News & Blogs

The Broncos played in front of a small crowd and in the midst of a swirling snow storm, but managed to shut out the Chargers 24-0 in 1987, win the AFC West and boot San Diego from the playoff race. PHOTO: DENVER BRONCOS ARCHIVES

BRONCOS TV

Denver clinched a division and bye week on Sunday in its 22-3 romp over SAN DIEGO. 12/28: Van Pelt Readies 12/27: Shanahan Press Conference 12/27: Plummer Press Conference 12/26: Broncos-Raiders Highlights 12/25: Broncos-Raiders Postgame 12/24: Raiders Postgame: Shanahan 12/22: Pro Bowl Broncos 12/21: Time for the Kids 12/21: Shanahan Talks Pro Bowlers

Denver vs. San Diego
Dec. 27, 1987
Mile High Stadium
Weather: Blowing snow, 20 degrees

DENVER --The forecast calls for cloudy skies and a chance of rain for Denver's game at San Diego this weekend.

But even if the skies opened up and dropped some precipitation on normally lush Southern California, it will be no comparison to the deluge of some previous games between the Broncos and Chargers, such as the 1987 game that the Broncos won 24-0.

Mile High Stadium was sold out for tha regular-season finale, but less than half the ticket-holders actually braved the snowstorm, opting to stay out of the swirling snow and 20-degree weather.

It was the end to an unusual regular season for the Broncos, which included a players' strike. Nevertheless, Denver finished 10-4-1, captured the AFC West and marched through the playoffs to Super Bowl XXII.  Coincidentally, that championship game -- a 42-10 loss to the Washington Redskins -- was played in San Diego.

But before all that, there was the final game of the season against the Chargers, who started 8-1 but lost their final six games. The loss to the Broncos to close out 1987 was the only shutout San Diego suffered all season.

The Broncos scored on offense, defense and special teams in the game, conquering the frigid conditions with everything in their arsenal.

San Diego converted only one third down in a game dominated by the Broncos defense and a solid rushing offense.

Quarterback John Elway completed only seven passes for 98 yards, but managed the game on the ground, rushing for 24 yards himself and giving to running back Sammy Winder 23 times for 67 yards. Winder also had a 1-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter.

Defensive back Kevin Clark, who was signed as a replacement player, returned a punt 71 yards after San Diego's first possesion went three-and-out. The Chargers didn't muster a first down on the next two drives as well and gave the ball back to the Broncos with 5:24 remaining in the opening quarter.

Winder capped off the drive with his lone rushing touchdown.

Scoreless second and third quarters helped the game pass in just under three hours, but a 14-0 lead was anything but secure when the teams entered the final period.

Elway and the offense carried a drive into the fourth quarter that ended with a 26-yard field goal by Rich Karlis.

Chargers quarterback Mark Herrmann came out throwing on the next possesion, but two quick completions were nullified when his third attempt of the drive was intercepted by linebacker Ricky Hunley. The Bronco then turned up field and raced 52 yards for a touchdown.

San Diego made the game interesting with a fumble recovery and an interception on the Broncos next two possessions, but on both occasions the Denver defense kept the Chargers from gaining a first down.

Hermann was intercepted again by Hunley to end one threat. A defensive stand forced a three-and-out a few minutes later.

In all the Broncos intercepted Hermann four times in the driving snow (twice by Hunley and Mike Harden).

Denver got a first-round playoff bye with the victory and defeated the Houston Oilers at Mile High Stadium a few weeks later to advance to the AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns for the second-straight season. The Broncos defeated the Browns 38-33 on a sunny day in Denver to move on in the playoffs.

RELATED LINKS:

• Broncos-Chargers Gamebook
• The 1987 Season
• Search the Gamebook Archives