TD, 2 INT; San Diego 22 for 28 (79%) 5 TD
Passing: Baltimore 245 yards (6.1 per play); San Diego 284 yards (10.1 per play)
Sacked: Baltimore 2 time for 16 yards
Turnovers: Baltimore 2; San Diego 1
Punts: Baltimore 2 punts for 85 yards (42.5 avg); San Diego 1 punt for 36 yards (36 yard avg)
Field Goals: Baltimore 2 made (45, 30)
Third Down: Baltimore 5 for 9 (56%); San Diego 7 for 10 (70%)
Red Zone: Baltimore 3 for 4 (1 FG, 2 TD); San Diego 5 for 5 (5 TD)

Game Information
Second Quarter
SD – TD: John Cathey 9 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth kick); 7-0 SD
BAL – FG: Jonathan Goff 45 yards; 7-3 SD
SD – TD Charlie Joiner 14 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth kick); 14-3 SD
BAL – TD Franco Harris 4 yard pass from Joe Reed (Jonathan Goff kick); 14-10 SD
BAL – TD Joe Washington 2 yard pass from Joe Reed (Jonathan Goff kick); 17-14 BAL
Third Quarter
SD – TD John Cathey 5 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth kick); 21-17 SD
Fourth Quarter
SD – TD Gary Parris 11 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth kick); 28-17 SD
BAL – FG Jonathan Goff 30 yards; 28-20 SD
SD – TD John Cathey 4 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth kick); 35-20 SD

Top Performers
San Diego
QB Dan Fouts 22-28, 284 yards, 5 td
RB Chuck Muncie 27 carries, 156 yards; 2 receptions, 7 yards
WR Charlie Joiner 6 receptions, 84 yards, 1 td
WR John Cathey 8 receptions, 88 yards, 3 td
LB Fred Dean 7 tackles, 1 sack
S Bruce Laird 5 tackles
CB Ron Bolton 4 tackles, 2 int
Baltimore
QB Joe Reed 29-40-2, 261 yards, 2 td (Reed completed passes to eight different targets)
WR Roy Jefferson 6 receptions, 82 yards
LB Stan White 10 tackles
LB Ray May 9 tackles
CB Clarence Ellis 8 tackles

[CATLEW2002]

Tuesday, September 13, 1977

League round up

“Defending Champs improve to 2-0” Florida Times – Union

The Jacksonville Bulls unleashed a punishing aerial and ground assault upon the Atlanta Falcons and piled up 517 yards of total offense en route to a 40-21 victory. Bob Griese threw for 333 yards and Larry Crowe rushed for 154 while running 72 offensive plays. “We had the ball all afternoon. It was a terrific performance. I really like how this season is starting,” remarked an enthusiastic Ron Waller. “Now wer just need to keep the injury bug off our back.”

“Pack turns away the Viking horde” – Green Bay Press – Gazette

Bart Starr’s Green Bay Packers used an opportunistic offense and solid defense performance to defeat WFC North division rival Minnesota Vikings 30-7. The victory improved the defending WFC champions to 2-0 on the season. Steve Holden had 9 receptions for 80 yards for the Pack. While tight end Dave Casper added another 87 yards on 6 receptions.

Scores from around the league
Dallas Texans 21 @ Arizona Wranglers 31; QB Gary Huff 22/48, 4 td, 2 int
Denver Broncos 7 @ Detroit Lions 31; RB Tony Dorsett 130 tot yds, 1 td
St. Louis Stampede 14 @ Oklahoma City Outlaws 24; TE Earl Thomas 10 rec, 102 yds, 3 td
Pittsburgh Steelers 7 @ Houston Oilers 38; RB Hoyle Granger 198 tot yds, 3 td
Oakland Raiders 26 @ Philadelphia Eagles 10; QB Ken Stabler 20/32, 179 yds, 2 td
San Francisco 49ers 0 @ Carolina Panthers 20; RB Jimmie Lee Jones 169 tot yds, 1 td
Kansas City Chiefs 17 @ Seattle Seahawks 10; QB Travis Wilson 17/38, 201 yds, 2td
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10 @ Cincinnati Bengals 6; RB James Johnson 95 tot yds, 1 td
Los Angeles Express 14 @ New Orleans Saints 30; QB Archie Manning 31/48, 2 td, 3 int
Chicago Bears 37 @ Toronto Argonauts 31; QB Alex Ross 31/39, 2 td 1 int
Tennessee Rebels 19 @ Cleveland Browns 10; WR Dwight Scales 7 rec, 109 yds
New England Patriots 17 @ New York Titans; RB Ron James 115 tot yds, 2 td

