That was a fantastic year! Fouts was unique in that his playing career bridged the NFL’s transformation from run first to the wide open passing game that now exists. He was a big strong guy with little mobility, but always stood tall in the pocket. Some great talent on that team. This reminds me of the time Rolf Benershke was the host of Wheel of Fortune for a short while. Excellent video and footage of the best uniform combos in NFL history. Just my opinion. Thanks Mark!
Don Coryell's Offense Was No Joke. Dan Fouts Had Weapons. John Jefferson, Kellen Winslow, Lionel "Lil' Train" James To Name A Few. I Was Very Young (6 ), But I Remember Watching Those Teams With My Dad And Big Brothers.
My Favorite team in the 80’s , Fouts my Favorite QB and Don Coryelle my Favorite coach along with that O-line . Best offense I’ve ever seen ! Fouts asking in the huddle “ How many plays do you want to run before we score ? Because once we start who knows when we’ll stop !” A true leader !
Truly a fan of Fouts when they weren't playing Oakland. I was at Plunkett's first start in week 5 and Raiders beat SD. So many weapons for Chargers. Really admire those teams.
I remember watching highlights of Fouts and the Chargers back then and just just being amazed at that passing attack. I remember being upset when Wes Chandler was traded the following season to the Chargers and he became a big part of that San Diego offense. Looking back Chandler would have been wasted in New Orleans under Bum Phillips.
We moved to San Diego, from Minnesota, in August 1979. Just in time to witness Dan Fouts and the Air Coryell "Super Chargers". I've many great offenses over the years. None more exciting that Don Coryell's unit in San Diego. Fouts, Muncie, Winslow, Joiner, Jefferson, Joiner were magnificent. Along with a name very familiar to us, the Great Ed White. Who should be in Canton. What a thrill it was to watch them every week.
@@markgardner9460I find that perplexing as well! The Chargers had obviously a amazing offense! Fouts,Joiner, Winslow Jefferson Coryell as coach, very good offensive line.. and even though I've seen it numerous times that one handed grab Jefferson made in the end zone vs Oakland was absolutely incredible! I still almost can't believe that he caught it!!!!
Fouts first HOF QB without a Super Bowl appearance! He was just so dominant you couldn't keep him out! Someone else here made the comment I think Fouts and Montana would have been a fascinating matchup!
I had the privilege to see Fouts play @ Mile High on several occasions as Den & SD were in the AFC West. I remember seeing him in warm ups hucking 30-40 yard lazers. Fouts also possessed great touch on deep balls. Fouts quick release was elite not unlike Joe Willie Namath and Dan Marino, I remember discussing his release w/a friend and we both thought Den had their hands full. Had it not been for the Freezer Bowl (a loss to Cincy) and the game previously played in Miami (multi OT @ 85 degrees) (some say greatest playoff game ever played) killed SD's game. I would have loved to see a SD SF super bowl that year. Note: at about 6:55 Harris trying to catch JJ, Jefferson and then JJ burning Charlie Waters....you ain't keeping up w/JJ (cow) boys. Thanks brother, appreciated.
With the way that the refs kept their hankies in their pockets back then during Super Bowls, the Chargers huge offensive line would have afforded Fouts plenty of throwing time...had they made the Super Bowl.
It’s an amazing when you consider how long he able to mature while unseating an old Unitas and an aging James Harris. They’re patience paid off big time
John Jefferson always reminded me of an upgraded modern version of Lynn Swann. I didn’t follow much West Coast football but I knew who Fouts and Company were. Great team but for whatever reason always seemed to fall short and never get to the Super Bowl. I guess they never had a defense that could get them to the big game.
I intended to, but neglected, to include "NFL" before the words "Championship Game". At the end of the video, I mentioned that he played in the AFC Championship Game, so I obviously knew that he had played in an AFC Championship Game.
Still MY favorite QB that i ever watched, and I'm a Rams fan 1st (but Fouts/Winslow/Chandler/Joiner/Jefferson etc. made me a Chargers fan for every game they played except vs. the Rams, to this day). That team was a heart attack on grass... their defense would give ANY-sized lead, but the offense could go out & get it back in a minute flat.
