1973 San Diego Chargers season
{{Short description|1973 NFL team season}}
{{One source|date=May 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Infobox NFL season
| team = San Diego Chargers
| year = 1973
| record = 2–11–1
| division_place = 4th AFC West
| coach = Harland Svare
| general manager = Harland Svare
| owner = Eugene V. Klein
| stadium = San Diego Stadium
| pro bowlers = None
| AP All-pros = None
| shortnavlink = Chargers seasons
}}
The {{nfly|1973}} San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's fourth season in the National Football League (NFL), and its 14th overall.
The team was coming off a season that ended with a 4–9–1 record. Although he was offered a five-year contract toward the end of the previous season, 1973 would prove to be Harland Svare's final season as the team's head coach.
The team obtained quarterback Johnny Unitas in a trade with the Baltimore Colts, but Unitas was a shell of his former greatness. In the middle of the season he was replaced at quarterback by a rookie Dan Fouts, the team's third-round pick in that year's draft.Fouts would go on to play 15 seasons for the Chargers, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Offseason
= NFL draft =
{{main|1973 NFL draft}}
{{NFL team draft start
| year = 1973
| teamname = San Diego Chargers
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 1
| pick = 25
| player = Johnny Rodgers
| position = Wide receiver
| college = Nebraska
| notes = Joined the Chargers in 1977 after initially playing in the Canadian Football League
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 3
| pick = 64
| player = Dan Fouts
| position = Quarterback
| college = Oregon
| notes =
| hof = yes
| probowl = yes
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 4
| pick = 84
| player = Jim Thaxton
| position = Tight end
| college = Tennessee State
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 4
| pick = 97
| player = Bill Singletary
| position = Linebacker
| college = Temple
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 5
| pick = 123
| player = Willie McGee
| position = Wide receiver
| college = Alcorn State
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 5
| pick = 125
| player = Jon Knoble
| position = Linebacker
| college = Weber State
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 6
| pick = 135
| player = Marvin Roberts
| position = Center
| college = Michigan State
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 9
| pick = 214
| player = Tab Bennett
| position = Linebacker
| college = Illinois
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 10
| pick = 239
| player = Cliff Burnett
| position = Defensive end
| college = Montana
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 11
| pick = 268
| player = Jay Douglas
| position = Center
| college = Memphis
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 12
| pick = 293
| player = Lynn Ahrens
| position = Tackle
| college = Eastern Montana
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 13
| pick = 318
| player = Alfred Reese
| position = Running back
| college = Tennessee State
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 14
| pick = 343
| player = Tony Adams
| position = Quarterback
| college = Utah State
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 15
| pick = 372
| player = Gary Parris
| position = Tight end
| college = Florida State
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 16
| pick = 397
| player = Joe Petty
| position = Defensive back
| college = Arizona State University
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 17
| pick = 422
| player = Barry Darrow
| position = Tackle
| college = Montana
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft end
| hof = yes
}}
Roster
{{NFL final roster
| year = 1973
| team = San Diego Chargers
| prefix =
| active =
| inactive =
| PS =
| quarterbacks =
{{NFLplayer|13|Wayne Clark|d=quarterback}}
{{NFLplayer|14|Dan Fouts|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|19|Johnny Unitas}}
| running_backs =
{{NFLplayer|37|Cid Edwards|FB}}
{{NFLplayer|20|Mike Garrett}}
{{NFLplayer|26|Clinton Jones|d=American football}}
{{NFLplayer|35|Bob Thomas|d=running back}}
| wide_receivers =
{{NFLplayer|81|Ron Holliday|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|25|Jerry LeVias}}
{{NFLplayer|28|Willie McGee|d=American football|rookie=y}}
| tight_ends =
{{NFLplayer|88|Pettis Norman}}
{{NFLplayer|80|Gary Parris|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|86|Jim Thaxton|rookie=y}}
| offensive_linemen =
{{NFLplayer|61|Al Dennis|rookie=y|G}}
{{NFLplayer|52|Jay Douglas|d=American football|rookie=y|C}}
{{NFLplayer|55|Carl Mauck|C}}
{{NFLplayer|76|Terry Owens|d=American football|T}}
{{NFLplayer|78|Walt Sweeney|G}}
{{NFLplayer|70|Russ Washington|T}}
{{NFLplayer|62|Ralph Wenzel|d=guard|G}}
{{NFLplayer|63|Doug Wilkerson|G}}
| defensive_linemen =
{{NFLplayer|87|Lionel Aldridge|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|79|Coy Bacon|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|64|Dave Costa|DT}}
{{NFLplayer|77|Ron East|DT}}
{{NFLplayer|75|Deacon Jones|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|51|Pete Lazetich|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|71|Cal Snowden|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|68|Gregory Wojcik|DT}}
| linebackers =
{{NFLplayer|54|Carl Gersbach}}
{{NFLplayer|66|Rick Redman}}
{{NFLplayer|57|Floyd Rice}}
{{NFLplayer|53|Mel Rogers}}
