Remember When the Chargers Were in the Super Bowl?
By Ernie Padaon
It feels like FOREVER ago since we were in the BIG GAME!!! Probably, because it was forever ago since we actually played in the Super Bowl. 1995!!!!
The Super Bowl was not pretty for us, but the run that we made to get there was awesome. The description out on wikipedia gives a pretty good description of that run that we made, so to save myself from thinking too hard, here is their description:
In the AFC Divisional Playoffs, the Chargers managed to overcome a 21-6 halftime deficit to defeat the Miami Dolphins, 22-21. In the first half, San Diego was limited to only two John Carney field goals, while Miami quarterback Dan Marino threw for over 180 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, the Chargers dominated the Dolphins in the second half, limiting their offense to just 16 plays. In the third quarter, after being stopped on 4th and goal at the one yard line, Chargers defensive lineman Reuben Davis tackled Dolphins running back Bernie Parmalee in the end zone for a safety. San Diego then took the ensuing free kick and marched 54 yards to score on Means’ 24-yard touchdown run. Then with time running out, Humphries threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mark Seay, giving his team a one-point lead. The Dolphins, aided by a pass interference call, responded with a drive to the Chargers’ 31-yard line, but kicker Pete Stoyanovich’s potential game-winning 48-yard field goal attempt sailed far to the right of the goal posts and sealed San Diego’s stirring win.
San Diego then faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship. Once again, the Chargers fell behind early as the Steelers built up a 13-3 halftime lead, but Humphries fooled the Steelers secondary with a 43-yard play-action touchdown pass to a wide open tight end Alfred Pupunu. The Chargers then took a 17-13 lead when Martin beat the Steelers secondary (particularly a badly overmatched Tim McKyer) down the right sideline for a 43-yard touchdown reception. On their final drive, The Steelers advanced to the San Diego 3-yard line on their ensuing drive, but Chargers linebacker Dennis Gibson sealed the victory on fourth down by deflecting quarterback Neil O’Donnell’s pass intended for running back Barry Foster to turn the ball back over to San Diego. Just like the 49ers in the NFC title game, the Chargers advanced to the Super Bowl despite the fact that the Steelers had outgained them in many key statistical categories such as total plays (80–47), total offensive yards (415–226), and time of possession (37:13–22:47).
The week before the Super Bowl was the BEST!!! There was a BUZZ around the whole city and the radio stations were playing parodies of songs for the Chargers. Flags were on cars and people were sporting the Bolts colors with pride. You could not go anywhere without seeing or hearing the blue and gold. It was EPIC!!
We don’t have to talk too much about the actual Super Bowl. It was a massacre!
I would love to see that buzz going around this city again!! Would love to see the boys pull things together and make a run at the title this next season! We need that loving feeling again!!!
Here are some images from that Super Bowl to bring you to the past:
Jan 24, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Diego Chargers quarterback Stan Humphries addresses the media during media day of Super Bowl XXIX at Joe Robbie Stadium.Mandatory Credit: Photo By US PRESSWIRE Copyright US PRESSWIRE
Jan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Diego Chargers running back
Jan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deion Sanders (21) in action against the San Deigo Chargers receiver Shawn Jefferson (80) during Super Bowl XXIX at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers beat the Chargers 49-26. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Jan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Deigo Chargers quarterback Stan Humphries (12) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XXIX at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers beat the Chargers 49-26. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Jan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deion Sanders (21) in action against the San Deigo Chargers receiver Shawn Jefferson (80) during Super Bowl XXIX at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers beat the Chargers 49-26. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Jan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers head coach George Seifert on the sidelines against the San Deigo Chargers during Super Bowl XXIX at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers beat the Chargers 49-26. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Jan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deion Sanders (21) on the bench against the San Diego Chargers during Super Bowl XXIX at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers beat the Chargers 49-26. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Jan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) against the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX at Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 49-26. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Jan 29, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco quarterback