I was getting frustrated looking for a good video to watch when...Blam!!! This one appeared. Thank you for the awesome videos. Pretty sure Fouts played his entire career at San Diego. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this. Again, thanks Mark.
🛑🛑 The sad part about all of this is that in todays game Foust would even make it into the field, with all the Running Backs playing Quarterback these days. I truly miss the Pro Style Offense, when there was over 300 yards of passing offense during games.
I miss watching all of the deep pass routes that were featured in the video and were so commonplace back then. Now it's all about short passes and keeping the chains moving which is boring to me.
Outstanding footage again Mark! Can you check on something? Are you to confirm that Russell Wilson’s father tried out for the Chargers in 1980? Thanks!
Sir, are you a Chargers fan? I see you in a Chargers jersey a lot! Enjoy the music as well as the shoe. Being born in July of 1991, these are still before me. But , thoroughly enjoy your channel. Joey in Cleveland .
I'm a fan of all teams back then. There's something for me to appreciate in every team from the late '60's through the early '80's. Are you a singer, Joey? I noticed "joeyvocals"
Dan put up Dan-like numbers that year. Dan Marino that is. Fouts has a lot of similar traits to Marino. Quick release, can wait until the last second to give time to receivers, and both are determined and aggressive leaders. And both are HOF'rs with both having never won a Super Bowl. Fouts never even got to play in one. Still, a damn talented guy who, along with his coach, knew how to use the opportunities of the great players around him.
Excellent comparison to Marino! The two players were similar in the pocket while waiting for receivers to get open, too. They sensed pressure, but didn't panic; they simply shuffled their feet in the pocket to an open space before firing away. Thank you for your comments.
Hi Marc - I actually have a reproduction chargers #14 Homew of Dan Fouts that I’ll put on for this video. By the way, I picked up reproduction Hugh Mcilhannyw and Dave Wilcox during Ebbitt field flannel jerseys for $30 each.
@ yes Hugh’s jersey is the red 1950s version with the television numbers. I also picked up a 1963 Lance Allworth blue for $30 another Ebbets field flannel special during style.
...certainly the players from earlier eras. We don't know how today's players would manage the physicality of the earlier game. Certainly many would adapt, but I think a moderate percentage would not.
Yes, I intended, but neglected to include "NFL" with Championship Game. I mentioned that he played in the AFCCG for the '80 season, so I was aware that he had played in them.
Billy Ray Smith, Sr played 13 years in the NFL on the defensive line. His son was a Linebacker for 10 years. Not much has been said about the Smith family.
Tutored under Johnny U. I was a big Chargers fan in the early 80s. Coryell just couldn't find the playoff magic.There is a great story about the Cardinals and Chargers playing the first NFL game in Tokyo in 1976 the Mainichi Bowl
@@markgardner9460 Yes, preseson. Fouts said they didn't have proper chalk so they used some kind of dough, then it started to rain and the lines started to shift. th-cam.com/video/8-m2z8hSpCA/w-d-xo.html
I don't know how Sipe was 1st Team All-Pro and MVP over Fouts either, other than Sipes big comeback victories must have weighed heavily with the voters.
That’s true, the Cardiac Kids as they were called (Browns) that year. Overall, the 1980 season was very exciting and competitive, especially in the AFC. Still remember heading into the last game of the season, the Chargers hosted the Steelers on Monday night. I still remember Howard Cossell saying that SD can clinch the top seed and home field advantage with a win, or be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss. In the end, all five AFC playoff participants finished the season 11-5, with the Chargers edging Oakland for the AFC West title and the Browns clinching the Central over the Oilers. Also, during the division round, Chargers beat the Bills with a late TD and the Raiders intercepted a late 4th quarter Sipe pass in the infamous Red Slot Right, Halfback Stay, 88 play that propelled the Raiders to the Championship game and face SD for a third time. Really fond memories for me as a 10 year old kid watching the Chargers
In '79, Sipe even had more game-winning drives than in '80 with seven. That total lead the NFL. He finished in third place for the MVP voting that year. Thanks for the interesting comments!
i didn't know who Dan Fouts was until that 1980 season ,really. all of a sudden he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated and every other football mag. in America ,
It may have been, strangely he dropped from 3rd in the NFL Offensive Player of the Year rankings in 1980 to 5th in 1981 and he dropped from 5th in the MVP voting in 1980 to 6th in 1981. I guess he faced stiffer competition.
