2003 San Diego Chargers season

2003 San Diego Chargers season
2003 San Diego Chargers season
Owner	Alex Spanos
General manager	A. J. Smith
Head coach	Marty Schottenheimer
Home field	Qualcomm Stadium
Results
Record	4–12
Division place	4th AFC West
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	None
AP All-Pros	1 RB LaDainian Tomlinson (2nd team);
	← 2002; Chargers seasons; 2004 →;

The 2003 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 34th season in the National Football League (NFL), its 44th overall and the second under head coach Marty Schottenheimer. They finished the campaign last in their division with only four wins and earned the #1 pick in the 2004 NFL draft. They played one “home” game during the season, against the Miami Dolphins, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona where the Arizona Cardinals played, due to the Cedar Fire. The team declined from the previous season, as the Chargers won four games and surrendered the second most points per game (27.6), trailing only the Arizona Cardinals during the season. On April 11, 2003, general manager John Butler died from lymphoma and A. J. Smith, a former assistant to Butler, took over the position for the next 10 seasons; during the season the Chargers wore a patch on their jerseys with the initials "JB" to commemorate John Butler.

For the first time since 1989, Junior Seau was not on the opening day roster.

NFL draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College	Notes
2003 San Diego Chargers draft
1	30	Sammy Davis	CB	Texas A&M	Pick from PHI
2	46	Drayton Florence	CB	Tuskegee
2	62	Terrence Kiel	S	Texas A&M	Pick from GB
3	80	Courtney Van Buren	OT	Arkansas–Pine Bluff
4	112	Matt Wilhelm	LB	Ohio St
5	149	Mike Scifres	P	Western Illinois
6	188	Hanik Milligan *	S	Houston
7	229	Andrew Pinnock	FB	South Carolina
Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Personnel

Staff

**2003 San Diego Chargers staff**
	Front office Owner – Alex Spanos President/chief executive officer – Dean Spanos Executive vice president – Michael Spanos Executive vice president/general manager – A. J. Smith Assistant general manager/director of player personnel – Buddy Nix Vice president of football operations – Ed McGuire Director of college scouting – Jimmy Raye Director of pro scouting – Fran Foley Head coaches Head coach – Marty Schottenheimer Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Cam Cameron Quarterbacks – Brian Schottenheimer Running backs – Clarence Shelmon Wide receivers – James Lofton Tight ends – Tim Brewster Offensive line – Hudson Houck Offensive assistant/quality control – Pete Carmichael, Jr.			Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Dale Lindsey Defensive line – Wayne Nunnely Linebackers – Greg Manusky Defensive backs – Jerry Holmes Defensive assistant/quality control – John Pagano Special teams coaches Special teams – Steve Crosby Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Dave Redding Assistant strength and conditioning – Matt Schiotz

^[3]

Roster

**2003 San Diego Chargers roster**
Quarterbacks (QB) 9 Drew Brees 7 Doug Flutie Running backs (RB) 24 Jesse Chatman 35 Leon Johnson KR/PR 41 Lorenzo Neal FB 30 Andrew Pinnock FB 21 LaDainian Tomlinson Wide receivers (WR) 89 David Boston 82 Reche Caldwell 10 Dondre Gilliam 86 Grant Mattos 81 Kassim Osgood 11 Micah Ross Tight ends (TE) 85 Antonio Gates 83 Josh Norman 84 Justin Peelle		Offensive linemen (OL) 60 Jason Ball C 64 Phil Bogle G/T 65 David Brandt C/G 68 Kris Dielman G 69 Ed Ellis T 63 Kelvin Garmon G 61 Michael Keathley G 77 Damion McIntosh T 79 Solomon Page G/T 66 Cory Raymer C Defensive linemen (DL) 74 Jacques Cesaire DE/DT 90 Adrian Dingle DE 92 Jason Fisk DT 91 Omari Hand DE 93 Otis Leverette DE 95 Joe Salave'a DT 78 DeQuincy Scott DT 75 Marcellus Wiley DE 76 Jamal Williams DT		Linebackers (LB) 54 Stephen Cooper MLB 59 Donnie Edwards OLB 51 Ben Leber OLB 57 Zeke Moreno MLB 52 Carlos Polk OLB 56 Matt Wilhelm OLB Defensive backs (DB) 22 Sammy Davis CB 29 Drayton Florence CB 36 Vernon Fox SS 32 Kevin House CB 23 Quentin Jammer CB 48 Terrence Kiel SS 34 Tony Okanlawon FS 20 Jerry Wilson FS Special teams 2 Darren Bennett P 50 David Binn LS 8 Steve Christie K 5 Mike Scifres P				Rookies in italics 53 active, 12 reserve, 4 practice squad

