What Is 1985 San Diego Chargers football

Overview

The 1985 San Diego Chargers represented a transitional year for the franchise, marking the end of an era defined by the high-powered 'Air Coryell' offense. Under head coach Don Coryell, the team showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short of playoff contention.

This season was notable for the retirement of legendary quarterback Dan Fouts, who had been the face of the franchise throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Chargers played their home games at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, drawing an average attendance of over 48,000 per game.

• Record: The Chargers finished the 1985 NFL regular season with a 9-7 win-loss record, narrowly missing the postseason. This marked a slight decline from their 8-8 performance in 1984.
• Division Standing: They placed second in the AFC West, behind the 11-5 Kansas City Chiefs, failing to secure a playoff berth despite a competitive record.
• Offensive Output: San Diego scored 377 total points (23.6 per game), ranking 8th in the league, a testament to their enduring offensive capabilities under Coryell’s system.
• Defensive Performance: The defense allowed 380 points (23.8 per game), slightly worse than league average, highlighting a key weakness that contributed to their missed playoff opportunity.
• Final Game: Their season concluded with a Week 16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, 20-17, sealing their non-playoff fate in front of a home crowd.

Key Players and Roles

The 1985 Chargers roster featured a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, navigating the end of one era and the start of another. Several key figures defined the team’s performance and legacy that season.

• Dan Fouts: The Pro Bowl quarterback played his final season in 1985, finishing with 3,202 passing yards and 19 touchdowns before retiring after 15 years with the team.
• Charlie Joiner: At age 38, wide receiver Joiner contributed 43 receptions for 575 yards, showcasing remarkable longevity and reliability in his 14th NFL season.
• Kellen Winslow: Despite injuries, tight end Winslow recorded 48 catches for 642 yards, remaining a critical red-zone target and team leader.
• Gary Anderson: The veteran kicker converted 21 of 26 field goals (80.8%), providing consistent scoring and stability in close games.
• Junior Seau: Though not yet on the team, Seau would be drafted in 1990; the 1985 season marked the end of the Coryell era before his future rise.
• Defense: Linebacker Woodrow Lowe led the defense with 112 tackles, anchoring a unit that struggled with consistency despite individual effort.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1985 Chargers compared to other AFC West teams in key statistical categories:

The table illustrates that while the Chargers were competitive offensively, their defense was the weakest among division rivals in points allowed. Their point differential of -3 was the worst among playoff-eligible teams in the AFC, underscoring their narrow misses in close games. Despite strong individual performances, the team lacked the balance needed to advance in a tough division.

Why It Matters

The 1985 season is a pivotal chapter in Chargers history, symbolizing both the end of a golden era and the need for organizational change. Its outcomes influenced future coaching decisions and roster overhauls in the late 1980s.

• End of an Era: The retirement of Dan Fouts and departure of Don Coryell marked the close of the 'Air Coryell' period, which had defined Chargers football since 1979.
• Coaching Transition: Coryell resigned after the season, leading to the hiring of Al Saunders in 1986, beginning a new but less successful phase for the franchise.
• Legacy of Innovation: The 1985 team preserved the fast-paced, pass-heavy philosophy that influenced future NFL offensive strategies and quarterback development.
• Missed Opportunity: With a winning record and star talent, the failure to reach the playoffs intensified scrutiny on the team’s defensive shortcomings and management decisions.
• Historical Context: This season was one of the last competitive years before a prolonged slump; the Chargers would not return to the playoffs until 1992.
• Fan Impact: The emotional farewell to Fouts and Joiner resonated deeply with San Diego fans, cementing their status as franchise legends.

The 1985 San Diego Chargers may not have achieved postseason success, but their role in transitioning the team into a new era ensures their place in NFL history.