{{NFLplayer|82|Tim Rossovich}}
{{NFLplayer|58|Mike Stratton}}
| defensive_backs =
{{NFLplayer|40|Joe Beauchamp|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|39|Lenny Dunlap|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|44|Chris Fletcher|FS}}
{{NFLplayer|24|Bob Howard|d=American football|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|30|Bryant Salter|SS}}
{{NFLplayer|48|Ron Smith|d=defensive back|SS}}
| special_teams =
{{NFLplayer|29|Dennis Partee|P}}
{{NFLplayer|15|Ray Wersching|rookie=y|K}}
|Reserve Lists =
{{NFLplayer|27|Gary Garrison|WR|IR}}
|Practice Squad =
}}
Preseason
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Week
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Date !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Opponent !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Result !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Record !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Venue !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Attendance |
|---|
| style="background:#fcc"
! 1 | August 4 | L 3–28 | 0–1 | |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 2 | August 11 | L 13–17 | 0–2 | |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 3 | August 19 | at San Francisco 49ers | L 7–19 | 0–3 | |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 4 | August 25 | W 24–17 | 1–3 | |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 5 | August 31 | at Los Angeles Rams | L 17–30 | 1–4 | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 6 | September 8 | L 16–24 | 1–5 | |
Regular season
= Schedule =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Week
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Date !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Opponent !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Result !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Record !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Venue !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Attendance !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}}"| Recap |
|---|
| style="background:#fcc"
! 1 | September 16 | at Washington Redskins | L 0–38 | 0–1 | 53,589 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309160was.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 2 | September 23 | W 34–7 | 1–1 | 47,588 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309230sdg.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 3 | September 30 | L 13–20 | 1–2 | San Diego Stadium | 46,733 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309300sdg.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 4 | October 7 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | L 21–38 | 1–3 | 48,795 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310070pit.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 5 | October 14 | L 17–27 | 1–4 | San Diego Stadium | 50,672 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310140sdg.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 6 | October 21 | L 0–41 | 1–5 | San Diego Stadium | 41,527 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310210sdg.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#ffc"
! 7 | October 28 | at Cleveland Browns | T 16–16 | 1–5–1 | 68,244 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310210sdg.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 8 | November 4 | L 0–19 | 1–6–1 | San Diego Stadium | 50,234 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311040sdg.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 9 | November 11 | at Denver Broncos | L 19–30 | 1–7–1 | 51,034 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311110den.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 10 | November 18 | W 17–14 | 2–7–1 | San Diego Stadium | 34,848 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311180sdg.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 11 | November 25 | at Oakland Raiders | L 3–31 | 2–8–1 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | 40,195 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311250rai.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 12 | December 2 | at New England Patriots | L 14–30 | 2–9–1 | 58,150 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312020nwe.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 13 | December 9 | L 28–42 | 2–10–1 | San Diego Stadium | 44,954 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312090sdg.htm Recap] |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 14 | December 16 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 6–33 | 2–11–1 | 43,755 | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312160kan.htm Recap] |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
= Game summaries =
== Week 1: at Washington Redskins ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week One: San Diego Chargers at Washington Redskins – Game summary
|date=September 16
|time=1:00 p.m. EDT
|road=Chargers
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Redskins
|H1=21 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=10
|stadium=Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C.
|attendance=53,589
|weather={{convert|73|°F|1}}, relative humidity 59%, wind 6 mph
|referee=Norm Schachter
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309160was.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- WAS – Verlon Biggs 2-yard fumble return (Curt Knight kick), 9:03. Redskins 7–0.
