Adrian Peterson had a huge day against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, keying an all-around effort for the Minnesota Vikings in an impressive 31-14 home victory. Here's 3 things we learned about both teams following this Week 3 tilt.
San Diego Chargers
1. San Diego's Offense Is Out Of Sorts
The Chargers offense hasn't looked good since Week 1's victory over the Detroit Lions. Yes, San Diego moved the ball a fair amount in this one from a total yards perspective (xx yards). But, two costly turnovers (1 INT, 1 FUM) and a bunch of stalled drives don't exactly scream offensive efficiency. San Diego needs to rebalance themselves from a pass/run perspective before next Sunday's home game against the Browns.
2. On The Other Side Of The Ball...
The rush defense looked TERRIBLE on Sunday. You can give 50% of that credit to Adrian Peterson and his 126-yard, 2-TD day. Regardless, the Chargers shouldn't have been gashed for 5.5 yards a carry while stacking seven and eight in the box against the run-heavy Vikes.
3. Next Week Is Critical
We're not trying to add too much weight to a Week 4 game. But, the Chargers NEED to roll over the Browns at home next week or risk falling to 1-3 in deflating fashion. The AFC West is too deep (yes, we're looking at the Raiders too) to fall so far behind the eight ball and lose such a winnable game.
Minnesota Vikings
1. Adrian Peterson Is BACK, Baby
Following up a vintage 134-yard performance in Minnesota's 26-16 victory over the Detroit Lions last week, Peterson gashed the Chargers all day long. Whether it's between the tackles or breaking the edge of the defense, All Day is unquestionably back to being one of the game's elite rushers.
2. That Defense, Though
The Vikings defense bent a bit in Sunday's win, but they only really broke a couple of times. This is the Minnesota D that we were all so excited about before the season -- aggressive, unyielding and clutch. Minnesota's playoff hopes hinge on the Vikings putting together more top-level defensive performances like this.
3. Teddy Bridgewater Is Still Going Through Growing Pains
Bridgewater went just 13-for-24 for 121 yards and a pick in this one, functioning more as a game manager than an actual aerial threat. The Vikings didn't need him to air it out, but he still needs to find and maintain a rhythm heading into October, light workload or not.
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