Bolts From The Blue
Justin Herbert and the Chargers came out Thursday night needing to prove to themselves that the recent four-game stretch was not a true showing of who they are as a team. The 1-3 record following a 3-0 start was filled with uncharacteristic mistakes and bad play that led them to dropping games they shouldn’t have.
Against the Vikings, under the lights of primetime, the entire Chargers team came together to dominate Carson Wentz and the Vikings from the first drive until the last.
For the first time under Jim Harbaugh, the Bolts scored on the first two drives of the game to build an early 14-0 lead. That lead was never threatened by the Vikings who couldn’t find any groove on offense throughout the night. They found the end zone once, but that was more of a fault on the Chargers defense and penalties than Wentz simply beating them.
Herbert finished with 227 passing yards (196 in the first half) and three touchdowns to one interception. He also chipped in 62 rushing yards on seven carries, showing a real feel for when to take off and utilize his legs.
Running back Kimani Vidal went over the 100-yard mark for the second time in three games since taking over the starting job. He finished with 117 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. He ran hard all night long to post a strong night after a slow start.
Ladd McConkey led all receivers with six receptions and 88 yards to go with a touchdown. Rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II continued his productive streak with 77 yards and a touchdown on five catches, all of which came in the first half. Rookie wideout Tre’ Harris also caught his first career touchdown on two catches for eight yards.
Defensively the Chargers got after Wentz, sacking him five times and breaking up seven of his passes. Defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe posted a team-high two sacks while Khalil Mack, Odafe Oweh, and Tuli Tuipulotu each chipped in one. Cam Hart was sticky in coverage with three pass breakups on his own.
The Chargers will now enjoy a mini bye week before hitting the road to face the Tennessee Titans in Week Nine.
For an entire quarter-by-quarter recap of tonight’s game, check it out below.
The Chargers won the toss and chose to defer. The Vikings would begin the game on offense.
After two stops for no gain on first and second down, quarterback Carson Wentz found wideout Justin Jefferson for 16 yards while getting decked by linebacker Daiyan Henley on a delayed blitz. Three plays later, the Chargers defense forced a throwaway on third-and-one to get the Vikings to punt.
On the second play of the Chargers’ opening drive, Herbert was pressured off the edge and was forced to throw hot with safety Josh Metellus barreling down on him. Herbert was hit as he attempted a throw to Ladd McConkey but it sailed behind and seemingly was picked by Rodgers who...