- WAS – Larry Brown 1-yard run (Curt Knight kick), 5:08. Redskins 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 22 yards, 0:53.
- WAS – Brig Owens 36-yard fumble return (Curt Knight kick), 0:57. Redskins 21–0.
Second quarter
- No scoring plays.
Third quarter
- WAS – Charley Taylor 32-yard pass from Billy Kilmer (Curt Knight kick), 11:07. Redskins 28–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:53.
Fourth quarter
- WAS – Curt Knight 19-yard field goal, 14:09. Redskins 31–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:51.
- WAS – Frank Grant 12-yard pass from Billy Kilmer (Curt Knight kick), 9:50. Redskins 38–0. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 3:15.
|stats=
Top passers
- SDG – Johnny Unitas – 6/17, 55 yards, 3 INT
- WAS – Billy Kilmer – 10/18, 129 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
- SDG – Cid Edwards – 14 rushes, 63 yards
- WAS – Duane Thomas – 12 rushes, 30 yards
Top receivers
- SDG – Gary Garrison – 2 receptions, 36 yards
- WAS – Charley Taylor – 3 receptions, 60 yards, TD
}}
== Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Two: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=September 23
|time=1:00 p.m. PDT
|road=Bills
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Chargers
|H1=7 |H2=7 |H3=14 |H4=6
|stadium=San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California
|attendance=47,588
|weather={{convert|67|°F|1}}, relative humidity 71%, wind 10 mph
|referee=Jack Reader
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309230sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- SDG – Ron Smith 72-yard punt return (Ray Wersching kick), 5:09. Chargers 7–0.
Second quarter
- BUF – O. J. Simpson 6-yard run (John Leypoldt kick), 9:50. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 1:22.
- SDG – Robert Holmes 1-yard run (Ray Wersching kick), 6:33. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 3:17.
Third quarter
- SDG – Gary Garrison 26-yard pass from Johnny Unitas (Ray Wersching kick), 12:31. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 2 plays, 27 yards, 0:44.
- SDG – Jim Thaxton 12-yard pass from Johnny Unitas (Ray Wersching kick), 0:11. Chargers 28–8. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:53.
Fourth quarter
- SDG – Robert Holmes 4-yard run (kick blocked), 8:16. Chargers 34–7. Drive: 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:54.
|stats=
Top passers
- BUF – Dennis Shaw – 7/15, 106 yards, 2 INT
- SDG – Johnny Unitas – 10/18, 175 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
- BUF – O. J. Simpson – 22 rushes, 103 yards, TD
- SDG – Clint Jones – 7 rushes, 42 yards
Top receivers
- BUF – J. D. Hill – 7 receptions, 118 yards
- SDG – Dave Williams – 5 receptions, 86 yards
}}
== Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Three: Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=September 30
|time=1:00 p.m. PDT
|road=Bengals
|R1=7 |R2=6 |R3=7 |R4=0
|home=Chargers
|H1=3 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=10
|stadium=San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California
|attendance=46,733
|weather={{convert|67|°F|1}}, relative humidity 70%, wind 9 mph
|referee=Chuck Heberling
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309300sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- SDG – Ray Wersching 39-yard field goal, 7:08. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, -5 yards, 2:00.
- CIN – Essex Johnson 78-yard pass from Ken Anderson (Horst Muhlmann kick), 0:16. Bengals 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:26.
Second quarter
- CIN – Boobie Clark 1-yard run (kick failed), 11:07. Bengals 13–3. Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 2:13.
Third quarter
- CIN – Essex Johnson 38-yard pass from Ken Anderson (Horst Muhlmann kick), 10:55. Bengals 20–3. Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 4:05.
Fourth quarter
- SDG – Ray Wersching 13-yard field goal, 12:07. Bengals 20–6. Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 6:37.
