The 1981 team failed to improve on their 11–5 record from 1980 but they did retain the AFC West Division title for the third consecutive year, finishing 10–6. In the playoffs, they beat the Dolphins in a classic game known as the Epic in Miami then lost to the Bengals in a frigid game known as the Freezer Bowl.
Dan Fouts quarterbacked the Chargers using Don Coryell's high powered passing offense dubbed, "Air Coryell." Fouts broke the NFL record for passing yardage for the third consecutive season, averaging 300 yards per game for the first time as he totaled 4,802. His touchdown-to-interception ratio was the best of his career at 33 to 17.