Top performances from Week 2
Western Football Conference
QB Roger Staubach, Dallas Texans, 412 yards passing
RB Jimmie Lee Jones, Carolina Panthers, 136 yards rushing
WR Byron Matthews, Toronto Argonauts, 165 yards receiving
LB Michael Taylor, Atlanta Falcons, 13 tackles
Eastern Football Conference
QB Bob Griese, Jacksonville Bulls, 333 yards passing
RB Chuck Muncie, San Diego Chargers, 156 yards rushing
WR Boyd Dowler, Jacksonville Bulls, 127 yards receiving
LB Monte Johnson, Seattle Seahawks, 13 tackles

[CATLEW2002]

Wednesday, September 14, 1977

“Bolts injury update includes Wright and Shields” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

Linebacker David Wright and tackle Billy Shields left last Sunday’s game against the Colts after apparent injuries. Wright, who was injured in the first quarter, suffered a mild concussion and will not suit up for practice this week. “We are limiting is contact on the field week, as prescribed by the medical staff, and he will be evaluated before next Sunday’s game against Kansas City,” stated Coach Coryell Wednesday evening when asked about the condition of his team captain. Billy Shields, who left game with 1:46 left in the third quarter with an apparent ankle injury, was back on the field Wednesday afternoon and Coach announced he will start on Sunday at left tackle.

“Altizer Inc. announces plan to add seating to San Diego Stadium.”

Owners Claude and Chester Altizer have announced plans to add 9,000 bleacher seats to the lower deck on the open end of the Stadium at the conclusion of the current season. The move will raise the stadium capacity to 61,596 for the 1978 season. Robertson Construction has been hired to complete the improvement. Robertson Construction, along with Larsen Brothers Construction, are currently working on the “Chargers Park” facility project on Murphy-Canon Road.

“Bolts move to #2 in week 2 power rankings” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

The San Diego Chargers moved up one spot this week after soundly defeating the Baltimore Colts this past weekend. This week’s top 5 include
1. Jacksonville Bulls
2. San Diego Chargers
3. Oklahoma City Outlaws
4. Green Bay Packers
5. Kansas City Chiefs

League injury report (Week 2)
G Albert Dennis, Arizona Wranglers, will be sidelined for the next 2 weeks with a strained knee
CB Tom Hayes, Atlanta Falcons, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ankle ligament
C Tobias Roberts, Baltimore Colts, will miss the next 4 week with a sprained lower back
DE Al Cowlings, Carolina Panthers, is out for the next 3 weeks with a fractured forearm
T Ted Albrecht, Chicago Bears, will be sidelined for the next 3 weeks with a chipped knee cap
WR Lester McClain, Chicago Bears, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn knee ligament
LB Bob Brudzinski, Chicago Bears, will miss the next 3 weeks with a sprained thumb
CB Burgess Owens, Cleveland Browns, is out for the next 7 weeks with a fractured elbow
WR Jerome Barkum, Cleveland Browns, will be sidelined for the 9 weeks with a fractured hip
T Bruce Walker, Dallas Texans, will miss the next 2 weeks with a broken collar bone
T Bill Reid, Detroit Lions, is out for the next 2 weeks with a torn hamstring
WR J.D. Hill, Jacksonville Bulls, will be sidelined for the next 5 weeks with a fractured forearm
G Larron Jackson, Jacksonville Bulls, will be sidelined for the next 2 weeks with a twisted ankle
T Bob Brown, Los Angeles Express, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ankle ligament
C Ken Inman, Los Angeles Express, is out for the next 2 weeks with pulled quadriceps
DT Ryan Burnette, Los Angeles Express, is out for the rest of the season with a torn ankle ligament
QB Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings, will be sidelined for the next 2 weeks with a mild shoulder separation
T Grady Alderman, Minnesota Vikings, will miss the next 3 weeks with a broken collar bone
DE Abdul Salaam, New York Titans, is out for the next 2 weeks with a dislocated collar bone
LB Dan Conners, Oakland Raiders, will miss the next 8 weeks with a broken fibula
G David Dozier, Oklahoma City Outlaws, is out for the next 4 weeks with a stretched achilles tendon
T Jon Kolb, Pittsburgh Steelers, will be sidelined for the next 3 weeks with shoulder tendonitis
T James Dunlap, Pittsburgh Steelers, is out for the next 2 weeks with a twisted ankle
CB Thom Darden, San Francisco 49ers, will miss the next 2 weeks with a moderate concussion
DT Jeff Lyman, Seattle Seahawks, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn labrum (hip)
WR Steve Largent, Seattle Seahawks, is out for the next 3 weeks with a strained lower back
WR Jim Beirne, Seattle Seahawks, will miss the next 5 weeks with torn quadriceps
G Sam Adams, Seattle Seahawks, will be sidelined for the next 2 weeks with elbow tendonitis
WR Billy Brooks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is out for the next 2 weeks with pulled quadriceps
DE James Middleton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will miss the next 2 weeks with a sprained finger
LB Rick Redman, Tennessee Rebels, is out for the rest of the season with a torn ankle ligament
S Stephen Fischer, Toronto Argonauts, will miss the next 6 weeks with a fractured forearm