@markgardner9460 the most overlooked season might be dan marino in 1994. He came back from an Achilles injury, and had his best season since his legendary 84 season
The intention was NFL championship game. Sorry for not tidying up my communications. In my "Jersey Talk" episode at the end of the video I speak of the AFC Championship Game and I provided his statistics, so I was aware that he had played in a conference championship game.
John Jefferson or Wes Chandler? JJ was a tremendous talent and made iconic catches, but I'll take Wes Chandler. Air Coryell didn't miss a beat when JJ left for Green Bay.
It's too bad that the '82 player's strike occurred because it would have been great to see if Chandler would have been able to finish with the 2,000 receiving yards pace that he was on.
I still don't get how John Jefferson became pretty mediocre when he was traded to Green Bay. I guess the obvious difference is that Lynn Dickey ain't Dan Fouts and Bart Starr wasn't Don Coryell. Maybe also it was tougher to pass in the brutal NFC Central back then, as compared to the relatively softer AFC West...
You forgot the MNF game against Pittsburgh last game of the season. Dan Fouts was a mediocre QB definitely not headed for Canton Ohio when as noted Don Coryell took over for Tom Prothro game 5 And that hire turned Fouts career around. Fouts career Winning percentage was well below .500 pre-Coryell. Fouts was a tremendous regular season QB with a career playoff record of 3-4. In 1979 The Chargers destroyed both the Steelers and Rams in the regular season and choked at home against the Oilers. Fouts threw 6 interceptions. Houston was playing without Earl Campbell,Dan Pastorini,Ken Burrough. Chargers were beaten by Gifford Nielsen. Didn’t Fouts have 3 interceptions against Oakland 1980?? 1981 playoffs Epic win against Miami on the road then the debacle in the “Ice Bowl”. Fouts throws another 3 or was it 4 interceptions. 1982 Great win against Pittsburgh on the road. Then a meltdown against Miami another several interceptions for Fouts. His apologists would say “The Chargers defense was terrible”. Fair enough, but the front 4 were awesome with 3 Pro Bowlers Louie Kelcher,Fred Dean, Gary Johnson,Leroy Jones,and Wilbur young and Charles Dejurnett in reserve. When Gene Klein sold or traded Fred Dean to the 49 Ers in 1981 that killed the defense. Note who won the Super Bowl that year over the Bengals. The 49 Ers. It’s amazing g what drafting Mike Singletaryor Ricky Jackson in 1981 would have meant to the Chargers Franchise instead of James Fumbleitis Brooks. Who did have a great career but with the Bengals.
@ No problem at all. I was just thinking out loud. I was at that MNF game December of 1980. If the Chargers lose Oakland Raiders win the division. What might have been if Brian Sipe doesn’t throw an I’ll advised pass. If Cockroft could have actually made a kick that day. Chargers go to Cleveland probably would have coughed it up against the Browns in the snow. I guess when it comes to the Chargers 1979-82 a fan can play what if forever. I think it was Rocky Bleiers last game for Pittsburgh that MNF game. Excellent footage as always!!!! Jerry Levias I definitely remember. Coming over from Houston. Jim Thaxton now that’s a name I don’t remember.
Dan Fouts was an amazing passer, the 80s match ups against Dan Marino and the Dolphins were absolute classic football games.
That's a fact. Loved watching those games!
At work looking forward to seeing this later!😊
Thank you for featuring a great quarterback. He deserves to be remembered and honored for his greatness!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.
"After viewing"this "visual"report..."Mark".."I concur" that "Dan" was absolutely slept" on🔥🔥
Thank you for your assessment!
Thank you so much for this video! Fouts and the 1980 Chargers are why I'm a football fan and still a Chargers fan to this day.
You're welcome! I'm glad to hear about that - they have had some of the best uniforms of all-time, too!
@@markgardner9460Great classic helmets.....
Indeed!!!
he was a good Quarterback.