Regular season

Schedule

In addition to their regular games with AFC West rivals, the Chargers played teams from the AFC North and NFC North as per the schedule rotation, and also played intraconference games against the Jaguars and the Dolphins based on divisional positions from 2002.

Oddly, this season marked the first time that the Chargers played the Jaguars, despite that team existing since 1995. This occurred due to old NFL scheduling formulas in place prior to 2002, whereby teams had no rotating schedule opposing members of other divisions within their own conference, but played interdivisional conference games according to position within a season’s table.^[4] The Chargers played the Tennessee Titans only once during this period^[5] (in 1998) but played the Bengals five times^[6] during these years.

In preceding years, even longer gaps between two teams playing each other had occurred. For instance the Jets never opposed the Cardinals between 1979 and 1995 inclusive.^[7]

The Week 8 home game against the Miami Dolphins was relocated to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona due to a massive wildfire that turned Qualcomm Stadium into an evacuation site.^[8]

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Recap
1	September 7	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 14–27	0–1	Arrowhead Stadium	78,048	Recap
2	September 14	Denver Broncos	L 13–37	0–2	Qualcomm Stadium	65,445	Recap
3	September 21	Baltimore Ravens	L 10–24	0–3	Qualcomm Stadium	52,028	Recap
4	September 28	at Oakland Raiders	L 31–34 (OT)	0–4	Network Associates Coliseum	54,078	Recap
5	October 5	at Jacksonville Jaguars	L 21–27	0–5	Alltel Stadium	48,954	Recap
6	Bye
7	October 19	at Cleveland Browns	W 26–20	1–5	Cleveland Browns Stadium	73,238	Recap
8	October 27	Miami Dolphins	L 10–26	1–6	Sun Devil Stadium	73,014	Recap
9	November 2	at Chicago Bears	L 7–20	1–7	Soldier Field	61,500	Recap
10	November 9	Minnesota Vikings	W 42–28	2–7	Qualcomm Stadium	64,738	Recap
11	November 16	at Denver Broncos	L 8–37	2–8	Invesco Field	75,217	Recap
12	November 23	Cincinnati Bengals	L 27–34	2–9	Qualcomm Stadium	52,069	Recap
13	November 30	Kansas City Chiefs	L 24–28	2–10	Qualcomm Stadium	57,671	Recap
14	December 7	at Detroit Lions	W 14–7	3–10	Ford Field	61,544	Recap
15	December 14	Green Bay Packers	L 21–38	3–11	Qualcomm Stadium	64,978	Recap
16	December 21	at Pittsburgh Steelers	L 24–40	3–12	Heinz Field	52,527	Recap
17	December 28	Oakland Raiders	W 21–14	4–12	Qualcomm Stadium	62,222	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Week 1: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 1: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	0	7	7	14
Chiefs	14	10	3	0	27

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Date: September 7
Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C), relative humidity 36%, wind 6 mph
Game attendance: 78,048
Referee: Ed Hochuli
TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms and Armen Keteyian
Box score

Game information

First quarter

KAN – Priest Holmes 24-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 11:37. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 3:23.
KAN – Priest Holmes 5-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 1:21. Chiefs 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:04.

Second quarter

KAN – Johnnie Morton 20-yard pass from Trent Green (Morten Andersen kick), 10:08. Chiefs 21–0. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:47.
KAN – Morten Andersen 42-yard field goal, 4:25. Chiefs 24–0. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 3:17.

Third quarter

SDG – Josh Norman 21-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 8:16. Chiefs 24–7. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 2:16.

