The Minnesota Vikings (2-1) harassed Philip Rivers into two turnovers in a 31-14 home blowout win over the San Diego Chargers (1-2). Here is what you need to know:
- The Vikings' defense obliterated the Chargers' offensive line and pummelled Philip Rivers. Everson Griffen was a beast, bullying blockers and was in Rivers' dome all game long. Griffen earned six tackles, two sacks and a pass defended.
After letting the Chargers drive 94 yards to end the half for a TD -- including an ill-fated three-man rush on third-and-18 -- Mike Zimmer's philosophy was obvious: Blitz, blitz, blitz, repeat. It worked to disrupt Rivers' quick passing game. The quarterback entered completing over 81 percent of his passes. He completed just 62 percent of his 34 passes Sunday with a pick-six and a fumble against a furious pass rush.
- It took some time for Adrian Peterson to get rolling, but the bruising back bulldozed defenders in the second half. On the first carry from scrimmage in the third quarter, Peterson destroyed a defender with a stiff arm, then ran through Eric Weddle like the safety was invisible for a 43-yard TD. Peterson scored twice on the day. He hadn't had a touchdown since 2013. All Day had 126 yards on the ground.
- Teddy Bridgewater struggled early, often throwing off his back foot. He steadied himself later when the ground game got going. Through three games, it's clear that Teddy needs the running game to grind out yards and allow him to manage situations. When Norv Turner calls passes early, Bridgewater looks erratic.
- It helped Bridgewater that Chargers corner Jason Verrett went out with a foot injury. With Brandon Flowers inactive due to injury, the depleted San Diego secondary couldn't press receivers.
- The Vikings endured a secondary injury of their own. Xavier Rhodes suffered a concussion after a brutal collision near the end of the first half. First-round pick Trae Waynes took over for Rhodes. It was the first defensive snap of the rookie's career.
- The Chargers' offensive line opened zero holes in the running game. Rookie running back Melvin Gordon was constantly hit in the backfield, had to dance before he could get north-and-south and wasn't able to show the burst he displayed last week.