That was a fantastic year! Fouts was unique in that his playing career bridged the NFL’s transformation from run first to the wide open passing game that now exists. He was a big strong guy with little mobility, but always stood tall in the pocket. Some great talent on that team. This reminds me of the time Rolf Benershke was the host of Wheel of Fortune for a short while. Excellent video and footage of the best uniform combos in NFL history. Just my opinion. Thanks Mark!
'80 was a great year for NFL play and I agree - those Chargers uniforms were 2nd to none. Thank you, Evan!
Cool video. Fouts was phenomenal back then; three straight 4000-yard passing seasons (1979-81). Back when that was a real accomplishment.
my favorite afc qb of all time
Mark, another great upload. Loved watching the Charger’s on the Sunday late afternoon game. Brings back some great memories.
Glad you enjoyed it! I loved watching the Chargers back then, too - seems like they were always the 2nd afternoon game
Don Coryell's Offense Was No Joke. Dan Fouts Had Weapons. John Jefferson, Kellen Winslow, Lionel "Lil' Train" James To Name A Few. I Was Very Young (6 ), But I Remember Watching Those Teams With My Dad And Big Brothers.
No Charlie Joyner???
Hall of Famer, baby.
Even though it was a disastrous time for Johnny Unitas, Dan Fouts gave him so much credit for helping him develop.
Fouts couldn't have asked for a better teacher!
Fantastic leader Studd thrower
My Favorite team in the 80’s , Fouts my Favorite QB and Don Coryelle my Favorite coach along with that O-line . Best offense I’ve ever seen !
Fouts asking in the huddle “ How many plays do you want to run before we score ? Because once we start who knows when we’ll stop !” A true leader !
Their offensive line rarely is mentioned with the greats lines of all-time, but they were top notch for sure.
I still remember that playoff game against Miami. I was a kid back then but I remember watching it with my Dad and brother
"The Kellen Winslow Game." The only example I know of of a player REALLY leaving all he had on the field.
As a kid and dolphins fan that one hurt. Fantastic game though. They don't make em like that anymore
Thank you for reminding me why I loved JJ Jefferson when I was a kid
He's been my favorite WR since '78 and that's not going to change. Thank you for your comments.
Truly a fan of Fouts when they weren't playing Oakland. I was at Plunkett's first start in week 5 and Raiders beat SD. So many weapons for Chargers. Really admire those teams.
That's cool that you were there for Plunkett's first start in The Silver & Black!
That offensive line doesn’t get nearly enough credit, those 5 were solid ! Washington , White , Macek , Williams and Shields .
Great point! They were terrific.
Did you mean Wilkerson instead of Williams by any chance? 🙂
I think that's the case because Mike and Clarence were the only Williams that I recall and they played DB and RB respectively.
Great video. I was a big Chargers fan back then. Loved Air Coryell
Fouts beard deserves All Pro status all on it's own
@@mhlaw229🤣
Same here! John Jefferson is my favorite WR and that will never change.
Coryell looked like a drill sargeant all straight and mechanical. Definitely a palooka.
Jefferson making those outstanding one handed grabs without the assistance of enhanced grip gloves.
I remember watching highlights of Fouts and the Chargers back then and just just being amazed at that passing attack. I remember being upset when Wes Chandler was traded the following season to the Chargers and he became a big part of that San Diego offense. Looking back Chandler would have been wasted in New Orleans under Bum Phillips.
Chandler was just as athletic and acrobatic as Jefferson and I think that you're right - Chandler's skills would have went to waste in New Orleans.
We moved to San Diego, from Minnesota, in August 1979. Just in time to witness Dan Fouts and the Air Coryell "Super Chargers". I've many great offenses over the years. None more exciting that Don Coryell's unit in San Diego. Fouts, Muncie, Winslow, Joiner, Jefferson, Joiner were magnificent. Along with a name very familiar to us, the Great Ed White. Who should be in Canton. What a thrill it was to watch them every week.
It surprises me that Ed White's name never is mentioned for HOF consideration. I just don't understand it.