Fourth quarter

KAN – Morten Andersen 46-yard field goal, 2:22. Chiefs 27–7. Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards, 5:54.
SDG – Eric Parker 20-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 4:32. Chiefs 27–14. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:31.

Top passers

SDG – Drew Brees – 18/33, 202 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
KAN – Trent Green – 21/32, 282 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 13 rushes, 34 yards
KAN – Priest Holmes – 18 rushes, 85 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

SDG – Josh Norman – 4 receptions, 64 yards, TD
KAN – Priest Holmes – 7 receptions, 98 yards

Week 2: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 2: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	14	10	10	3	37
Chargers	3	7	3	0	13

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: September 14
Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), relative humidity 69%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 65,445
Referee: Tony Corrente
TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Randy Cross
Box score

Game information

First quarter

DEN – Reuben Droughns 12-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick), 12:18. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 2:42.
SDG – Steve Christie 19-yard field goal, 6:21. Broncos 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 5:57.
DEN – Shannon Sharpe 1-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick), 1:36. Broncos 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 88 yards, 4:45.

Second quarter

DEN – Cooper Carlisle 6-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick), 6:58. Broncos 21–3. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 6:01.
SDG – Eric Parker 23-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 1:05. Broncos 21–10. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:53.
DEN – Jason Elam 30-yard field goal, 0:05. Broncos 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 1:00.

Third quarter

SDG – Steve Christie 25-yard field goal, 9:31. Broncos 24–13. Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 5:29.
DEN – Mike Anderson 1-yard run (Jason Elam kick), 4:48. Broncos 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 4:43.
DEN – Jason Elam 45-yard field goal, 1:05. Broncos 34–13. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:16.

Fourth quarter

DEN – Jason Elam 34-yard field goal, 14:21. Broncos 37–13. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:26.

Top passers

DEN – Steve Beuerlein – 7/16, 98 yards
SDG – Drew Brees – 20/41, 182 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

DEN – Clinton Portis – 12 rushes, 129 yards
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 16 rushes, 93 yards

Top receivers

DEN – Rod Smith – 5 receptions, 71 yards
SDG – Eric Parker – 5 receptions, 59 yards, TD

Week 3: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 3: Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Ravens	7	3	14	0	24
Chargers	3	0	0	7	10

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: September 21
Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C), relative humidity 77%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 52,028
Referee: Bill Leavy
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots and Scott Kaplan
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – Steve Christie 24-yard field goal, 2:44. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 8:36.
BAL – Alan Ricard 50-yard offensive fumble return (Matt Stover kick), 1:31. Ravens 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 1:13.

Second quarter

BAL – Matt Stover 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Ravens 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 0:46.

Third quarter

BAL – Todd Heap 25-yard pass from Kyle Boller (Matt Stover kick), 3:00. Ravens 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:02.
BAL – Jamal Lewis 7-yard run (Matt Stover kick), 1:18. Ravens 24–3. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:25.

Fourth quarter

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 2-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 9:06. Ravens 24–10. Drive: 15 plays, 77 yards, 7:12.

Top passers

BAL – Kyle Boller – 12/21, 98 yards, TD, INT
SDG – Drew Brees – 28/45, 270 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

BAL – Jamal Lewis – 23 rushes, 132 yards, TD
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 23 rushes, 105 yards, TD

Top receivers

BAL – Todd Heap – 5 receptions, 50 yards, TD
SDG – David Boston – 6 receptions, 91 yards

Week 4: at Oakland Raiders

Week 4: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Chargers	7	14	3	7	0	31
Raiders	7	7	0	17	3	34

at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California

Date: September 28
Game time: 1:05 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), relative humidity 75%, wind 14 mph
Game attendance: 54,078
Referee: Peter Morelli
TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf and Bonnie Bernstein
Box score

Game information

First quarter

OAK – Tim Brown 36-yard pass from Rich Gannon (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 11:26. Raiders 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:34.
SDG – Drew Brees 21-yard pass from LaDainian Tomlinson (Steve Christie kick), 6:46. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 4:40.