- SDG – Bob Thomas 8-yard pass from Johnny Unitas (Ray Wersching kick), 6:31. Bengals 20–13. Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:01.
|stats=
Top passers
- CIN – Ken Anderson – 10/17, 222 yards, 2 TD
- SDG – Johnny Unitas – 15/31, 215 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
- CIN – Essex Johnson – 21 rushes, 121 yards
- SDG – Mike Garrett – 21 rushes, 79 yards
Top receivers
- CIN – Essex Johnson – 2 receptions, 116 yards, 2 TD
- SDG – Gary Garrison – 4 receptions, 117 yards
}}
== Week 4: at Pittsburgh Steelers ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Four: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
|date=October 7
|time=1:00 p.m. EDT
|road=Chargers
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=21
|home=Steelers
|H1=17 |H2=21 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
|attendance=48,795
|weather={{convert|60|°F|1}}, relative humidity 63%, wind 7 mph
|referee=Pat Haggerty
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309160was.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- PIT – Ron Shanklin 12-yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick), 10:22. Steelers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:38.
- PIT – Terry Bradshaw 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 5:08. Steelers 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:35.
- PIT – Roy Gerela 38-yard field goal, 0:31. Steelers 17–0.
Second quarter
- PIT – Steve Davis 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 13:16. Steelers 24–0. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:26.
- PIT – Mike Wagner blocked punt recovery in end zone (Roy Gerela kick), 8:43. Steelers 31–0.
- PIT – Ron Shanklin 37-yard pass from Terry Hanratty (Roy Gerela kick), 5:14. Steelers 38–0. Drive: 2 plays, 38 yards, 0:50.
Third quarter
- No scoring plays.
Fourth quarter
- SDG – Jerry LeVias 13-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Ray Wersching kick), 14:50. Steelers 38–7. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 5:56.
- SDG – Clint Jones 3-yard run (Ray Wersching kick), 12:34. Steelers 38–14. Drive: 6 plays, 90 yards, 1:00.
- SDG – Robert Holmes 1-yard run (Ray Wersching kick), 3:49. Steelers 38–21. Drive: 3 plays, 22 yards, 1:38.
|stats=
Top passers
- SDG – Dan Fouts – 11/21, 174 yards, TD, INT
- PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 7/16, 99 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
- SDG – Cid Edwards – 13 rushes, 94 yards
- PIT – Preston Pearson – 6 rushes, 64 yards
Top receivers
- SDG – Clint Jones – 2 receptions, 51 yards
- PIT – Frank Lewis – 4 receptions, 61 yards
}}
== Week 5: vs. Oakland Raiders ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Five: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=October 14
|time=1:00 p.m. PDT
|road=Raiders
|R1=0 |R2=6 |R3=7 |R4=14
|home=Chargers
|H1=3 |H2=0 |H3=14 |H4=0
|stadium=San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California
|attendance=50,672
|weather={{convert|66|°F|1}}, relative humidity 71%, wind 8 mph
|referee=John McDonough
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310140sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- SDG – Ray Wersching 27-yard field goal, 6:31. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 4:20.
Second quarter
- OAK – George Blanda 18-yard field goal, 7:30. Tied 3–3. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 1:12.
- OAK – George Blanda 15-yard field goal, 0:07. Raiders 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 1:34.
Third quarter
- SDG – Jim Thaxton 20-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Ray Wersching kick), 11:42. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 1:41.
- OAK – Cliff Branch 54-yard pass from Ken Stabler (George Blanda kick), 8:51. Raiders 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:51.
- SDG – Jerry LeVias 36-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Ray Wersching kick), 0:21. Chargers 17–13. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 8:30.
Fourth quarter
- OAK – Marv Hubbard 1-yard run (George Blanda kick), 9:54. Raiders 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:27.