Free Agent report (Week 2)
The Baltimore Colts have agreed to terms with free agent center Chuck Courtlandt (Ohio State) 5th season
The Kansas City Chiefs have agree to terms with 9th year running back Dave Hampton (Wyoming)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free tackle Andy Allen (Penn State), 2nd season, to a 2 year deal

[CATLEW2002]

Friday, September 16, 1977

“Bolts and Chiefs renew rivalry this weekend in San Diego” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

(2-0) Kansas City Chiefs @ (2-0) San Diego Chargers pre-game report
Location/time: San Diego Stadium; San Diego, California, 1 pm start time
Last meeting: December 5, 1976; San Diego 20 @ Kansas City 30
All time record: 4-9-1
Point spread: -5 (SD)
Power Rank: San Diego 2; Kansas City 5

Two successful NAFL coaches will match wits this weekend in Southern California. Don Coryell, 31-17-2 in San Diego, is looking for his 32nd win at the helm. Meanwhile his opponent, Chuck Fairbanks will be searching for his 73rd win with Kansas City. Fairbanks is 72-30-3 in his tenure as the head chief. The game may also provide some serious fireworks as two of the better quarterback in the league face off against one another. Dan Fouts and Travis Wilson have combined for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns with no interceptions over the past two weeks. San Diego brings the 3rd ranked offense and the 12th ranked defense into Sunday’s contest. While the Chief have the 13th ranked offense and the 11th ranked defense. “Both teams are evenly matched on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs have presented us with a matchup nightmare in the past. Come out this weekend San Diego it’s going to be a terrific game,” mentioned Coach Coryell when Warner caught up with him Friday afternoon.
San Diego
Injury report: none
Passing leader: Dan Fouts 51-65, 570 yards, 9 tds, 78.5 PCT, 8.77 yds/att, QBR 142.8
Rushing leader: Chuck Muncie 41 carries, 257 yards
Receiving leader: John Cathey 15 receptions, 171 yards, 5 tds
Tackle leader: Fred Dean 10 tackles (9 solo/1 assist)
Sack leader: Fred Dean 1 sack
Interception leader: Ron Bolton 2
Kansas City
Injury report: none
Passing leader: Travis Wilson 40-80, 507yards, 4 tds, 50 PCT, 6.64 yds/att, OBR 86.8
Rushing leader: Ed Davis 39 carries, 158 yards
Receiving leader: Otis Taylor 9 receptions, 149 yards, 1 td
Tackle leader: Willie Lanier 14 tackles (12 solo/ 2 assists)
Sack leader: Bobby Bell 3.5 sacks
Interception leader: Larry Kessler 2

Free Agent report
The Baltimore camp has reported that undrafted free agent tight end Jerry Mazzanti has signed a 5 year deal making him a Colt through the 1981 season. Mazzanti, undrafted out of Arkansas State, has great vision and run blocking skills; Scouting report: Jerry is a great young player. Although he’s only 22 , he can hold his own in this league.

General Manager Al Davis announced Friday morning that the Raider organization has come to term with undrafted free agent tight end Dana Nafziger. At 6’6”, 250 lbs Nafziger has great size and has good pass blocking skills and great hands. Scouting report: Nafziger is a really impressive prospect. Just don’t push him too hard.

The San Francisco front office has agreed to terms with aging veteran linebacker Chuck Allen. Allen will suit up for his 17th season in the NAFL/NFL and has 981 career tackles and 57.5 sacks. Other stops along Allen’s career include San Diego, Pittsburgh, and Jacksonville where he got his first super bowl ring last season.