Second quarter

SDG – Justin Peelle 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 13:19. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 1:29.
OAK – Doug Jolley 2-yard pass from Rich Gannon (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 8:14. Tied 14–14. Drive: 11 plays, 92 yards, 5:05.
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 55-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 6:44. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:30.

Third quarter

SDG – Steve Christie 32-yard field goal, 10:41. Chargers 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 20 yards, 4:19.

Fourth quarter

OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 23-yard field goal, 9:29. Chargers 24–17. Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 7:05.
SDG – Lorenzo Neal 3-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 5:59. Chargers 31–17. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:30.
OAK – Alvis Whitted 36-yard pass from Rich Gannon (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 4:38. Chargers 31–24. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 1:21.
OAK – Charlie Garner 24-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 1:24. Tied 31–31. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:27.

Overtime

OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 46-yard field goal, 5:01. Raiders 34–31. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:44.

Top passers

SDG – Drew Brees – 21/31, 187 yards, TD, INT
OAK – Rich Gannon – 26/43, 348 yards, 3 TD, INT

Top rushers

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 28 rushes, 187 yards, TD
OAK – Charlie Garner – 12 rushes, 70 yards, TD

Top receivers

SDG – Dondre Gilliam – 4 receptions, 67 yards
OAK – Jerry Rice – 7 receptions, 126 yards

Week 5: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 5: San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	7	0	14	21
Jaguars	7	3	10	7	27

at Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

Date: October 5
Game time: 1:05 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), relative humidity 47%, wind 5 mph
Game attendance: 48,954
Referee: Tom White
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots
Box score

Game information

First quarter

JAC – Fred Taylor 1-yard run (Seth Marler kick), 5:43. Jaguars 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 62 yards, 5:46.

Second quarter

SDG – David Boston 46-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 9:56. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 2:00.
JAC – Seth Marler 53-yard field goal, 0:00. Jaguars 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:12.

Third quarter

JAC – Troy Edwards 18-yard pass from Byron Leftwich (Seth Marler kick), 6:39. Jaguars 17–7. Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 5:44.
JAC – Seth Marler 27-yard field goal, 2:38. Jaguars 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:49.

Fourth quarter

SDG – Eric Parker 33-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 4:19. Jaguars 20–14. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:51.
JAC – Fred Taylor 60-yard pass from Byron Leftwich (Seth Marler kick), 1:47. Jaguars 27–14. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 2:32.
SDG – David Boston 13-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 0:20. Jaguars 27–21. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 1:27.

Top passers

SDG – Drew Brees – 24/41, 296 yards, 3 TD
JAC – Byron Leftwich – 19/28, 336 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 10 rushes, 38 yards
JAC – Fred Taylor – 27 rushes, 87 yards, TD

Top receivers

SDG – David Boston – 14 receptions, 181 yards, 2 TD
JAC – Jimmy Smith – 8 receptions, 137 yards

Week 7: at Cleveland Browns

Week 7: San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	6	7	10	3	26
Browns	0	3	3	14	20

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Date: October 19
Game time: 1:02 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), relative humidity 50%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 73,238
Referee: Jeff Triplette
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – Steve Christie 44-yard field goal, 7:18. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 3:39.
SDG – Steve Christie 50-yard field goal, 2:57. Chargers 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 2:31.

Second quarter

SDG – Kwamie Lassiter 38-yard interception return (Steve Christie kick), 5:27. Chargers 13–0.
CLE – Phil Dawson 46-yard field goal, 0:35. Chargers 13–3. Drive: 12 plays, 39 yards, 4:52.

Third quarter

CLE – Phil Dawson 42-yard field goal, 12:44. Chargers 13–6. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 2:02.
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 70-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 12:27. Chargers 20–6. Drive: 1 play, 70 yards, 0:17.
SDG – Steve Christie 42-yard field goal, 2:57. Chargers 23–6. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:37.

Fourth quarter

CLE – Dennis Northcutt 6-yard pass from Kelly Holcomb (Phil Dawson kick), 14:52. Chargers 23–13. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:05.
CLE – Darnell Sanders 1-yard pass from Kelly Holcomb (Phil Dawson kick), 11:40. Chargers 23–20. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:04.
SDG – Steve Christie 32-yard field goal, 3:44. Chargers 26–20. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 7:56.

