Chargers embarrassed by Vikings in Week 15 turnover fest
By Travis Wakeman
The Los Angeles Chargers played one of their worst games of the season against the Minnesota Vikings as it seemed they just didn’t really think having the ball was necessary.
The Chargers turned the ball over seven times, yes, seven times en route to being routed by the Vikings by a final score of 39-10. That included three interceptions and four lost fumbles.
Philip Rivers looked like the Rivers we have seen for much of this season, throwing for 307 yards but also being careless with the football as he threw three picks. He also lost a fumble as he was stripped when put under pressure. That ball was nearly recovered by Austin Ekeler but he dropped it too and the Vikings picked it up and ran it back for a touchdown.
Melvin Gordon lost two fumbles in the game and found his way to the bench as the Chargers brought Justin Jackson in for some carries.
It was an ugly day for the Chargers and a microcosm of what has been a terrible season.
The Chargers were able to keep this one close prior to the fumble return for a touchdown. Until that point, they trailed just 12-10 and had the ball. That play started a flood of points for the Vikings, however, as they scored 27 unanswered to blow out the home team.
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Rivers did throw for over 300 yards and Keenan Allen caught nine passes for 99 yards. Mike Williams also had 71 yards receiving and scored the team’s only touchdown. But the Chargers rushed for just 62 yards in the game and failed to sack Kirk Cousins even one time.
The Vikings ran for 137 yards on the ground but when you look at the box score, the stats are pretty even. The turnovers were the story. You’re going to lose 99.9 percent of the games you turn the ball over seven times in.
With the loss, the Chargers fall to 5-9 on the season and still sit at the bottom of the AFC West division. They will host the Oakland Raiders next Sunday.