The Los Angeles Chargers rolled over the Minnesota Vikings 37–10 on Thursday Night Football last week to earn their fifth win of the season, keeping pace with the Denver Broncos atop the AFC West.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The Los Angeles Chargers rolled over the Minnesota Vikings 37–10 on Thursday Night Football last week to earn their fifth win of the season, keeping pace with the Denver Broncos atop the AFC West.
Quarterback Justin Herbert was dynamic all night, completing 18 of 25 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns.
The dominant performance came just days after the Chargers suffered their worst loss of the year — a 38–24 home defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. “We looked like s—,” veteran safety Derwin James said after that game.
This time, Los Angeles flipped the script, outgaining Minnesota 419 yards to 164 in total offense.
Vidal Breaks Out Again
Running back Kamani Vidal, starting for the third straight game due to injuries in the backfield, delivered another standout performance. The 2024 sixth-round pick — who was briefly released during roster cuts — ran for 117 yards on 23 carries and scored his first career rushing touchdown.
It marked his second 100-yard game in three starts. Vidal also impressed in Week 5 with 124 rushing yards against Miami, but Thursday’s performance proved it was no fluke. Against a Minnesota defense that held Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley to just 44 yards the previous week, Vidal showed he can be a consistent offensive threat.
Rookie Tight End Making History
The Chargers’ offense also benefited from rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who finished with five catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. The fifth-round pick has quickly become one of Herbert’s favorite targets.
Last week, Gadsden recorded seven catches for 164 yards and a score — the most by a Chargers tight end since Antonio Gates in 2009. With 240 receiving yards and two touchdowns over his last two games, he’s the first rookie tight end since Mike Ditka in 1961 to hit those marks in back-to-back contests.
Harbaugh Praises Team’s Response
Head coach Jim Harbaugh credited his team’s focus and resilience.
“Went back to work after Sunday,” Harbaugh said. “They just set their minds to it — they weren’t going to be denied. I thought it showed up in both lines. Really coming off the ball on defense, and our offensive line did a great job giving Justin enough time.”
With rookie tackle Joe Alt returning to the lineup for the first time since Week 3, the Chargers’ offensive line looked dominant, while the defense stifled the Vikings to avoid a second straight loss.
What’s Next
The 3–4 Vikings, now last in the NFC North, face a brutal remaining schedule and will host Detroit in a divisional matchup next week.
The Chargers (5–2) travel to Tennessee looking to extend their momentum and keep pace in the AFC West race.