- OAK – Bob Moore 26-yard pass from Ken Stabler (George Blanda kick), 9:01. Raiders 27–17. Drive: 2 plays, 28 yards, 0:43.
|stats=
Top passers
- OAK – Ken Stabler – 13/22, 193 yards, 2 TD, INT
- SDG – Dan Fouts – 12/30, 183 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
- OAK – Marv Hubbard – 16 rushes, 76 yards, TD
- SDG – Robert Holmes – 6 rushes, 36 yards
Top receivers
- OAK – Cliff Branch – 2 receptions, 71 yards, TD
- SDG – Jim Thaxton – 4 receptions, 63 yards, TD
}}
== Week 6: vs. Atlanta Falcons ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Six: Atlanta Falcons at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=October 21
|time=1:00 p.m. PDT
|road=Falcons
|R1=7 |R2=10 |R3=10 |R4=14
|home=Chargers
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California
|attendance=41,527
|weather={{convert|65|°F|1}}, relative humidity 73%, wind 10 mph
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310210sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- ATL – Art Malone 8-yard run (Nick Mike-Mayer kick), 6:31. Falcons 7–0.
Second quarter
- ATL – Nick Mike-Mayer 43-yard field goal, 7:30. Falcons 10–0.
- ATL – Dave Hampton 4-yard run (Nick Mike-Mayer kick), 0:07. Falcons 17–0.
Third quarter
- ATL – Nick Mike-Mayer 12-yard field goal, 7:30. Falcons 20–0.
- ATL – Dave Hampton 2-yard run (Nick Mike-Mayer kick), 0:07. Falcons 27–0.
Fourth quarter
- ATL – Eddie Ray 2-yard run (Nick Mike-Mayer kick), 0:07. Falcons 34–0.
- ATL – Eddie Ray 12-yard run (Nick Mike-Mayer kick), 0:07. Falcons 41–0.
|stats=
Top passers
Top rushers
- ATL – Dave Hampton – 19 rushes, 76 yards, 2 TD
- SDG – Clint Jones – 10 rushes, 32 yards
Top receivers
- ATL – Ken Burrow – 2 receptions, 59 yards
- SDG – Ron Holliday – 3 receptions, 44 yards
}}
== Week 7: at Cleveland Browns ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
|date=October 28
|time=1:00 p.m. EST
|road=Chargers
|R1=0 |R2=10 |R3=3 |R4=3
|home=Browns
|H1=0 |H2=3 |H3=3 |H4=10
|stadium=Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
|attendance=68,244
|weather={{convert|54|°F|1}}, relative humidity 86%, wind 11 mph
|referee=Tom Bell
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310280cle.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- No scoring plays.
Second quarter
- SDG – Ray Wersching 11-yard field goal, 8:21. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 5:21.
- CLE – Don Cockroft 40-yard field goal, 5:35. Tied 3–3. Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 2:46.
- SDG – Mike Garrett 1-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Ron Holliday run), 0:10. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 3:29.
Third quarter
- CLE – Don Cockroft 17-yard field goal, 4:49. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 19 plays, 90 yards, 10:11.
- SDG – Ray Wersching 8-yard field goal, 1:30. Chargers 13–6. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:19.
Fourth quarter
- CLE – Don Cockroft 42-yard field goal, 11:02. Chargers 13–9. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:22.
- CLE – Greg Pruitt 7-yard run (Don Cockroft kick), 8:26. Browns 16–13. Drive: 2 plays, 9 yards, 0:55.
- SDG – Ray Wersching 16-yard field goal, 0:30. Tied 16–16. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 1:46.
|stats=
Top passers
- SDG – Dan Fouts – 8/16, 135 yards, TD, INT
- CLE – Mike Phipps – 10/21, 92 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
- SDG – Mike Garrett – 19 rushes, 130 yards
- CLE – Billy Lefear – 7 rushes, 47 yards
Top receivers
- SDG – Willie McGee – 1 reception, 50 yards
- CLE – Billy Lefear – 2 receptions, 24 yards
}}
== Week 8: vs. Kansas City Chiefs ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Eight: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=November 4
|time=1:00 p.m. PST
|road=Chiefs
|R1=6 |R2=3 |R3=3 |R4=7
|home=Chargers
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California
|attendance=50,234
|weather={{convert|61|°F|1}}, relative humidity 62%, wind 6 mph
|referee=Fred Swearingen
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311040sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- KAN – Ed Podolak 5-yard run (kick blocked), 2:35. Chiefs 6–0. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 6:51.
Second quarter
- KAN – Jan Stenerud 31-yard field goal, 7:58. Chiefs 9–0. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 4:27.