League round up

Houston Oilers running back Hoyle Granger moved into second place on the all time career rushing list this past weekend. He took over second place for Green Bay/Minnesota standout Ron Johnson. Granger, who has 10,599 career yards, is 430 yards away from the NAFL all time leader Cleveland’s Leroy Kelly who sits at 11,029 career yards.

[CATLEW2002]

Sunday, September 18, 1977
Chiefs @ Chargers
Location: San Diego Stadium; San Diego, California
Attendance: 52,596
Weather: Cloudy 80 degrees; no wind
Game MVP: Chuck Muncie

“Air Coryell Stalls……ground Chuck takes over” – David Warner, San Diego Tribune

Chuck Muncie and Don Woods combined for 242 yards and the defense recorded 5 sacks en route to 24-14 victory over the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. The win, though hard fought, improved the Chargers to 3-0 on the season. Dan Fouts and his corps of receivers had a difficult time getting anything going all afternoon. Kansas City’s all world linebackers Willie Lanier and Buddy Bell and defensive end Cleveland Elam terrorized Fouts all afternoon, sacking him 7 times for 51 yards. Air Coryell’s total passing offense output for the afternoon was a mere 61 total yards. The worst recorded sinlge game passing yards in Coryell’s tenure as coach. Fouts finished the afternoon with 10 completions for 112 yards and 1 touchdown. “We also were penalized 9 times. 7 of those were offensive holding,” commented a somber Coach Coryell after the game. “Zampese did a nice job adjusting the game plan and cutting loose Muncie and Woods.” Muncie carried the ball 24 times for 159 yards, including a brilliant 47 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Muncie also found the end zone in the first quarter from one yard out. Meanwhile, Jackie Simpson’s defense pinned down Travis Wilson had his talented receivers for most of the game. Linebacker David Wright recorded 3 sacks tying a single game record set by Woodrow Lowe and Jim Norton. Fred Dean added 13 total tackles and 2 sacks. His performance landed him fourth on the all time single game tackles list. A record held by fellow teammate Woodrow Lowe.

Plays from scrimmage: Kansas City 50 (13 first downs); San Diego 65 (18 first downs)
Rushing: Kansas city 12 for 46 (3.8 avg); San Diego 34 for 247 (7.2 avg)
Pass plays: Kansas City 16-33 (48%) 2 TD, 1 INT; San Diego 10 for 24 (42%) 1 TD
Passing: Kansas City 185 yards (5.6 per play); San Diego 61 yards (2.5 per play
Sacked: Kansas City 5 times for 35 yards; San Diego 7 times for 51 yards
Turnovers: San Diego 1
Punts: Kansas City 6 punts for 230 yards (38.3avg): San Diego 6 punts for 262 yards (43.7 avg)
Field Goals: San Diego 1 made (50)
Third Down: Kansas City 1 for 8 (13%); San Diego 4 for 13 (31%)
Red Zone: Kansas City 2 for 2 (0 FG, 2 TD); San Diego 2 for 2 (2 TD)

Game Information
First Quarter
KC – TD Otis Taylor 18 yard pass from Travis Wilson (Joe Denalo kick); 7-0 KC
SD – TD Chuck Muncie 1 yard run (Gary Ellsworth kick) 7-7
Second Quarter
SD – FG Gary Ellsworth 50 yards; 10-7 SD
KC – TD Otis Taylor 24 yard pass from Travis Wilson (Joe Denalo kick) 14-10 KC
Fourth Quarter
SD – TD Chuck Muncie 47 yard run (Gary Ellsworth kick) 17-14 SD
SD – TD John Cathey 16 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Gary Ellsworth kick) 24-14 SD

Top Performers
San Diego
RB Chuck Muncie 24 carries, 159 yards, 2 td
FB Don Woods 9 carries, 83 yards
WR John Cathey 5 receptions, 66 yards, 1 td
LB Fred Dean 13 tackles, 2 sacks
LB Woodrow Lowe 7 tackles
LB David Wright 5 tackles, 3 sacks
CB Ron Bolton 2 tackles, 1 int
Kansas City
QB Travis Wilson 16-33-1, 220 yards, 2 td
RB Ed Davis 12 carries, 46 yards; 2 receptions 18 yards
WR Otis Taylor 5 receptions, 73 yards, 2 td
LB Bobby Bell 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks
LB Willie Lanier 8 tackles
DE Cleveland Elam 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks