Week 10 - Thursday

'79 San Diego vs. '74 Oakland

The Oakland Coliseum became home to a showdown between the top 2 teams in the AFC west. Both teams only have 3 losses, and both teams have had an interesting road to the top. San Diego is undefeated against the AFC and has been a force to reckon with in passing. Oakland is fresh off a win last week and has shown their defense's reputation is well earned, and Stabler knows how to make plays that count.

So it was no surprise that the game started out at a stalemate. In fact, despite some good drives, both defenses held off scores. It wasn't until the last 3 minutes of the 3rd quarter that the pressure caved in on San Diego. Just as it seemed Fouts would throw the first TD pass of the game, Jimmy Warren  came up with a pick and took it 93 yards for a score. Blanda hit the PAT.

San Diego would get the ball back, but Oakland would force them to a fast 3 and out. From there, Stabler started wearing down the Chargers defense, getting close enough for Van Eeghan to run 5 for another TD.

As the 2nd half continued, Oakland continued to destroy the Chargers. Fouts, normally an effective passer, still managed over 200 yards on the day but found himself picked off 5 times. Both teams had over 100 yards rushing, and both teams had an equal number of yards passing.

For a game expected to be a QB showdown, both defenses made sure that only turnovers would give the edge. And with Oakland on the top there, they would put up 2 more rushing TD's before the game was over. San Diego would only find their way into the end zone once.

Oakland grabs a big win over San Diego, 28-7.  San Diego has now lost 3-straight and now loses the top spot in the AFC West to the Raiders.

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