@@markgardner9460I find that perplexing as well! The Chargers had obviously a amazing offense! Fouts,Joiner, Winslow Jefferson Coryell as coach, very good offensive line.. and even though I've seen it numerous times that one handed grab Jefferson made in the end zone vs Oakland was absolutely incredible! I still almost can't believe that he caught it!!!!
Even today seeing Unitas wearing lightning bolts is jarring!
Coryell " Fairly intense?" And the sun is warm!
Fouts first HOF QB without a Super Bowl appearance! He was just so dominant you couldn't keep him out! Someone else here made the comment I think Fouts and Montana would have been a fascinating matchup!
Probably my two favorite NFL seasons; 1980 and 1981. The NFL was king.
Yes, those were terrific seasons - no doubt
Air Coryell, Fouts, Winslow, and all the badass receivers! Was the Original greatest show on Turf ! Dan Fouts was lights out Legend !
It's all true! Everything you said!
I had the privilege to see Fouts play @ Mile High on several occasions as Den & SD were in the AFC West. I remember seeing him in warm ups hucking 30-40 yard lazers. Fouts also possessed great touch on deep balls. Fouts quick release was elite not unlike Joe Willie Namath and Dan Marino, I remember discussing his release w/a friend and we both thought Den had their hands full. Had it not been for the Freezer Bowl (a loss to Cincy) and the game previously played in Miami (multi OT @ 85 degrees) (some say greatest playoff game ever played) killed SD's game. I would have loved to see a SD SF super bowl that year.
Note: at about 6:55 Harris trying to catch JJ, Jefferson and then JJ burning Charlie Waters....you ain't keeping up w/JJ (cow) boys. Thanks brother, appreciated.
With the way that the refs kept their hankies in their pockets back then during Super Bowls, the Chargers huge offensive line would have afforded Fouts plenty of throwing time...had they made the Super Bowl.
It’s an amazing when you consider how long he able to mature while unseating an old Unitas and an aging James Harris. They’re patience paid off big time
Plus they were patient with his contract holdouts in '73 and '77.
Didn't Jamie Harris play for the Rams, also?
@
Bills, rams and chargers
@@jjw56 Thanks, Harris was my first favorite QB as a little kid because I was and still am a Rams fan.
I used to carry his '75 football card in my wallet (which had no money in it) when I went to grade school.
John Jefferson always reminded me of an upgraded modern version of Lynn Swann.
I didn’t follow much West Coast football but I knew who Fouts and Company were. Great team but for whatever reason always seemed to fall short and never get to the Super Bowl. I guess they never had a defense that could get them to the big game.
JJ is and will always be my favorite WR. You're right, with a little more defense, the Chargers go to the big dance!
They had a good defensive line, but not much else. And even that went downhill when they let Fred Dean go to San Francisco in 1981.
@@markgardner9460
Jefferson didn’t make the HOF.
Joyner did.
Give the man some love, brother.
It says Fouts never played in a AFC champ game. Dan played in 2 v Raiders & Bengals (Freezer bowl)
No, it says that he never played in a Super Bowl or NFL Championship Game (pre-Super Bowl).
@@markgardner9460 Fouts career did start post merger era. As the info is still wrong
I intended to, but neglected, to include "NFL" before the words "Championship Game". At the end of the video, I mentioned that he played in the AFC Championship Game, so I obviously knew that he had played in an AFC Championship Game.
Still MY favorite QB that i ever watched, and I'm a Rams fan 1st (but Fouts/Winslow/Chandler/Joiner/Jefferson etc. made me a Chargers fan for every game they played except vs. the Rams, to this day).
That team was a heart attack on grass... their defense would give ANY-sized lead, but the offense could go out & get it back in a minute flat.
I liked that they didn't dink 'n dunk. Fouts threw the ball DOWNFIELD which is sooo much more exciting to watch than 6 or 7 four to five yard passes.
@markgardner9460 got that right.
Unfortunately the Chargers never had a defense to go along with their explosive offense.
In '79 their defense gave up the second least amount of points in the league, but it all went downhill fast after that.
I was getting frustrated looking for a good video to watch when...Blam!!! This one appeared. Thank you for the awesome videos. Pretty sure Fouts played his entire career at San Diego. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this. Again, thanks Mark.
