Visitor: Houston Oilers

Home: San Diego Chargers

Date: December 29, 1979

AFC Divisional Playoff

Scoring:

Team 1 2 3 4 Final

HOU 0 10 7 0 17

SD 7 0 7 0 14

Visitor playmakers:

S Vernon Perry, J.C. Wilson, Clark, Mike Renfro

Home playmakers:

C Williams, Mitchell

Network:

Announcers:

Pregame: No

Halftime:

Postgame:

Commercials:

Grade:

Notes: The Oilers advanced to their second straight AFC Championship game on the strength of an opportunistic defense and a near-flawless performance by the offensive unit. First-year strong safety Vernon Perry set up 10 of the Oilers’ 17 points with a postseason game record of four interceptions and a 57-yard blocked field goal return. Second-year quarterback Gifford Nielsen and third-year running back Rob Carpenter started for regulars Dan Pastorini and Earl Campbell, who were sidelined with groin injuries. The Oilers intercepted AFC passing leader Dan Fouts five times, including one by J.C. Wilson that led to the game-winning touchdown. Nielsen, making his first NFL postseason start, completed a 47-yard scoring pass to Mike Renfro with 12:55 elapsed in the third period to provide the winning margin. The loss eliminated the AFC West champion Chargers, who were making their first postseason appearance since 1965.

Thanks Rick!

Running time: 2:17