Top passers

SDG – Drew Brees – 9/18, 74 yards, INT
CLE – Tim Couch – 13/24, 102 yards, 2 INT

Top rushers

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 26 rushes, 200 yards, TD
CLE – William Green – 14 rushes, 65 yards

Top receivers

SDG – Eric Parker – 2 receptions, 22 yards
CLE – Dennis Northcutt – 5 receptions, 54 yards, TD

Week 8: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 8: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	10	14	0	2	26
Chargers	3	0	0	7	10

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

Date: October 27
Game time: 7:09 p.m. MST
Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C), relative humidity 12%, wind 3 mph
Game attendance: 73,014
Referee: Ron Blum
TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, John Madden and Lisa Guerrero
Box score

Game information

First quarter

MIA – Chris Chambers 5-yard pass from Brian Griese (Olindo Mare kick), 12:58. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 6 yards, 0:45.
MIA – Olindo Mare 44-yard field goal, 8:34. Dolphins 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 1:51.
SDG – Steve Christie 51-yard field goal, 3:17. Dolphins 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 5:17.

Second quarter

MIA – James McKnight 2-yard pass from Brian Griese (Olindo Mare kick), 13:28. Dolphins 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:49.
MIA – Randy McMichael 7-yard pass from Brian Griese (Olindo Mare kick), 1:55. Dolphins 24–3. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:04.

Third quarter

No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 12:27. Dolphins 24–10. Drive: 3 plays, 1 yard, 0:48.
MIA – Safety, Jason Taylor tackled Damion McIntosh in end zone, 8:06. Dolphins 26–10.

Top passers

MIA – Brian Griese – 20/29, 192 yards, 3 TD
SDG – Drew Brees – 19/30, 190 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

MIA – Ricky Williams – 23 rushes, 69 yards
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 24 rushes, 62 yards, TD

Top receivers

MIA – Chris Chambers – 4 receptions, 79 yards, TD
SDG – David Boston – 5 receptions, 82 yards

Week 9: at Chicago Bears

Week 9: San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	0	0	7	7
Bears	3	7	3	7	20

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Date: November 2
Game time: 12:05 p.m. CST
Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), relative humidity 96%, no wind
Game attendance: 61,500
Referee: Ron Winter
TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
Box score

Game information

First quarter

CHI – Paul Edinger 38-yard field goal, 8:33. Bears 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 3:37.

Second quarter

CHI – Anthony Thomas 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 9:27. Bears 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 7:48.

Third quarter

CHI – Paul Edinger 22-yard field goal, 4:27. Bears 13–0. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 4:21.

Fourth quarter

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 3-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 9:13. Bears 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:04.
CHI – Anthony Thomas 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 0:21. Bears 20–7. Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:47.

Top passers

SDG – Doug Flutie – 8/11, 70 yards
CHI – Chris Chandler – 21/30, 224 yards, INT

Top rushers

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 16 rushes, 61 yards, TD
CHI – Anthony Thomas – 31 rushes, 111 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

SDG – David Boston – 4 receptions, 29 yards
CHI – Dez White – 7 receptions, 58 yards

Week 10: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	7	0	14	28
Chargers	14	14	7	7	42

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: November 9
Game time: 1:05 p.m. PST
Game weather: 66 °F (19 °C), relative humidity 57%, wind 9 mph
Game attendance: 64,738
Referee: Ed Hochuli
TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert and Brian Baldinger
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – David Boston 3-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 11:47. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:13.
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 73-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 7:51. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 1:59.
MIN – Randy Moss 4-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 2:09. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:42.

Second quarter

SDG – Doug Flutie 3-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 11:36. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:33.
MIN – Nate Burleson 19-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:42. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 6:54.
SDG – Antonio Gates 4-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 0:25. Chargers 28–14. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 4:17.

Third quarter

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 1:36. Chargers 35–14. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 3:09.

Fourth quarter

MIN – Moe Williams 31-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 14:48. Chargers 35–21. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:48.
SDG – Doug Flutie 13-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 8:11. Chargers 42–21. Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 2:56.
MIN – Moe Williams 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Aaron Elling kick), 4:20. Chargers 42–28. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 3:51.

Top passers

MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 32/44, 370 yards, 4 TD, INT
SDG – Doug Flutie – 21/29, 248 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

MIN – Moe Williams – 12 rushes, 45 yards
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 16 rushes, 162 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

MIN – Moe Williams – 11 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD
SDG – David Boston – 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD

Week 11: at Denver Broncos

Week 11: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	0	0	8	8
Broncos	10	17	7	3	37

at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Date: November 16
Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST
Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), relative humidity 25%, wind 6 mph
Game attendance: 75,217
Referee: Larry Nemmers
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots
Box score

Game information

First quarter

DEN – Shannon Sharpe 11-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick), 13:06. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:11.
DEN – Jason Elam 42-yard field goal, 6:14. Broncos 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 31 yards, 5:07.

Second quarter

DEN – Jason Elam 22-yard field goal, 9:46. Broncos 13–0. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 8:13.
DEN – Rod Smith 65-yard punt return (Jason Elam kick), 8:25. Broncos 20–0.
DEN – Shannon Sharpe 26-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick), 0:32. Broncos 27–0. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 0:50.

Third quarter

DEN – Shannon Sharpe 26-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick), 1:28. Broncos 34–0. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 4:44.

Fourth quarter

DEN – Micah Knorr 27-yard field goal, 13:11. Broncos 37–0. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 2:49.
SDG – Kassim Osgood 19-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Stephen Alexander pass from Doug Flutie), 10:12. Broncos 37–8. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 2:59.

Top passers

SDG – Doug Flutie – 9/25, 70 yards, TD, INT
DEN – Jake Plummer – 23/34, 253 yards, 3 TD, INT

Top rushers

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 8 rushes, 29 yards
DEN – Clinton Portis – 25 rushes, 106 yards

Top receivers

SDG – Kassim Osgood – 1 reception, 19 yards, TD
DEN – Shannon Sharpe – 7 receptions, 101 yards, 3 TD

Week 12: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 12: Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bengals	14	14	3	3	34
Chargers	7	6	0	14	27

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: November 23
Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C), relative humidity 49%, wind 9 mph
Game attendance: 52,069
Referee: Tony Corrente
TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee, Beasley Reece and Scott Kaplan
Box score

Game information

First quarter

CIN – Chad Johnson 5-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Shayne Graham kick), 10:15. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 4:45.
CIN – Chad Johnson 4-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Shayne Graham kick), 3:35. Bengals 14–0. Drive: 13 plays, 88 yards, 4:59.
SDG – David Boston 37-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 0:11. Bengals 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 3:24.

Second quarter

SDG – Steve Christie 48-yard field goal, 9:36. Bengals 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 4:08.
SDG – Steve Christie 26-yard field goal, 4:05. Bengals 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 2:34.
CIN – Chad Johnson 12-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Shayne Graham kick), 1:25. Bengals 21–13. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:40.
CIN – Kelley Washington 4-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Shayne Graham kick), 0:11. Bengals 28–13. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 0:43.

Third quarter

CIN – Shayne Graham 37-yard field goal, 2:23. Bengals 31–13. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 7:31.

Fourth quarter

SDG – David Boston 26-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 14:54. Bengals 31–20. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 2:29.
CIN – Shayne Graham 47-yard field goal, 5:26. Bengals 34–20. Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 3:07.
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 6-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 3:04. Bengals 34–27. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:22.

Top passers

CIN – Jon Kitna – 24/38, 243 yards, 4 TD
SDG – Doug Flutie – 15/33, 210 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

CIN – Corey Dillon – 18 rushes, 108 yards
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 16 rushes, 95 yards, TD

Top receivers

CIN – Chad Johnson – 10 receptions, 107 yards, 3 TD
SDG – David Boston – 9 receptions, 139 yards, 2 TD

Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	7	14	0	7	28
Chargers	0	7	10	7	24

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: November 30
Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C), relative humidity 48%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 57,671
Referee: Mike Carey
TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf and Bonnie Bernstein
Box score

Game information

First quarter

KAN – Priest Holmes 7-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 5:09. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:20.

