Chargers Unleash Early Blitz on Vikings in Thrilling Thursday Night Showdown

You could feel the tension thickening the air as Carson Wentz took hit after hit, limping yet stubbornly plugging away beneath that relentless Thursday night spotlight. Meanwhile, the Vikings? Outclassed and outpaced, a mere shadow of their usual formidable selves, trailing 21-3 at the half. Los Angeles is marauding on the field, racking up yards like a steamroller—266 to Minnesota’s paltry 93—with Justin Herbert carving through defenses, Ice-cold with 191 yards and two touchdowns. He’s not just throwing darts either; the guy’s rushing for 51 yards on five carries, adding salt to the wound. The Chargers have pounced on nearly every opportunity, missing only one field goal—a rarity this season—for a flawless domination of possession and momentum. On the other side, Wentz’s bruised hand and nagging shoulder injury tell a story of grit under duress. Despite three sacks—two delivered by Justin Eboigbe—he’s still battling, throwing 10-of-16 for 99 yards, with Justin Jefferson hauling in six catches for 72 yards. Yet, the Vikings’ ground game remains as scarce as hen’s teeth, grinding out only ten yards on five rushes. Special teams mixed emotions with a 54-yard field goal made but a missed 53-yarder just as the half expired. This halftime tableau paints a picture of a Chargers side firing on all cylinders, and a Vikings squad grappling with adversity… and man, it’s only the beginning. LEARN MORE

Carson Wentz got beat up, and the Vikings got dominated in the first half.

The Chargers lead 21-3 at halftime Thursday night.

Los Angeles outgained Minnesota 266 to 93. Justin Herbert is 14-of-18 for 191 yards and two touchdowns, an 8-yard throw to tight end Oronde Gadsden and a 27-yarder to Ladd McConkey.

Herbert also has 51 rushing yards on five carries.

The Chargers scored on three of four possessions and didn’t punt, with their only non-touchdown drive ending with a missed 49-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker. It was Dicker’s first miss of the season.

McConkey and Gadsden both have five catches for 77 yards.

Wentz hit his hand on a helmet at one point and later appeared to aggravate his left shoulder injury. He did not miss a snap, but it’s obvious he’s playing at less than 100 percent.

He has taken three sacks, including two by Justin Eboigbe.

Wentz is 10-of-16 for 99 yards, with Justin Jefferson catching six for 72 yards. The Vikings have only five rushes for 10 yards.

Will Reichard kicked a 54-yard field goal but missed a 53-yarder on the final play of the half.