4 Takeaways From the Chargers’ Win Over the Vikings on Thursday Night
Updated Oct 18jili withdrawal. 24, 2025, 12:27 a.m. ET
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Los Angeles Chargers really needed this win, but true to form, they managed to keep things interesting jili888 play. Despite an ill-timed turnover and some puzzling penalties that gave the Minnesota Vikings a glimmer of hope, the Chargers locked in a decisive 37-10 victory at SoFi Stadium. With this win, the Chargers improved to 5-3 and are heading into a mini-bye week, while the Vikings fell below .500 for the first time this season, now sitting at 3-4, with a challenging match against the Detroit Lions up next.
Here are my key takeaways:
1. Justin Herbert Receives Improved Protection from the O-line
As the game approached, Herbert had already been sacked a staggering 20 times, which placed him in a tie for the fifth-most in the NFL, and faced pressure an astounding 135 times. However, with left tackle Joe Alt back in the lineup after a three-game absence due to a high ankle sprain, there was newfound stability on the offensive line. Herbert thrived in this supportive environment, completing 18 of 25 passes for 227 yards, with three touchdown throws and one interception, along with a commendable 62 rushing yards. Remarkably, he was only sacked once during the game. The Chargers dodged a major bullet when a Herbert interception run back for a touchdown by Isaiah Rodgers was overturned and deemed incomplete by replay officials jilikp. Additionally, the Chargers finally found their stride in the running game, with Kimani Vidal rushing for an impressive 117 yards on 23 carries and scoring a touchdown. However, injury issues struck again for the Chargers as right guard Mekhi Becton exited with an ankle injury, while safeties Derwin James (ankle) and Tony Jefferson (hamstring) also faced time on the sidelines due to injuries. check site
2. Carson Wentz Struggles with Inconsistent Performance
Wentz had maintained a perfect record of 7-0 as a starter in Thursday night games but faced his first loss against the Chargers. Coming into this game, he held a 2-2 record as the Vikings’ starter, having stepped in for J.J. McCarthy, who sustained a high-ankle sprain in Week 2. Although Wentz had performed well in relief, he struggled to protect the football, throwing four interceptions. This trend continued against the Chargers, as he completed 15 of 27 passes for 144 yards, along with a touchdown and an interception. The Vikings lost left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a knee injury early in the game, which left Wentz under constant pressure, resulting in five sacks. Although McCarthy may make a return next week, head coach Kevin O’Connell must consider whether a road game in Detroit is the right opportunity for his inexperienced second-year quarterback.
3. Oronde Gadsden II Emerges as the Go-To Receiver for the Bolts
The Chargers are known for their elite tight ends, such as Hall of Famers Antonio Gates and Kellen Winslow, but a new playmaker is stepping up this season. Selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft, rookie Oronde Gadsden II continues to impress. superph win After a breakout performance last week against the Colts, where he had seven catches for 164 yards and a touchdown, he scored again on Thursday night, finishing with five receptions for 77 yards. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, the son of former Miami Dolphins receiver Oronde Gadsden has the agility of a wide receiver while boasting the size to break tackles downfield.
4. Vikings Struggle to Find Their Rhythm in the Running Game
Heading into the game, Minnesota ranked as one of the least effective rushing offenses in the league, averaging only 103 yards per game (20th in the NFL). Unfortunately for the Vikings, this trend continued on Thursday night, culminating in a mere 18 rushing yards. Coach O’Connell must find a way to establish a balanced offense that can protect Wentz and lift a stuttering passing game. Even with Aaron Jones activated from injured reserve after recovering from a hamstring injury, Minnesota failed to achieve any momentum on the ground, which is a troubling sign for their aspirations as the season progresses.
4 1/2. What’s Next?
With their performance against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ unit, the Chargers are feeling optimistic about their offensive line’s prospects moving forward. According to Next Gen Stats, Herbert recorded 13 of 15 completions for 162 passing yards while facing the Vikings’ blitz, marking his fourth-highest passing yard total against blitzes in a game throughout his career. The return of Alt was a positive development, though Becton’s injury could loom large ahead. Herbert expressed confidence about the offensive line’s future performance, stating, “We had a great protection plan. We were prepared for a lot of the blitzes they were going to bring. It’s just coming out, scrambling, and doing whatever we can to convert those third downs.”
What are your thoughts on the Chargers’ performance and their chances going forward this season?