Third quarter
- KAN – Jan Stenerud 36-yard field goal, 8:32. Chiefs 12–0. Drive: 9 plays, 20 yards, 4:42.
Fourth quarter
- KAN – Morris Stroud 39-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick), 5:47. Chiefs 19–0. Drive: 2 plays, 39 yards, 0:11.
|stats=
Top passers
- KAN – Mike Livingston – 13/22, 193 yards, 2 TD, INT
- SDG – Dan Fouts – 11/29, 128 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
- KAN – Wendell Hayes – 13 rushes, 90 yards
- SDG – Mike Garrett – 14 rushes, 51 yards
Top receivers
- KAN – Pettis Norman – 3 receptions, 62 yards
- SDG – Morris Stroud – 2 receptions, 61 yards, TD
}}
== Week 9: at Denver Broncos ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Nine: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|date=November 11
|time=2:00 p.m. CST
|road=Chargers
|R1=3 |R2=13 |R3=0 |R4=3
|home=Broncos
|H1=10 |H2=0 |H3=6 |H4=14
|stadium=Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado
|attendance=51,034
|weather={{convert|52|°F|1}}, relative humidity 41%, wind 7 mph
|referee=Jim Tunney
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311110den.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- DEN – Floyd Little 1-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 14:32. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 12 yards, 0:09.
- DEN – Jim Turner 39 yard field goal, 10:09. Broncos 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:12.
- SDG – Ray Wersching 26-yard field goal, 0:00. Broncos 10–3. Drive: 17 plays, 58 yards, 10:09.
Second quarter
- SDG – Coy Bacon 80-yard interception return (kick blocked), 5:45. Broncos 10–9.
- SDG – Robert Holmes 18-yard run (Ray Wersching kick), 1:54. Chargers 16–10. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 2:13.
Third quarter
- DEN – Gene Washington 20-yard pass from Charley Johnson (kick blocked), 5:12. Tied 16–16. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 6:24.
Fourth quarter
- DEN – Riley Odoms 14-yard pass from Charley Johnson (Jim Turner kick), 10:01. Broncos 23–16. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:50.
- SDG – Ray Wersching 38-yard field goal, 4:25. Broncos 23–19. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 5:36.
- DEN – Floyd Little 1-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 0:46. Broncos 30–19. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:32.
|stats=
Top passers
- SDG – Wayne Clark – 12/21, 122 yards
- DEN – Charley Johnson – 16/29, 234 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
- SDG – Mike Garrett – 12 rushes, 47 yards
- DEN – Floyd Little – 22 rushes, 109 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
- SDG – Jerry LeVias – 6 reception, 89 yards
- DEN – Floyd Little – 5 receptions, 76 yards
}}
== Week 10: vs. New Orleans Saints ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Ten: New Orleans Saints at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=November 18
|time=1:00 p.m. PST
|road=Saints
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=7 |R4=7
|home=Chargers
|H1=0 |H2=10 |H3=0 |H4=7
|stadium=San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California
|attendance=34,848
|weather={{convert|61|°F|1}}, relative humidity 83%, wind 12 mph
|referee=Pat Haggerty
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311180sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- No scoring plays.
Second quarter
- SDG – Ray Wersching 28-yard field goal, 2:51. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 1:40.
- SDG – Ron Smith 84-yard punt return (Ray Wersching kick), 1:18. Chargers 10–0.
Third quarter
- NO – Jubilee Dunbar 9-yard pass from Archie Manning (Bill McClard kick), 1:17. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 3:30.
Fourth quarter
- SDG – Robert Holmes 1-yard run (Ray Wersching kick), 8:20. Chargers 17–7.