You are correct! Fouts played all 15 of his NFL seasons for San Diego.
To me, 1978 was Dan Fouts breakthrough season especially after the NFL changed the bump and run rules. The '79 Fouts was awesome too.🏈🏈
That was the year when he really busted out.
His 1981 and 1982 seasons were even better. Even when the Chargers were on the downside of Coach Coryell's tenure, Fouts played lights out (83-85)
🛑🛑 The sad part about all of this is that in todays game Foust would even make it into the field, with all the Running Backs playing Quarterback these days.
I truly miss the Pro Style Offense, when there was over 300 yards of passing offense during games.
I miss watching all of the deep pass routes that were featured in the video and were so commonplace back then. Now it's all about short passes and keeping the chains moving which is boring to me.
Dan fouts... John Jefferson and Winslow and joiner was super DOPE 🔥🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈💯
Outrageous that the Chargers cheap owner let Jefferson and Fred Dean get away. They were probably the difference in a SB team
You're absolutely right about that.
Spanos had deep pockets and short fingers.
Gene Klein owned them from '66 through '84 and he was known as being a tightwad, too.
@markgardner9460 Yes, I read that. I seem to remember he had race horses and he preferred to invest in them rather than his football team
@markgardner9460 my bad, I seem to remember him (@ MH owners box) as a leather face in a cloud of cig smoke....You're right cheap-o Spanos was later.
Outstanding footage again Mark! Can you check on something? Are you to confirm that Russell Wilson’s father tried out for the Chargers in 1980? Thanks!
I read where he caught a td pass in pre-season and made it to the final cut, before being cut then by the Chargers.
Sir, are you a Chargers fan? I see you in a Chargers jersey a lot! Enjoy the music as well as the shoe. Being born in July of 1991, these are still before me. But , thoroughly enjoy your channel. Joey in Cleveland
.
I'm a fan of all teams back then. There's something for me to appreciate in every team from the late '60's through the early '80's. Are you a singer, Joey? I noticed "joeyvocals"
Fouts definitely belongs in Canton, he was also pretty good on MNF too 👍
Dan put up Dan-like numbers that year. Dan Marino that is. Fouts has a lot of similar traits to Marino. Quick release, can wait until the last second to give time to receivers, and both are determined and aggressive leaders. And both are HOF'rs with both having never won a Super Bowl. Fouts never even got to play in one. Still, a damn talented guy who, along with his coach, knew how to use the opportunities of the great players around him.
Excellent comparison to Marino! The two players were similar in the pocket while waiting for receivers to get open, too. They sensed pressure, but didn't panic; they simply shuffled their feet in the pocket to an open space before firing away. Thank you for your comments.
They should have went to the SB that year.
Their best team of that 1979-81 run.
Hi Marc - I actually have a reproduction chargers #14 Homew of Dan Fouts that I’ll put on for this video. By the way, I picked up reproduction Hugh Mcilhannyw and Dave Wilcox during Ebbitt field flannel jerseys for $30 each.
Wow, you can't beat that price! I'm assuming that Hugh's jersey is of the 49'ers and not the Vikings. Is that accurate? Great stuff!
@ yes Hugh’s jersey is the red 1950s version with the television numbers. I also picked up a 1963 Lance Allworth blue for $30 another Ebbets field flannel special during style.
That's a sweet Hugh jersey - I really like the numbers on that!
And QBs and WRs weren’t given the advantages they are today. Great players would be great across eras.
...certainly the players from earlier eras. We don't know how today's players would manage the physicality of the earlier game. Certainly many would adapt, but I think a moderate percentage would not.
@ I think of players like Cliff Branch, Staubach, Warfield, Winslow, Francis, and even Jerry Rice (just imagine) under today’s rules.
It's basically a track meet now with everyone wearing bicycle shorts and not much else, so those guys that you mentioned would be tearing it up.
@@markgardner9460 Good old Cliff could win a track meet or two. Was a Steeler fan, but always coveted Branch.
Fouts did appear in the AFC championship game in 1980 and 1981.
Yes, I intended, but neglected to include "NFL" with Championship Game. I mentioned that he played in the AFCCG for the '80 season, so I was aware that he had played in them.
