INGLEWOOD, CA — In prime time, and in front of a national audience, the Los Angeles Chargers got back in the winner’s column.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers routed the Minnesota Vikings 37-10 to improve to 5-3.
The Chargers took control of the game early. Herbert led the Chargers on three touchdown drives in the first half as team took a commanding 21-3 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Vikings couldn’t get anything going offensively in the second half and their defense provided little resistance as the Chargers were able to pad their lead.
Carson Wentz threw an interception with 12:02 remaining in the fourth quarter that prompted fans to head for the exits.
USA TODAY Sports was at SoFi Stadium for Thursday night’s Vikings vs. Chargers contest. Here are the winners and losers from the interconference matchup:
Winners
Record-setting Justin Herbert
Herbert completed 18-of-25 passes for 227 yards, to go with three touchdowns and one interception. The quarterback was in command and efficient for most of the contest.
Herbert has 2,146 career completions, the most completions ever by a player in his first six seasons.
Herbert entered Week 8 leading the league in passing yards (1,913) and ranked second in completions (183).
Chargers rushing offense
Th Chargers rushed for a season-high 207 yards.
Running back Kimani Vidal rushed 23 times for 117 yards and one touchdown.
The Chargers’ season-high output on the ground came without first-round pick RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) who is on injured reserve.
Oronde Gadsden II shines
A week after producing 164 receiving yards, the fourth-most ever by a rookie tight end in a game in NFL history, Oronde Gadsden II tallied five catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.
The Chargers found themselves a starting tight end for the present and future in Gadsden.
Slot receiver Ladd McConkey had a team-high six catches for 88 yards and a touchdown.
Chargers D
The Chargers defense held Minnesota to four first downs, 93 yards and three points in the first half. Minnesota’s only touchdown drive came on a short field after a Justin Herbert interception.
The Vikings only gained 164 yards of total offense and went 3-for-11 on third downs.
The Chargers played most of the game without star safety Derwin James who suffered an ankle injury in the first half. No Derwin, no problem: rookie safety RJ Mickens had an interception in the fourth quarter that convinced fans to beat the traffic.
Control-Alt-deleted the Vikings
Chargers standout tackle Joe Alt returned to the lineup after injuring his ankle in Week 4. He had an instant impact as he help stabilize the Chargers O-line.
Thursday best
The Chargers wore their modern throwback all navy uniforms for Thursday’s primetime game. After their popular powder blue unis, it’s probably the second-most visually appealing set they have in the closet.
Losers
The Vikings offense….
Wentz, who had a brace on his left arm, was under duress for much of the game. He was sacked five times and hit eight. He finished with just 144 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Wentz was on the injury report with a left shoulder injury leading up to the game. He didn’t look like he was 100%.
Justin Jefferson was a bright spot for the Vikings, as the wide receiver surpassed 8,000 career receiving yards in the matchup. He’s the fastest player to reach 8,000 receiving yards in the Super Bowl era.
…and the Vikings defense…
Vikings CB Isaiah Rodgers had an interception overturned when he didn’t maintain possession of the football on the Chargers first offensive series. It was a huge missed opportunity that would’ve given Minnesota some much-needed momentum.
The Vikings defense gave up 266 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. Minnesota trailed 21-3 at halftime.
The Chargers compiled 419 yards and a season-high 37 points on Minnesota’s defense.
…and the Vikings’ travel itinerary.
The Vikings had international games Week 4 in Ireland and Week 5 in London, followed by a cross country trip to Los Angeles in Week 8. The team played jetlagged on Thursday night.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
