A great home win in front of the Thursday night lights

The LA Chargers garnered a heap of concerns regarding the lack of success in recent weeks, and rightfully so. Having lost last week to Indianapolis, there was certainly a weighted pressure going into this week’s match-up against the Minnesota Vikings. Thankfully, not only did the Bolts come out victorious to improve to 5-3, they did so in a stunning, one-sided fashion, recapturing the offensive magic displayed at the start of the season.

Herbie was able to lead the offense into the end zone on their first drive of the opening quarter with ease. Rookie TE Oronde Gadsden II has really been coming into his own during the past couple of games, and last night was no different. Gadsden connected with Herbert on an 8-yard pass for the touchdown, giving the Bolts a 7-0 lead into the second quarter. 

As they say, lightning strikes twice. The Chargers were able to add another touchdown onto the board thanks to RB Kimani Vidal shifting and slithering into the end zone for six, followed by the extra point from kicker Cameron Dicker, giving the team a 14-0 lead. While the Vikings weren’t able to counterattack in the same light, their kicker, Will Reichard, put 3 on the board with a 54-yard field goal, chipping at the score, 14-3.

On the next drive, Cameron Dicker had a rare miss when attempting a 49-yard field goal of his own. But despite the error, the Chargers didn’t flinch and kept laying down their offensive assault. Late into the quarter, Herbert launched an absolute rocket to WR Ladd McConkey for the 27-yard touchdown, further adding to the score, making it 21-3 into the half. 

The third quarter showed a bit of deflation on the Chargers’ side. Unable to enter the end zone, the Bolts resorted to a 43-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker to give the team a 24-3 lead. And on their next offensive opportunity, Herbie’s pass to McConkey was intercepted by Vikings safety Joshua Metellus, which Minnesota was able to capitalize on. QB Carson Wentz found WR Jordan Addison for a 4-yard TD, and with the extra point by kicker Reichard, turned the score to 24-10 heading into the final quarter. 

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Fortunately, the Chargers’ tempo ignited back up to finish the game strong. WR Tre’ Harris hauled in a 6-yard short pass from Herbert to pile onto the lead even more, giving the team a healthy 31-10 lead. 

On the very next drive, Carson Wentz’s pass intended for WR Justin Jefferson was way off target and swooped off by Chargers safety, RJ Mickens, to essentially signal the closing curtains for Minnesota. Along with two more field goals from Cameron Dicker during the final minutes of the game, the Chargers won 37-10. 

This was a great team win highlighted by the grand return of offensive lineman Joe Alt, whose presence has been sorely missed in recent weeks. His fantastic run protection was evident in Kimani Vidal’s epic 117 rushing yards and 1 touchdown performance. Herbert finished with 227 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception on 18/25 throws. McConkey tallied 88 receiving yards and 1 touchdown on 6 catches, while Oronde Gadsden II produced 77 receiving yards and 1 touchdown on 5 catches. 

The benefit of playing the Thursday night slate is the longer period for analysis and recovery between the next game. As more players return to action from injuries, we expect the Chargers to return to full power soon enough. Next week, the Bolts will hit the road and head to Tennessee to face the 1-6 Titans. Can the Chargers make it two wins in a row? We’ll find out next Sunday.Â