Kelcher, Big Hands Johnson & LBs that were tough as nails glass eaters, ....allot of bad breaks, weather and tough competition. Their D was good.
Louie was a MONSTER. When he was at his best, he was a big load that couldn't be effectively blocked. I love this era of the Chargers.
@@markgardner9460 Billy Ray Smith.....and others. Later on Junior (rip).
Billy Ray Smith, Sr played 13 years in the NFL on the defensive line. His son was a Linebacker for 10 years. Not much has been said about the Smith family.
Those dark blue away Charger uniforms are awesome
Doesn't get any better, in my opinion
Where do you obtain these great Nfl clips? I don't know if I have ever seen them all! Especially, the Greg McCrary finger roll!
Was that Herman Edwards defending against Charlie Joiner at 9:25 ?
Tutored under Johnny U. I was a big Chargers fan in the early 80s. Coryell just couldn't find the playoff magic.There is a great story about the Cardinals and Chargers playing the first NFL game in Tokyo in 1976 the Mainichi Bowl
I had not heard about that, so I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the heads up!
Was that a pre-season game?
@@markgardner9460 Yes, preseson. Fouts said they didn't have proper chalk so they used some kind of dough, then it started to rain and the lines started to shift.
th-cam.com/video/8-m2z8hSpCA/w-d-xo.html
That's crazy! Thank you for providing!
Can’t believe Fouts was fifth in the MVP voting. He was way better than the other QBs on the list, including Sipe.
I don't know how Sipe was 1st Team All-Pro and MVP over Fouts either, other than Sipes big comeback victories must have weighed heavily with the voters.
That’s true, the Cardiac Kids as they were called (Browns) that year. Overall, the 1980 season was very exciting and competitive, especially in the AFC. Still remember heading into the last game of the season, the Chargers hosted the Steelers on Monday night. I still remember Howard Cossell saying that SD can clinch the top seed and home field advantage with a win, or be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss. In the end, all five AFC playoff participants finished the season 11-5, with the Chargers edging Oakland for the AFC West title and the Browns clinching the Central over the Oilers. Also, during the division round, Chargers beat the Bills with a late TD and the Raiders intercepted a late 4th quarter Sipe pass in the infamous Red Slot Right, Halfback Stay, 88 play that propelled the Raiders to the Championship game and face SD for a third time. Really fond memories for me as a 10 year old kid watching the Chargers
In '79, Sipe even had more game-winning drives than in '80 with seven. That total lead the NFL. He finished in third place for the MVP voting that year.
Thanks for the interesting comments!
i didn't know who Dan Fouts was until that 1980 season ,really. all of a sudden he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated and every other football mag. in America ,
Come January. Fouts choked royally 1979-82. That cheapskate owner Gene Klein was another major factor Chargers never won 1 Superbowl during Fouts era.
I thought fouts best year was 1981. #1 in yards, 33 tds, only 17 picks, and he led san diego to the afc title game
It may have been, strangely he dropped from 3rd in the NFL Offensive Player of the Year rankings in 1980 to 5th in 1981 and he dropped from 5th in the MVP voting in 1980 to 6th in 1981. I guess he faced stiffer competition.
@markgardner9460 the most overlooked season might be dan marino in 1994. He came back from an Achilles injury, and had his best season since his legendary 84 season
The guy was the fiercest QB competitor that I've seen. I guess old-timers may bring up Bobby Layne.
Number 14/11 did appear in 2 AFC championship games. ☹️
Vs Oakland and Cincinnati respectfully.
The video indicates that Fouts never played in a Super Bowl or NFL Championship Game (pre-Super Bowl).
@@markgardner9460
I refer to the 4:41 mark of video
“1st QB Inducted Into HOF Without Appearing In Super Bowl Or Championship Game”.
The intention was NFL championship game. Sorry for not tidying up my communications. In my "Jersey Talk" episode at the end of the video I speak of the AFC Championship Game and I provided his statistics, so I was aware that he had played in a conference championship game.
@
I figured you were aware of the issue, due to your attention to details in all of your videos.
As many times as I reviewed this video, I'm surprised that I didn't catch that! Thank you.
