Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Everything we know
The Vikings are not a perfect team.
How’s the offense? It depends on the week. A few weeks ago, the Dallas defense stifled the Minnesota offense to help the Cowboys beat the Vikings in Week 8. However, Minnesota’s offense looked efficient in Weeks 10-11.
What about the defense? That group is also up and down. Opposing offenses torched the Vikings secondary through the first two weeks. However, Minnesota’s defense looked sharp in Week 10.
Is the special teams great? Kicker Greg Joseph has decided games with field goals — in both victories and defeats.
But every now and then, this Minnesota team gives you enough hope to stay positive about its playoff chances.
Through all the chaos 2021 has had to offer, the Vikings upset the Chargers on the road to move to 4-5. For this team, the only thing that’s predictable is its unpredictability.
Final score: Vikings 27, Chargers 20
Photo: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
Keys to the game:
Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports
Chargers offense loses their spark: The Vikings defense held the Chargers offense to 20 points and just 253 total yards. Los Angeles QB Justin Herbert finished with 195 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Cousins comes through: The Vikings quarterback was more aggressive on Sunday. He tallied 294 passing yards, two touchdown passes and zero interceptions.
Cardiac Vikings: Minnesota faced another closely contested contest on Sunday. The Vikings have to put away games sooner. This week, though, Minnesota closed out the matchup with big plays in the perfect moments.
Stars of the week:
Photo: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
*** QB Kirk Cousins: He had 294 passing yards, two touchdown passes and one pick.
** LB Eric Kendrick: Kendricks led the team in tackles. He also had an interception and a sack.
* TE Tyler Conklin: He had two touchdown receptions.
It was over when...
Photo: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
On fourth-and-two, Dalvin Cook picked up a first down with over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Chargers had zero timeouts, so Minnesota simply ran out the clock afterward.
What's next?
Photo: Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports
Finally, the Vikings are back at home. Minnesota plays Green Bay at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday in Week 11.
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