What Is 1985 San Diego Chargers football team

Overview

The 1985 San Diego Chargers represented a transitional year for the franchise, marking the end of an era defined by the 'Air Coryell' offensive system. Head coach Don Coryell, known for his revolutionary passing attack, led the team to a 9-7 record, falling just short of a playoff berth in the competitive AFC West.

Despite missing the postseason, the season was notable for being the final one for legendary quarterback Dan Fouts, who retired after 15 seasons. The Chargers showcased their trademark high-powered offense but struggled on defense, reflecting a growing imbalance as the team entered a rebuilding phase.

• Record: The Chargers finished the 1985 regular season with a 9-7 win-loss record, placing second in the AFC West behind the 12-4 Kansas City Chiefs.
• Head Coach:Don Coryell completed his seventh and final season as head coach, stepping down after the year despite his offensive innovations.
• Quarterback:Dan Fouts retired after the season, ending a Hall of Fame career in which he threw for 4,057 yards and 22 touchdowns in 1984, though his 1985 stats declined.
• Home Stadium: The team played all home games at Jack Murphy Stadium, a multi-purpose venue in San Diego with a capacity of over 54,000.
• Offensive Output: San Diego scored 358 total points (22.4 per game) in 1985, ranking 7th in the NFL, continuing their reputation as a high-scoring unit.

Season Performance

The 1985 campaign featured a mix of offensive brilliance and defensive shortcomings, as the Chargers struggled to maintain consistency over a 16-game schedule.

• Passing Yards: The team recorded 3,786 passing yards, led by backup quarterbacks after Fouts' retirement, with Mark Herrmann and Joe Ferguson seeing significant action.
• Defensive Ranking: San Diego allowed 361 points (22.6 per game), ranking 22nd in the league, highlighting vulnerabilities that prevented playoff contention.
• Notable Game: A 34-31 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7 featured over 700 combined passing yards, exemplifying the team’s offensive style.
• Turnover Ratio: The Chargers had a -6 turnover differential, losing 23 fumbles and throwing 18 interceptions compared to 17 takeaways.
• Rushing Attack: Running back Lionel James contributed 605 rushing yards and added 553 receiving yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
• Coaching Transition: Don Coryell stepped down after the season, and Al Saunders was promoted, signaling a shift in offensive philosophy.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1985 Chargers with the previous season highlights key statistical and personnel changes:

This table illustrates that while the team improved in win-loss record from 7-9 to 9-7, offensive production dipped significantly, especially in passing yards. The decline coincided with Dan Fouts' retirement and a shift in quarterback play, marking the end of the 'Air Coryell' era. Defensive performance remained relatively consistent, but not enough to overcome inconsistent play in close games.

Why It Matters

The 1985 season is a pivotal chapter in Chargers history, symbolizing the close of a celebrated offensive era and the beginning of a transitional period.

• End of an Era: The retirement of Dan Fouts marked the conclusion of one of the most prolific passing attacks in NFL history.
• Legacy of Air Coryell: The system influenced future NFL offenses, with concepts later adopted by teams like the Rams and Chiefs.
• Coaching Change: Don Coryell’s departure led to a new direction under Al Saunders, who emphasized balanced offensive schemes.
• Player Development: Young players like Lionel James and Kellen Winslow gained prominence, setting the stage for future team leadership.
• Market Impact: The Chargers maintained strong fan support in San Diego despite playoff absence, reflecting the city’s deep football culture.
• Historical Context: The 1985 season is remembered as a bridge between the high-flying 1980s Chargers and the more balanced teams of the 1990s.

Ultimately, the 1985 San Diego Chargers represent a team in transition—talented, inconsistent, and emblematic of a franchise navigating change after years of offensive dominance.