- NO – John Beasley 14-yard pass from Archie Manning (Bill McClard kick), 0:58. Chargers 17–14.
|stats=
Top passers
- NO – Archie Manning – 21/37, 224 yards, 2 TD, INT
- SDG – Wayne Clark – 8/20, 109 yards, INT
Top rushers
- NO – Jess Phillips – 16 rushes, 43 yards
- SDG – Cid Edwards – 12 rushes, 95 yards
Top receivers
- NO – John Beasley – 12 receptions, 127 yards, TD
- SDG – Jerry LeVias – 2 receptions, 63 yards
}}
== Week 11: at Oakland Raiders ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
|date=November 25
|time=1:00 p.m. PST
|road=Chargers
|R1=3 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Raiders
|H1=7 |H2=17 |H3=7 |H4=0
|stadium=Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California
|attendance=40,195
|weather={{convert|49|°F|1}}, relative humidity 77%, wind 12 mph
|referee=Fred Silva
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311250rai.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- OAK – George Atkinson 59-yard defensive fumble return (George Blanda kick), 10:22. Raiders 7–0.
- SDG – Dennis Partee 14-yard field goal, 3:27. Raiders 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 6:47.
Second quarter
- OAK – George Blanda 34-yard field goal, 12:15. Raiders 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 42 yards, 6:02.
- OAK – Charlie Smith 7-yard run (George Blanda kick), 3:54. Raiders 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 1:42.
- OAK – Fred Biletnikoff 16-yard pass from Ken Stabler (George Blanda kick), 1:44. Raiders 24–3. Drive: 1 play, 16 yards, 0:05.
Third quarter
- OAK – Bob Moore 1-yard pass from Ken Stabler (George Blanda kick), 3:22. Raiders 31–3. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 1:28.
Fourth quarter
- No scoring plays.
|stats=
Top passers
- SDG – Wayne Clark – 6/15, 183 yards, INT
- OAK – Ken Stabler – 12/22, 165 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
- SDG – Cid Edwards – 16 rushes, 81 yards
- OAK – Charlie Smith – 14 rushes, 66 yards, TD
Top receivers
- SDG – Clint Jones – 2 receptions, 47 yards
- OAK – Mike Siani – 4 receptions, 90 yards
}}
== Week 12: at New England Patriots ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Twelve: San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – Game summary
|date=December 2
|time=1:00 p.m. EST
|road=Chargers
|R1=0 |R2=14 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Patriots
|H1=3 |H2=13 |H3=7 |H4=7
|stadium=Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
|attendance=58,150
|weather={{convert|33|°F|1}}, relative humidity 47%, wind 13 mph, wind chill 23
|referee=John McDonough
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312020nwe.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- NE – Jeff White 11-yard field goal, 1:06. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:45.
Second quarter
- SDG – Floyd Rice 51-yard fumble return (Dennis Partee kick), 11:48. Chargers 7–3.
- SDG – Robert Holmes 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 4:27. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 34 yards, 5:43.
- NE – Mack Herron 92-yard kickoff return (kick blocked), 4:09. Chargers 14–9.
- NE – Randy Vataha 14-yard pass from Jim Plunkett (Jeff White kick), 0:21. Patriots 16–14. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 1:52.
Third quarter
- NE – Jim Plunkett 1-yard run (Jeff White kick), 9:48. Patriots 23–14. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:12.
Fourth quarter
- NE – Jim Plunkett 3-yard run (Jeff White kick), 7:16. Patriots 30–14. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 7:35.
|stats=
Top passers
- SDG – Wayne Clark – 5/8, 46 yards, INT
- NE – Jim Plunkett – 13/27, 186 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
- SDG – Cid Edwards – 11 rushes, 56 yards
- NE – John Tarver – 14 rushes, 76 yards
Top receivers
- SDG – Cid Edwards – 3 receptions, 24 yards
- NE – Reggie Rucker – 4 receptions, 55 yards
}}
== Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
|date=December 9
|time=1:00 p.m. PST
|road=Broncos
|R1=7 |R2=13 |R3=19 |R4=3
|home=Chargers
|H1=7 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=14
|stadium=San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California
|attendance=44,954
|weather={{convert|63|°F|1}}, relative humidity 34%, wind 5 mph
|referee=Fred Wyant
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312090sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- SDG – Robert Holmes 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 5:03. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:26.
- DEN – Riley Odoms 24-yard pass from Charley Johnson (Jim Turner kick), 2:49. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:09.
Second quarter
- DEN – Floyd Little 1-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 7:05. Broncos 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 5:10.
