San Diego Chargers 1980 Team Photo

The 1980 San Diego Chargers finished 11–5 and 1st in the AFC West for the second consecutive year. The postseason saw the team win their first playoff game in 17 years. Dan Fouts broke his own record with over 4,500 yards passing, with 30 touchdowns. The Chargers finished #1 in total offense #2 in scoring. The defensive unit finished #6, leading the NFL with 60 QB sacks.

In the Divisional Round against Buffalo, a 50-yard touchdown pass from Fouts to Ron Smith in the final 3 minutes of the game lifted the Chargers to a 20-14 win. The following week, in the AFC Championship Game at San Diego, the Chargers were down, 28 to 7 to the Oakland Raiders. A heroic comeback fell short as the Raiders hung on to win 34-27—running out the final 7 minutes of the 4th quarter.

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