Detroit Lions vs. San Diego Chargers, 1967

San Diego Chargers

Vs.

Detroit Lions

August 20, 1967

Lions Passing Attack Routs Chargers, 38-17, in New San Diego Stadium

Sweetan Sparks First Half Surge

Completes 16 of 23 Aerials- Lions Intercept 4 Times in Interleague Contest

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 20 (UPI) The Detroit Lions, led by the passing of Karl Sweetan and capitalizing on four interceptions and a fumble, trounced the San Diego Chargers, 38-17, today in an interleague exhibition game.

The Chargers, who scored two fourth quarter touchdowns, including a 61-yard scoring pass from John Hadl to Gary Garrison, suffered their second setback in three preseason games.

The loss also marred their debut in the new $28 million San Diego Sports Stadium before a home crowd of 45,988, a record. The victory was the second for the National Football League Lions in three exhibition games against American Football League opposition.

Sweetan, who directed the Lions during the first half, completed 16 of 23 passes for 183 yards, including a touchdown, and gave them a 31-3 margin at halftime. Milt Plum led the team during most of the second half.

Hadl, who led the Chargers during the entire game, completed 17 of 36 passes for 208 yards and two scores.

Detroit converted two first half interceptions and a third quarter fumble recovery into touchdowns. On one of the pass thefts, Wayne Rasmussen ran back an interception for 27 yards in the third quarter for the score.

The Lions scored the first time they had the ball as they marched 78 yards in 12 plays with Tom Nowatzke, a fullback, plunging the final 4 yards.