- DEN – Jim Turner 25-yard field goal, 4:02. Broncos 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards.
- SDG – Gary Garrison 11-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Dennis Partee kick), 3:03. Broncos 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 33 yards, 0:44.
- DEN – Jim Turner 35-yard field goal, 0:49. Broncos 20–14. Drive: 10 plays, 22 yards, 2:14.
Third quarter
- DEN – Joe Dawkins 2-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 10:31. Broncos 27–14. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 3:35.
- DEN – Jim Turner 15-yard field goal, 5:57. Broncos 30–14. Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 3:02.
- DEN – Safety, Ken Criter blocked punt through end zone, 4:13. Broncos 32–14.
- DEN – Haven Moses 15-yard pass from Charley Johnson (Jim Turner kick), 1:13. Broncos 39–14. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 2:47.
Fourth quarter
- SDG – Cid Edwards 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 12:44. Broncos 39–21. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 3:20.
- SDG – Jerry LeVias 69 yard pass from Dan Fouts (Dennis Partee kick), 8:32. Broncos 39–28. Drive: 1 play, 69 yards, 0:12.
- DEN – Jim Turner 29-yard field goal, 2:19. Broncos 42–28. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 3:39.
|stats=
Top passers
- DEN – Charley Johnson – 15/26, 216 yards, 2 TD
- SDG – Dan Fouts – 13/31, 254 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
- DEN – Floyd Little – 18 rushes, 88 yards, TD
- SDG – Robert Holmes – 7 rushes, 68 yards, TD
Top receivers
- DEN – Jerry Simmons – 1 reception, 53 yards
- SDG – Jerry LeVias – 5 receptions, 149 yards, TD
}}
== Week 14: at Kansas City Chiefs ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1973|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week Fourteen: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
|date=December 16
|time=1:00 p.m. CST
|road=Chargers
|R1=3 |R2=0 |R3=3 |R4=0
|home=Chiefs
|H1=10 |H2=3 |H3=10 |H4=10
|stadium=Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
|attendance=43,755
|weather={{convert|20|°F|1}}, relative humidity 73%, wind 11 mph, wind chill 8
|referee=
|TV=
|TVAnnouncers=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312160kan.htm Box score]
|scoring=
First quarter
- KAN – Ed Podolak 5-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 10:12. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards.
- SDG – Ray Wersching 22-yard field goal, 5:04. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 5:08.
- KAN – Jan Stenerud 45-yard field goal, 0:12. Chiefs 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 30 yards, 4:52.
Second quarter
- KAN – Jan Stenerud 36-yard field goal, 11:59. Chiefs 13–3. Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards.
Third quarter
- KAN – Jan Stenerud 20-yard field goal, 12:03. Chiefs 16–3. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:58.
- SDG – Ray Wersching 26-yard field goal, 9:44. Chiefs 16–6. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:19.
- KAN – Jeff Kinney 5-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 3:06. Chiefs 23–6. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:38.
Fourth quarter
- KAN – Wendell Hayes 2-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 7:17. Chiefs 30–6. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 4:46.
- KAN – Jan Stenerud 27-yard field goal, 2:10. Chiefs 33–6. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 4:29.
|stats=
Top passers
- SDG – Dan Fouts – 9/14, 97 yards
- KAN – Mike Livingston – 11/22, 123 yards
Top rushers
- SDG – Robert Holmes – 9 rushes, 27 yards
- KAN – Ed Podolak – 13 rushes, 50 yards, TD
Top receivers
- SDG – Robert Holmes – 5 receptions, 50 yards
- KAN – Jeff Kinney – 2 receptions, 42 yards
}}
= Standings =
{{1973 AFC West standings}}
Awards
The AFC Pro Bowl squad did not feature any Chargers.{{cite web |title=1973 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1973/probowl.htm |website=pro-football-reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2025}} Also, no Chargers were named All-Pro by the Associated Press, nor were any named the best in his Conference.{{cite web |title=1973 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1973/allpro.htm |website=pro-football-reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2025}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Los Angeles Chargers}}
{{Los Angeles Chargers seasons}}
{{1973 NFL season by team}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:1973 San Diego Chargers Season}}