Week 8 Preview: Vikings Face Chargers Showdown
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for their upcoming clash with the Los Angeles Chargers, the atmosphere in the locker room reflects a strong desire to bounce back from a recent defeat. The Vikings suffered a disappointing six-point loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Following the game, players expressed readiness to move on and focus on the next opportunity.
Turning the Page
Vikings Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers emphasized the team’s intent to leave the Philadelphia game behind. He described his hope of departing U.S. Bank Stadium without lingering memories of this loss. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of learning from past performances.
“You’re not flushing it from a standpoint of forgetting what happened,” O’Connell stated, indicating that the team remains optimistic. He highlighted the positives and areas for improvement that were identified in their game footage. The quick turnaround presents a chance for the Vikings to put those lessons into action against the Chargers.
Chargers’ Dynamic Quarterback
Facing them is quarterback Justin Herbert, a formidable opponent who stands at 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 236 pounds. Herbert recently set a career high by throwing for 420 yards in a game, surpassing his previous record of 405 yards. Further complicating matters, he became the first player in NFL history to achieve over 35 completions, exceed 420 passing yards, record three touchdown passes, and rush for over 30 yards in a loss.
O’Connell’s Take on Herbert
O’Connell spoke highly of Herbert during a media interaction, noting his size, strength, and athleticism. The coach believes Herbert does not receive adequate recognition for his athletic skills. “He can hurt you in the pocket with elite arm strength and accuracy,” O’Connell explained. “But he can also create plays with his legs.”
Herbert is currently leading the league in passing attempts with 271 and total passing yards at 1,913. Additionally, he holds a passer rating of 94.5, which is slightly above the league average. His QBR of 65.5 ranks him ninth overall, marking his second-best performance in this category throughout his career.
Preparing for the Clash
The Vikings understand the challenges posed by the Chargers’ potent offense. O’Connell mentioned the team’s awareness of the Chargers’ intentions to establish a strong running game while effectively utilizing their pass attack. Both familiar names and emerging players within the Chargers’ lineup will be instrumental in this matchup.
As the Vikings gear up for this crucial Week 8 showdown, they remain focused on turning their recent loss into a learning experience and seeking redemption on the field.