Second quarter

KAN – Priest Holmes 2-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 12:41. Chiefs 14–0. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:49.
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 6-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 6:23. Chiefs 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:54.
KAN – Tony Gonzalez 7-yard pass from Trent Green (Morten Andersen kick), 1:54. Chiefs 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:59.

Third quarter

SDG – Steve Christie 21-yard field goal, 8:59. Chiefs 21–10. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 6:01.
SDG – David Boston 20-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 2:56. Chiefs 21–17. Drive: 5 plays, 77 yards, 2:07.

Fourth quarter

KAN – Tony Gonzalez 3-yard pass from Trent Green (Morten Andersen kick), 6:28. Chiefs 28–17. Drive: 8 plays, 27 yards, 4:05.
SDG – Antonio Gates 18-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 0:00. Chiefs 28–24. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 1:08.

Top passers

KAN – Trent Green – 17/30, 155 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
SDG – Doug Flutie – 16/34, 213 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

KAN – Priest Holmes – 31 rushes, 162 yards, 2 TD
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 19 rushes, 106 yards, TD

Top receivers

KAN – Johnnie Morton – 3 receptions, 60 yards
SDG – David Boston – 5 receptions, 85 yards, TD

Week 14: at Detroit Lions

Week 14: San Diego Chargers at at Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	7	0	0	14
Lions	0	0	0	7	7

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Date: December 7
Game time: 1:03 p.m. EST
Game weather: N/A (game played indoors)
Game attendance: 61,544
Referee: Walt Anderson
TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee and Jerry Glanville
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 16-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 4:14. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:48.

Second quarter

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 73-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Steve Christie kick), 1:54. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:02.

Third quarter

No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

DET – Casey Fitzsimmons 4-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 7:22. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 6:33.

Top passers

SDG – Doug Flutie – 17/25, 244 yards, 2 TD, INT
DET – Joey Harrington – 26/46, 208 yards, TD

Top rushers

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 25 rushes, 88 yards
DET – Shawn Bryson – 10 rushes, 28 yards

Top receivers

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 9 receptions, 148 yards, 2 TD
DET – Reggie Swinton – 5 receptions, 54 yards

Week 15: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 15: Green Bay Packers at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	7	10	0	21	38
Chargers	3	0	3	15	21

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: December 14
Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), relative humidity 52%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 64,978
Referee: Ron Blum
TV announcers (FOX): Sam Rosen, Bill Maas and Drew Smith
Box score

Game information

First quarter

GB – Ahman Green 4-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:59. Packers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:20.
SDG – Steve Christie 20-yard field goal, 6:02. Packers 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 6:01.

Second quarter

GB – Ryan Longwell 32-yard field goal, 8:59. Packers 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:49.
GB – Donald Driver 7-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:33. Packers 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:59.

Third quarter

SDG – Steve Christie 26-yard field goal, 8:52. Packers 17–6. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 6:01.

Fourth quarter

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (David Boston pass from Drew Brees), 14:56. Packers 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:54.
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 68-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 12:10. Chargers 21–17. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:54.
GB – Robert Ferguson 40-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:18. Packers 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 27 yards, 4:05.
GB – Ahman Green 1-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:37. Packers 31–21. Drive: 8 plays, 27 yards, 4:05.
GB – Robert Ferguson 16-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:58. Packers 38–21. Drive: 8 plays, 27 yards, 4:05.

Top passers

GB – Brett Favre – 23/33, 278 yards, 4 TD, INT
SDG – Drew Brees – 28/48, 363 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

GB – Ahman Green – 19 rushes, 75 yards, TD
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 20 rushes, 51 yards

Top receivers

GB – Donald Driver – 8 receptions, 112 yards, TD
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 11 receptions, 144 yards, 2 TD

Week 16: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 16: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	10	7	7	24
Steelers	14	7	7	12	40

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date: December 21
Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST
Game weather: 36 °F (2 °C), relative humidity 43%, wind 15 mph, wind chill 27
Game attendance: 52,527
Referee: Bill Carollo
TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Steve Tasker
Box score

Game information

First quarter

PIT – Plaxico Burress 25-yard pass from Tommy Maddox (Jeff Reed kick), 8:51. Steelers 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 6:09.
PIT – Jerome Bettis 1-yard run (Jeff Reed kick), 0:10. Steelers 14–0. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 7:11.

