Over 40 years ago, these two teams met in what became widely known as “Epic in Miami.” It was one of the greatest games ever witnessed.
San Diego made an aggressive first drive, highlighted by Dan Fouts throwing a 40-yard pass to Duriel Harris, but Miami soon responded with its own drive downfield and scoring on Duriel Harris for 40 yards. But Miami would respond immediately by striking back.
In this article we are discussing about last 10 matches of Los Angeles Chargers Vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats
1. 1981 Divisional Round
When the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers step onto a football field together, it may look like an unlikely contest – yet these teams have an impressive history of producing some of the NFL’s best rivalries and games, such as their epic Divisional playoff game known as Freezer Bowl.
San Diego had the edge in this 1981 divisional match-up for most of the game’s opening half. But Miami responded in the second quarter with an effective drive that resulted in fullback Andra Franklin scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run to spark a comeback that ultimately resulted in a 28-24 Dolphin win.
After an uneventful third quarter, the game shifted into overtime with neither side scoring. While the Chargers moved well on offense but failed to convert any of their four opportunities for scores; while in contrast the Dolphins advanced five times inside Chargers 40-yardline but were stopped on fourth down or lost the ball on downs each time.
After reaching the Chargers 10-yard line, the Dolphins punted and von Schamann attempted a 43-yard field goal attempt from there; however, at the last moment Winslow extended his 6’5″ frame into position on the line and deflected it for an unexpected victory for his Dolphins side.
This victory marked the Dolphins’ inaugural win since franchise establishment and set a tone for an inspiring season that culminated in a 17-10 win at New England and a Super Bowl appearance. Led by running back Tony Nathan, wide receivers Jimmy Cefalo and Duriel Harris and Pro Bowlers Gary Johnson and Louie Kelcher (including rookie safety Willie Buchanon ), their offense led by Tony Nathan led an attack dominated by Pro Bowlers such as Gary Johnson, Louie Kelcher (both Pro Bowlers), their defense included Pro Bowlers Gary Johnson (Lead by Pro Bowlers Gary Johnson), as well as rookie safety Willie Buchanon (both Pro Bowlers).
2. 1981 AFC Championship Game
After an exciting divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, the Chargers and Dolphins met once more for an AFC Championship Game, seeking their first Super Bowl appearances respectively. A combined total of 79 points were scored during this contest – still holding records as both most points scored in an individual playoff game and most yards by both teams in one game!
Cold weather handicapped both teams’ offensive efficiency in the first half, with Fouts’ beard covered with ice crystals making his passes seem to flutter like butterflies. But Cincinnati’s strong defense kept San Diego under control, and an Anderson to Don Bass touchdown pass sealed their 27-7 victory. Fouts, Winslow and Joiner went on to become Hall-of-Famers, yet their defeat by Cincinnati at Miami effectively ended their hopes of returning to a Super Bowl championship game.
Football games typically are played in frigid temperatures, but on January 10, 1981 was an extraordinary instance when both sides faced off against one another at their heated rivalries in freezing conditions. Kickoff temperature for this AFC Championship Game on that date was nine degrees below zero with wind chill temperature reaching minus 59. It became known as “Freezer Bowl”, and many remember it as the coldest in NFL history. Fouts, Joiner and Winslow put up an admirable fight despite these freezing conditions but eventually succumbed to exhaustion as Chargers fell short of qualifying for Super Bowl return yet again this time around.
3. 1981 AFC Championship Game (Freezer Bowl)
This game was held under freezing temperatures; game time temperatures hovered 13 degrees below zero with wind chill temperatures reaching as low as -50. Not only was this one of the most notable cold-weather NFL games ever played, it was also one of two unforgettable matchups between great teams with future Hall-of-Famers such as Cincinnati quarterback Paul Brown and San Diego wideout Dan Fouts both participating for their respective teams in their first-ever AFC Championship Game.
Before the game began, Brown advised his players that the weather was like going to the dentist: they might feel some pain but it won’t last long – something from which he knew first-hand, having played in 1967 Ice Bowl for Green Bay Packers.
Cincinnati had taken an early advantage in the first quarter when kicker Jim Breech connected on two field goals from 51 and 38 yards out to put them ahead 6-0. But, San Diego answered with a 74-yard drive that saw quarterback Dan Fouts throw 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Winslow to cut their deficit to 10-6 at halftime.
After an uneventful third quarter, San Diego took the lead with a 3-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Duriel Harris and 37-yard field goal from Rolf Benirschke to put them up 17-10. Miami managed to come back, however, and quarterback Kyle Strock completed several passes – one being 23-yard touchdown to wide receiver Joe Rose which tied the game at 24-24.
On a fourth down at Miami’s 26-yard line with 1:06 remaining and heavy Dolphins pressure forcing Fouts to throw blindly toward Winslow who then managed to reach 6’5″ into the end zone for the winning touchdown.
4. 1981 AFC Divisional Round
From its inception, this contest quickly turned into a matchup of two of the most prolific offensive teams ever seen in league history. The Chargers featured one of the most deadly one-two combinations with quarterback Dan Fouts and wide receiver Charlie Joiner (both future Hall-of-Famers). Miami boasted future Hall-of-Famer running back Ronnie Brown who proved equally as lethal during his rookie campaign. Initially, Miami led 17-7 until Fouts connected with James Brooks for an eight-yard touchdown pass from Fouts that took control and took control – an iconic image remains part of NFL lore today!
After trading punts on their next two possessions, San Diego took control with just over five minutes remaining. Following Andra Franklin’s fumble at their own 40-yard line and recovering it with Fouts at quarterback, Fouts led San Diego down to Miami’s nine-yard line where on 1st-and-goal Fouts attempted a blind pass intended for Winslow but instead hit running back Brooks who scored the game-winning touchdown!
Kellen Winslow\ blocked Uwe von Schamann’s attempted 43-yard field goal attempt from flying over the uprights into the crowd – giving the Chargers their first playoff win since 1963 (AFL). They would eventually prevail 20-14 and win their first postseason victory since then (under AFL rules).
5. 1981 AFC Championship Game
Gregg Carroll sent out this simple message before the 1981 AFC Championship Game dubbed “the Freezer Bowl,” played in bitterly cold temperatures: “Playing that day may hurt, but it won’t last long.”
The Chargers were led by future Hall-of-Famer quarterback Dan Fouts and Pro Bowl wide receivers Charlie Joiner and Kellen Winslow – three players widely considered some of the finest NFL offensive talents – but couldn’t break through against an extremely tough Dolphins defense led by All-Pro linebacker Willie Buchanon.
San Diego eventually began moving the ball after an indecisive start, culminating in Fouts completing a 47-yard pass to Wes Chandler on 3rd and 14 for a 31-yard field goal by Rolf Benirschke on third down. Miami quickly responded, driving 64 yards downfield before Tony Nathan scored two-yard touchdown.
Fouts led the Chargers deep into Dolphin territory on two more occasions during the second quarter, only to be intercepted both times by Dolphin defenseman Charles Harris. Kicker Dave Zatko also missed his 36-yard field goal attempt and it went wide right.
In the third quarter, a blocked punt gave San Diego an early advantage but went out of bounds before they could score. Miami drove to within 40 yards of scoring on four down before Fouts attempted a pass over the middle to Winslow that was deflected away by safety Pete Shaw and into Andra Franklin’s arms instead. Winslow tried jumping up but his effort fell short; Franklin made sure of it!
After the game, Fouts, Joiner, and Winslow all agreed it wasn’t fair and demanded the referees review the play; but this request wasn’t granted.