Chargers crushed Vikings 37-10 while Minnesota looks to McCarthy

The Los Angeles Chargers put on a show Thursday night, rolling over the Minnesota Vikings 37-10. Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes, Kimani Vidal ran for over 100 yards, and the defense kept Minnesota under constant pressure.

It was one of those games where everything clicked for the Chargers. Minnesota, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm with Carson Wentz at quarterback and is now looking forward to getting rookie J.J. McCarthy back on the field.

Herbert kept the offense moving

Herbert looked sharp from the first snap, spreading the ball around and finding Ladd McConkey, Oronde Gadsden II, and Tre’ Harris for touchdowns. He also used his legs to scramble for 62 yards.

With left tackle Joe Alt back, the offensive line finally had some stability. The Chargers converted 9 of 12 third downs and scored every time they reached the red zone. Vidal’s runs added some extra punch, and the offense just seemed to flow.

It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient. Short passes, quick runs, and Herbert’s mobility kept the Vikings on their heels the entire night.

Defense Took Control

The Chargers’ defense was impressive. They sacked Wentz five times and intercepted him once. Veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack added a sack and a big stop against the run.

Minnesota managed just 18 rushing yards before garbage time and couldn’t get much going through the air. Even without safety Derwin James Jr., the defense stayed disciplined, with linebackers closing gaps and the secondary forcing Wentz into short throws.

Wentz fought through pain

Wentz gave his all, completing 15 of 27 passes for 144 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He took five sacks and eight hits and played through a shoulder injury. After a hard hit late in the game, he threw his helmet in frustration but later apologized.

Despite the pain, he wanted to stay in and help the team. “The pain is there, but I felt I could still make a difference and try to lead some drives,” Wentz said.

McCarthy is close to returning

Rookie J.J. McCarthy has been out for six weeks with a right ankle sprain. Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that he plans to get McCarthy back once he’s healthy.

“If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play,” O’Connell said. “That has been the plan all along, and I think we’re very close to that point.”

McCarthy started the first two games of the season before injuring his ankle. He trained lightly this week but didn’t play against the Chargers. Minnesota hopes he’ll be ready for their next game against the Detroit Lions.

Veteran leadership mattered

Even with injuries, the Chargers stayed composed. Wentz wasn’t pulled until the final minutes, showing the coaching staff trusted his experience. Rookie Max Brosmer only got a few plays at the end.

The Chargers’ players executed well on both sides of the ball, communicating clearly and adjusting when needed. They played fast and smart, keeping control from start to finish.

Chargers showed team chemistry

This was a team win. Offense and defense moved in sync, and even with a few key players sidelined, Los Angeles didn’t skip a beat. It was precise, controlled, and confident football.

Herbert, Vidal, and the defense all contributed, but it was the way the team worked together that stood out the most.

Vikings look to reset

Minnesota will use the mini-bye to regroup and focus on getting healthy. McCarthy’s return should help stabilize the offense. The team needs to regain rhythm, particularly with the offensive line, to have a chance in upcoming games.

Thursday night showed the difference between a team in rhythm and one still trying to find its footing. For Los Angeles, it was a statement. For Minnesota, it was a reminder of how much they’ve missed their young quarterback.