Second quarter

PIT – Plaxico Burress 16-yard pass from Tommy Maddox (Jeff Reed kick), 12:49. Steelers 21–0. Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards, 1:16.
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 5-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 7:05. Steelers 21–7. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:44.
SDG – Steve Christie 31-yard field goal, 0:04. Steelers 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 1:13.

Third quarter

SDG – Kassim Osgood 57-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 12:01. Steelers 21–17. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:59.
PIT – Hines Ward 20-yard pass from Tommy Maddox (Jeff Reed kick), 8:25. Steelers 28–17. Drive: 2 plays, 20 yards, 0:44.

Fourth quarter

PIT – Jeff Reed 47-yard field goal, 14:15. Steelers 31–17. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 6:22.
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 2-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 10:01. Steelers 31–24. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:14.
PIT – Jeff Reed 40-yard field goal, 5:04. Steelers 34–24. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:57.
PIT – Deshea Townsend 25-yard interception return (kick failed), 4:29. Steelers 40–24.

Top passers

SDG – Drew Brees – 16/26, 198 yards, TD, 2 INT
PIT – Tommy Maddox – 11/18, 160 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 22 rushes, 91 yards, 2 TD
PIT – Jerome Bettis – 32 rushes, 115 yards, TD

Top receivers

SDG – Kassim Osgood – 4 receptions, 102 yards, TD
PIT – Hines Ward – 6 receptions, 94 yards, TD

Week 17: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week 17: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	14	0	0	14
Chargers	7	7	0	7	21

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: December 28
Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), relative humidity 48%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 62,222
Referee: Bill Leavy
TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee, Beasley Reece and Scott Kaplan
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 2-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 7:44. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 5:19.

Second quarter

OAK – Phillip Buchanon 80-yard punt return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 4:39. Tied 7–7.
SDG – David Boston 18-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 0:43. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 0:59.
OAK – Doug Gabriel 85-yard kickoff return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 0:24. Tied 14–14. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:19.

Third quarter

No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 2-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 11:42. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:23.

Top passers

OAK – Rick Mirer – 4/11, 21 yards
SDG – Drew Brees – 15/28, 97 yards, TD

Top rushers

OAK – Zack Crockett – 10 rushes, 39 yards
SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 31 rushes, 243 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

OAK – Jerry Rice – 2 receptions, 14 yards
SDG – David Boston – 4 receptions, 43 yards, TD

Standings

AFC West
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
⁽²⁾ Kansas City Chiefs	13	3	0	.813	5–1	10–2	484	332	W1
⁽⁶⁾ Denver Broncos	10	6	0	.625	5–1	9–3	381	301	L1
Oakland Raiders	4	12	0	.250	1–5	3–9	270	379	L2
San Diego Chargers	4	12	0	.250	1–5	2–10	313	441	W1

References

^ "2003 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
^ "2003 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
^ 2012 San Diego Chargers Media Guide. pp. 263–264. Archived from the original on October 15, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2014.
^ "History of the NFL's Structure and Formats, Part Two". Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
^ San Diego Chargers v Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers
^ San Diego Chargers v Cincinnati Bengals
^ Arizona Cardinals v New York Jets
^ Dillon, Jeff (October 26, 2003). "Week of Fire -- Fire crews battle to limit damage from raging wildfires". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on September 7, 2008. Retrieved September 5, 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)

[1] "2003 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.

[2] "2003 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.

[3] 2012 San Diego Chargers Media Guide. pp. 263–264. Archived from the original on October 15, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2014.

[history-4] "History of the NFL's Structure and Formats, Part Two". Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.

[5] San Diego Chargers v Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers

[6] San Diego Chargers v Cincinnati Bengals

[7] Arizona Cardinals v New York Jets

[Stadium-8] Dillon, Jeff (October 26, 2003). "Week of Fire -- Fire crews battle to limit damage from raging wildfires". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on September 7, 2008. Retrieved September 5, 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)

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