The word on the radio going up to the game had the Chargers listing 18 inactive. Two of the players I was hoping to see, Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates were 2 of the 18. I really thought even though just preseason this game should be dominated by the purple.
Two indicators to start the game that this game as not going to go the way I had hoped was one, the Vikings opening drive 3 and out and it only took 26 seconds to start the game. I really thought it was a good crowd and there was a good atmosphere so this was not a good way to start. The first drive over, ok well get them the next drive. The same thing 3 and out, making me wonder what is going on after last week first string looking good.
The second indicator came from the defense. It was only one play but what if the result was different. Defensive End Brian Robison leaped just as Chargers quarterback Charlie Whitehurst threw the ball. I thought for sure interception and a pick six as a result. It looked as though Robison was shocked he did not come down with it. It is a game of inches.
It is preseason and if the mistakes are going to happen this is the time to get them out of the way and learn from them. The three players all vying for the third running back all had terrible timed fumbles. Lex Hilliard, Matt Asiata, and Derrick Coleman all had fumbles costing the Vikings shot at some points. I was really hoping to see one of these guys step up.
Jordan Todman ,running back, who came from the Chargers practice squad finally got some playing time after spending much of camp dealing with a sprained ankle. This would be a game he could show the Chargers they should have hung onto him. I did like a swing pass he caught coming out of the backfield and was able to demonstrate some of his speed. Overall it was just not much of Todman in the game. It will be interesting when cut down day comes what the team thinks of him. Do they think highly enough of him and his potential to keep him?
The game as an obvious statement had way too many turnovers. The sad part to have so many turnovers and lose on a game ending field goal seems a little like last season. The game had way too many penalties by both teams never really giving this game a good flow.
I very much liked the defensive hustle tonight really keeping the Chargers unsettled. The first team defensive line came to play. Jared was Jared and it was a great sight. The only thing missing was his celebration act he does so well.
The game was a loss but aside from that the Vikings came out of this game that there are things to be fixed. The next game is Thursday in Houston so the work needs to be quickly done. I am a believer this team will get it figured out.
A game ending field goal is never fun to watch making for a tough walk out of the dome. The ride home listening to the radio made me laugh when they KFAN was discussing the officials tonight. The letter grade given was an F-. I have to admit it was shocking to see how much trouble the officials had in figuring out where the ball should be placed. The amount of booing by the crowd was comical. When you watch a game the placement of the ball just comes natural. These guys gave a new meaning as they huddled to discuss the placement of the ball.
Two other comical sighting came from within the crowd. The guy next to me came to the game already having too much to drink but he did say something I thought rather clever. It is the State Fair time and with that comes many things on a stick. This gentlemen, who could hardly walk yells out, Hey Vikings, you guys are playing Chargers on a stick.”
A mini donut vendor came up the steps and we noticed he was holding a two sided sign. It said mini on one side and donuts on the other. The sign was handmade was clever as he turned it from one side to the other as he was coming up the steps.
The next home game is the home opener against Jacksonville Jaguars. Only one game left, Thursday at 6 at Houston with the final chance to see what this 2012 team is all about.
Next up: I saw more positives in the Friday night game that has me encouraged that I will go over.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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