What Is 2014 San Diego Chargers football team

Overview

The 2014 San Diego Chargers represented the franchise's 45th season in the NFL and their 55th overall, including their time in the AFL. Despite a solid offensive performance led by quarterback Philip Rivers, the team failed to make the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Under head coach Mike McCoy, the Chargers showed improvement from their 5-11 record in 2013, winning nine games and narrowly missing postseason contention. Their final home game in San Diego marked the end of an era before the franchise’s relocation to Los Angeles in 2017.

• Record: The team finished with a 9-7 record, a significant improvement from their 5-11 mark in 2013.
• Division Standing: They placed third in the AFC West, behind the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.
• Home Stadium: Played all home games at Qualcomm Stadium, which had a capacity of 70,000 and hosted the team since 1967.
• Quarterback Performance: Philip Rivers threw for 4,286 yards and 33 touchdowns, with only 12 interceptions.
• Final Season in San Diego: This was the last season the team played in San Diego before relocating to Los Angeles in 2017.

Season Performance

The 2014 campaign was marked by resilience, with the Chargers winning five of their final seven games despite a mid-season quarterback controversy and injuries.

• Philip Rivers: Averaged 285.7 passing yards per game, ranking 7th in the NFL, and posted a passer rating of 101.0.
• Keenan Allen: The second-year wide receiver recorded 77 receptions for 1,046 yards and 8 touchdowns.
• Danny Woodhead: Contributed 497 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, serving as a key safety valve for Rivers.
• Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 24.7 points per game, ranking 24th in the league, undermining playoff chances.
• Notable Win: A 41-38 victory over the New York Giants in Week 15 showcased their offensive firepower despite defensive lapses.
• Missed Opportunity: Lost a critical Week 17 game to the Kansas City Chiefs 19-7, eliminating playoff hopes.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 Chargers compared to other AFC West teams:

The Chargers led the division in total points scored but ranked last in turnover differential at -11, highlighting inconsistency. Their offense outperformed the Chiefs, but a weaker defense and head-to-head losses cost them a playoff berth.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a pivotal moment in franchise history, symbolizing both competitive potential and organizational instability ahead of relocation.

• Final Chapter in San Diego: The team’s last full season in California before moving to Los Angeles in 2017.
• Philip Rivers’ Legacy: Reinforced his status as a franchise icon with one of his most efficient seasons.
• Relocation Precursor: Fan discontent over stadium issues and ownership decisions grew during this season.
• Missed Playoff Window: Despite a strong offense, defensive flaws prevented a postseason run.
• Player Development: Keenan Allen and Melvin Gordon (drafted in 2015) signaled future potential.
• Historical Context: The season is remembered as a bittersweet farewell to San Diego football fans.

Though not a championship contender, the 2014 Chargers remain a symbol of resilience and transition in NFL history.