INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers turned around their recent struggles with an impressive performance, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 37-10 on Thursday night. Justin Herbert led the charge with a stellar outing, throwing for 227 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 62 rushing yards.
This victory marked the Chargers’ first win since a defeat in Week 6 against Miami and ended a stretch where they lost three out of four games, causing them to drop from the top of the AFC West standings. Herbert highlighted the importance of the win, stating, “It was a big win for us, a big opportunity for us to go correct some more mistakes.”
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh commended his team’s effort, noting their determination to improve following their loss to the Indianapolis Colts just days prior. “The team really responded. They went back to work after Sunday and they set their minds to it that they weren’t going to be denied,” Harbaugh remarked.
In a strong display of offensive prowess, the Chargers managed to score over 30 points for the first time this season without punting throughout the game. Ladd McConkey contributed significantly, catching a 27-yard touchdown pass from Herbert that extended the lead to 21-3 late in the first half. Keenan Allen also made headlines by joining Hall of Famer Antonio Gates as the only players in franchise history to surpass 11,000 receiving yards, finishing the game with four receptions for 44 yards.
Conversely, the Vikings, who dropped to a record of 3-4, struggled offensively. They failed to convert on crucial third downs, going just 3 of 11, and were limited to only 12 first downs compared to the Chargers’ 29. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “This is not a bury-the-tape kind of time for our organization. This is a watch it, view it, own it — every coach and every player, and it starts with me. I did not have our team prepared to play.”
Carson Wentz started for Minnesota due to J.J. McCarthy’s ongoing ankle injury. He finished the game with 144 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception while being sacked five times. Despite this, Wentz credited the Chargers’ defense for their strategy and execution throughout the matchup.
The Chargers set the tone early, scoring on their first possession and maintaining a consistent offensive rhythm. They faced minimal setbacks, only missing on a field-goal attempt due to a bad snap but ultimately weathered a few penalties with effective gameplay. Key moments also included rookies contributing to the scoreline, with Oronde Gadsden II and Kimani Vidal each reaching the end zone.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones made his comeback after a four-game hiatus due to a hamstring injury, contributing 15 rushing yards and 15 receiving yards, but it was not enough to spark a winning effort.
With injuries affecting both teams, including the Chargers losing safety Derwin James Jr. and right guard Mekhi Becton early in the game, both squads will be looking for recovery as they prepare for their upcoming matchups. The Vikings are set to visit Detroit while the Chargers head to Tennessee on November 2.