To start the second half, the San Diego Chargers received the kickoff from the Minnesota Vikings, having deferred after winning the opening coin toss. The Chargers got nothing on their first drive, as a big sack of Philip Rivers by Tom Johnson forced the Chargers into a three-and-out. A big punt return by Marcus Sherels gave the ball to the Vikings in San Diego territory at the 43-yard line.
It didn't take the Vikings long to cash in. . .one play, as a matter of fact. Teddy Bridgewater took the first snap of the half, handed the ball to Adrian Peterson, and he did the rest. He went around the right side, stiff-armed a Charger to the turf, cut back to the inside, and high-stepped into the end zone for a 43-yard touchdown run. Walsh put home the extra point, and the Vikings found themselves ahead by ten again at 17-7.
That touchdown for Peterson. . .his second of the game. . .ties him with Randy Moss for second in Vikings' history with 93. Cris Carter is the team's all-time touchdown leader with 110.
The Vikings forced the Chargers to punt again on their next possession, but a penalty on the punt return backed the Vikings up to their own 10-yard line to start the drive. Minnesota moved their way to midfield, getting guys like Cordarrelle Patterson (9 yards and a first down on an end around) and Adam Thielen (11 yards and a first down on a slant) involved to get there. A 17-yard hit to Mike Wallace from Bridgewater put the Vikings into San Diego territory at the 33, and Peterson quickly picked up 10 more to get it to the 23. The drive stalled, and it looked like the Vikings would have to settle for a field goal, but a holding penalty on the Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram on Blair Walsh's attempt gave the Vikings an automatic first down at the 17. Peterson carried the ball twice more to put it on the one-yard line. . .and then, much like in the Detroit game, the Vikings brought on touchdown machine Zach Line to punch it over from one yard out. Blair Walsh put home another extra point, and the Vikings put themselves up 24-7.
As we move to the fourth quarter of play, the Chargers are looking at a 2nd-and-13 from their own 42-yard line.
The Minnesota Vikings lead the San Diego Chargers by a score of 24-7 with one quarter of play to go. Will the Vikings move to 2-1 on the season? Hang out with us to find out!