Redskins Rewind: Redskins vs. Chargers

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Redskins vs. Chargers

In 1960, Paris Hilton’s grandfather Barron was serving as heir to the Hilton Hotel empire and running its credit card business, the Carte Blanche corporation. In addition to this, he still found time to help create the American Football League (AFL). Hilton’s contribution to the new league was the Los Angeles Chargers, apparently so named because it helped to promote his credit card (charge) company. The Los Angeles Chargers soon became the San Diego Chargers and went on to compete in five AFL championship games, winning one. In 1970, they joined the NFL.

The Redskins first met the Chargers when they hosted them in the 1973 season opener. The Redskins were not friendly hosts, shutting out the Chargers 38-0. Chargers running back Mike Garrett fumbled three times in the first quarter alone. Twice the Redskins D ran the fumbles back for touchdowns, and the third one set up a Larry Brown touchdown. Charger QB Johnny Unitas, yes that Johnny Unitas, was sacked five times and had three passes intercepted. In spite of having both Unitas and Fouts at QB that season, it was the start of a long year for the Chargers finishing at the bottom of the league both offensively and defensively.

The Chargers and Redskins would meet again at RFK in 1980. The Chargers were no longer league doormats. They were now a playoff-bound, offensive juggernaut. Meanwhile the Redskins were reeling, having lost five in a row. But this Sunday, you wouldn’t know that. On the Chargers’ first possession the Redskins intercepted a Dan Fouts back and ran it back for a touchdown. On the day, the Redskins defense forced seven turnovers-five interceptions (including three by Joe Lavender) and two fumbles. And the offense was just as potent. Mark Moseley connected on four field goals, including three from 45 yards or more, and Theismann threw two touchdown passes en route to a 40-17 victory. In spite of the Chargers rather anemic performance that day, the Redskins front office had been noticing the work of San Diego’s offensive coordinator who had the Charger ranked in the top five offensively for the second consecutive year. The following season Joe Gibbs would leave his job as San Diego OC to rewrite history as head coach of the Washington Redskins.

On Halloween of 1983 the Washington Redskins made the trip out west to take on the San Diego Chargers. The Redskins intercepted Chargers QB Ed Luther six times and ran up nearly 500 yards on offense. But still, the Redskins barely eked out a 27-24 victory. Special teams play was the key to the game. Mike Nelms got things rolling with a 40 yard kick off return to start the game. Mark Moseley hit two field goals, including the game-winner with just four seconds left. But the play of the game belonged to Jeff Hayes. On 4th and 4 from the 50 in the 4th quarter, Hayes faked the punt and cut back across the field all the way to the Chargers two yard line.

In 1986, the Chargers jumped to a 21-3 over the 3-0 Redskins. A George Rogers touchdown shortly before halftime closed the gap to 21-10 going into the locker room. In the second half, the Redskins slowly chipped away at the lead. Moseley connected on two field goals and Rogers scored on another 10-yard run. Down 27-23, Jay Schroeder led the Redskins on a two-minute drive that culminated with a 14-yard TD pass to Gary Clark that proved to be the game winner.

On Dec. 10, 1989 Joe Gibbs won his 100th game as head coach with a 26-21 win over the San Diego Chargers.

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