John Jefferson or Wes Chandler? JJ was a tremendous talent and made iconic catches, but I'll take Wes Chandler. Air Coryell didn't miss a beat when JJ left for Green Bay.
It's too bad that the '82 player's strike occurred because it would have been great to see if Chandler would have been able to finish with the 2,000 receiving yards pace that he was on.
@@markgardner9460 Agreed. Keep up the excellent content.
Will do, thank you!
Another dude that doesn’t give Joyner the credit/respect that he’s earned, and entitled to.
I still don't get how John Jefferson became pretty mediocre when he was traded to Green Bay. I guess the obvious difference is that Lynn Dickey ain't Dan Fouts and Bart Starr wasn't Don Coryell. Maybe also it was tougher to pass in the brutal NFC Central back then, as compared to the relatively softer AFC West...
He was mis-matched with Green Bay's offensive scheme. Lofton was the man and the offense basically ran through him, pass-wise.
You forgot the MNF game against Pittsburgh last game of the season. Dan Fouts was a mediocre QB definitely not headed for Canton Ohio when as noted Don Coryell took over for Tom Prothro game 5 And that hire turned Fouts career around. Fouts career Winning percentage was well below .500 pre-Coryell. Fouts was a tremendous regular season QB with a career playoff record of 3-4. In 1979 The Chargers destroyed both the Steelers and Rams in the regular season and choked at home against the Oilers. Fouts threw 6 interceptions. Houston was playing without Earl Campbell,Dan Pastorini,Ken Burrough. Chargers were beaten by Gifford Nielsen. Didn’t Fouts have 3 interceptions against Oakland 1980?? 1981 playoffs Epic win against Miami on the road then the debacle in the “Ice Bowl”. Fouts throws another 3 or was it 4 interceptions. 1982 Great win against Pittsburgh on the road. Then a meltdown against Miami another several interceptions for Fouts. His apologists would say “The Chargers defense was terrible”. Fair enough, but the front 4 were awesome with 3 Pro Bowlers Louie Kelcher,Fred Dean, Gary Johnson,Leroy Jones,and Wilbur young and Charles Dejurnett in reserve. When Gene Klein sold or traded Fred Dean to the 49 Ers in 1981 that killed the defense. Note who won the Super Bowl that year over the Bengals. The 49 Ers. It’s amazing g what drafting Mike Singletaryor Ricky Jackson in 1981 would have meant to the Chargers Franchise instead of James Fumbleitis Brooks. Who did have a great career but with the Bengals.
I don't have footage of that '80 MNF game. Thank you for your comments - good stuff.
@ No problem at all. I was just thinking out loud. I was at that MNF game December of 1980. If the Chargers lose Oakland Raiders win the division. What might have been if Brian Sipe doesn’t throw an I’ll advised pass. If Cockroft could have actually made a kick that day. Chargers go to Cleveland probably would have coughed it up against the Browns in the snow. I guess when it comes to the Chargers 1979-82 a fan can play what if forever. I think it was Rocky Bleiers last game for Pittsburgh that MNF game. Excellent footage as always!!!! Jerry Levias I definitely remember. Coming over from Houston. Jim Thaxton now that’s a name I don’t remember.
Wow, that's cool that you were at that game! MNF games back then were so exciting - the home towns' stadiums went wild.
Poor chargers they never got to a super bowl with fouts
I like the new thumbnail pic, Barbie!!
@markgardner9460 lol thanks hun I was told I looked mean on the other one so I looked for one with a smile 😁
This picture belongs on People magazine.
Its too bad he didnt play in washington or for the Raiders
Yes, those teams had better balanced offenses, as well as stronger overall defenses than the Chargers.
These Chargers teams from 1979-1981 never 🏆 won a Super Bowl because they were never known as being great on defense
In '79 they gave up the 2nd fewest points in the NFL - 15.4 per game, then they dropped to #18, then #26 in '81, so they progressively grew worse.
@@michaelleroy9281 I'm almost positive that they were the sack leaders in 1980 as well!
You are correct. They had 60. I think their weak link on defense was their secondary.
Charlie Joyner is my favorite.