Memory Lane: San Diego Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 3 of the preseason is upon us. After an impressive 19-3 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, the Chargers find themselves staring down the barrel at the Minnesota Vikings, another team that is sure to make the playoffs this year.

In the last nine years, San Diego has faced Minnesota in three games that have been filled with thrilling highlights. Who could forget the dramatics in their 2007 contest, where Antonio Cromartie returned a missed field goal attempt at the end of the half, a record-breaking 109 yards for a touchdown to put the Chargers ahead at the

Sep 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the San Diego Chargers 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

end of the first half. Not to be outdone, Adrian Peterson rushed for an NFL record 296 yards that same game to help propel Minnesota to a 35-17 victory.

Fast forward four years later to when San Diego hosted the Vikings. Percy Harvin took the opening kickoff for a 103-yard touchdown return. The Chargers were able to overcome the fast start by the Vikings thanks to the efforts of Philip Rivers, which included him passing for 335 and two touchdowns to help lead San Diego to a 24-14 victory.

Then there was last year. Keenan Allen hauled in a beautiful 34-yard touchdown reception from Rivers, where he slipped between Xavier Rhodes and Andrew Sendejo for the score. Allen was able to come down with the catch and still managed to dodge Rhodes and Sendejo, who collided into each other while he trotted into the end zone to cut into the Vikings’ lead at half time.

However, once again the Chargers were depleted on the offensive line, losing center Chris Watt, left guard Orlando Franklin and left tackle King Dunlap all to injuries. The Vikings capitalized on these injuries and sacked Rivers four times, which forced him out of the game in the fourth quarter due to an insurmountable deficit. Peterson helped put the game out of reach for the Chargers as he ran through a depleted San Diego defense for 126 yards and two touchdowns, all within the first three quarters. The Vikings went on to defeat the Chargers 31-14.

Sep 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Overall, the Chargers are 6-6 when they face off against the Minnesota Vikings. Home-field advantage seems to be the common theme for both teams. The last time either one of these teams have won on the road was in November 1993, where San Diego defeated Minnesota 30-17