There wasn’t a lot that went in the Los Angeles Chargers’ favor against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon.

Here is our instant analysis from the Chargers’ 39-10 loss to the Vikings.

Injury Report

Left tackle Russell Okung got hurt right before the end of the half on the Vikings’ fumble return for a touchdown. Okung attempted a tackle, but he came up limping. Okung, who was ruled as questionable with a groin injury, did not return to the game.

Injury Update: Russell Okung (groin) is questionable to return.

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) December 15, 2019

 

Play of the Game: Melvin Ingram’s interception

Following an interception thrown by quarterback Philip Rivers, Ingram picked up his teammate by picking off Kirk Cousins with less than a minute left in the second quarter. That marked Ingram’s second interception of his professional career.

wanted it. got it. 👑@MelvinIngram | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/hVguUcJyMK

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) December 15, 2019

 

Notable Number

7: There was nothing positive on the offensive side of the ball. The Chargers committed seven turnovers on the afternoon. The last time they did that was in the 1999 season.

Quick Takes

• Coming off his best performance last weekend, quarterback Philip Rivers was unable to match that outing. Rivers resorted back to his reckless ways, tossing three interceptions and wasn’t able to secure the football, which turned into a strip-sack that went for a touchdown.
• The offensive line was a mixed bag. They allowed three sacks, but one of them was a result of Rivers holding onto the ball too long when he had plenty of time to throw. Trent Scott replaced Russell Okung at left tackle, when this would have been a perfect time for rookie Trey Pipkins, who was ruled out, to get snaps.
• Running back Melvin Gordon struggled immensely on the ground today. Gordon only managed to amass 28 yards on seven carries, but he fumbled twice today, both of which were recovered by the defense.
• Gordon’s poor showing was noted by the coaching staff. As a result, he was benched for a good chunk of the second half in favor of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson. The decision to bench Gordon shows the loss of trust in the former Wisconsin product.
• The passing defense did a great job by keeping everything underneath for the most part, not allowing explosive plays, which the Vikings have excelled at this season. Quarterback Kirk Cousins finished with only 207 yards.
• The run defense was stellar against a dynamic Dalvin Cook. Once Cook went down with an injury, they struggled to stop his backup, Mike Boone, who went for 57 yards and two touchdowns. Their struggles came from lack of gap integrity and missed tackles.

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