The Vikings couldn\u2019t run. They also couldn\u2019t stop the run. They struggled to pass. They also made it seem as if they did not know how to defend the pass.\u00a0Offensively, it felt like they were getting hit with a tidal wave. Defensively, there was no resistance. To top it all off, a lack of discipline ran rampant, primarily on special teams.<\/p>\n
Head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell admitted postgame that the team was outplayed and outcoached. Linebacker Blake Cashman preferred the term \u201csloppy.\u201d<\/p>\n
What, Blake, was most sloppy?<\/p>\n
He laughed audibly in response to that question, and then asked: \u201cWhere do I start?\u201d<\/p>\n
Many of the players who talked afterward said the team\u2019s performance surprised them. But should it have? Not only did the Chargers possess a far superior quarterback in Justin Herbert, but the Vikings have only beaten the Bears, Bengals and Browns.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s an undercurrent of tension with this team. You could feel it in the spring. It was evident during training camp. The overseas trip may have only added more. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard passionately defended the team\u2019s vibe following the Week 3 win over Cincinnati, but nights like these make you question the overall connectivity.<\/p>\n
This subject has already surfaced in the minds of folks internally, according to those with knowledge of team dynamics dating back to the spring.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not worried,\u201d safety and captain Josh Metellus said. \u201cI think we\u2019ve got the right guys in this building, the right coaches, the right staff.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cashman\u2019s analysis was more sobering. He mentioned the team\u2019s 3-4 record. He noted the competitive nature of the NFC North. He described the present situation as feeling like \u201cyou\u2019re staring down the barrel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Next week\u2019s opponent, the Lions, has beaten the Vikings five times in a row. The ensuing week, Minnesota hosts the Ravens, who could have a healthy Lamar Jackson. Two games against the Packers are coming. The Vikings also must fly out to Seattle, Dallas and New York.<\/p>\n
All of this after being outgained 419-164. All of this after being mowed over by the Chargers\u2019 fronts.<\/p>\n
What must they do to keep the train from skidding off the tracks?<\/p>\n
\u201cFor lack of a better term,\u201d Cashman said, \u201cnut up.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2242904418-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n Justin Herbert carved the Vikings up for 225 yards and three touchdowns. (Harry How \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n
O\u2019Connell cited fundamentals and techniques as the primary issue, but the players tasked with carrying them out warrant their own conversation. It makes sense to begin with the quarterback, a subject that may have started all the tension in the first place.<\/p>\n
This spring, the Vikings opted not to offer former quarterback Sam Darnold a lengthy contract. They did covet Daniel Jones \u2014 an action that speaks to their belief in the need for quarterback insurance \u2014 but Jones chose the more advantageous opportunity with the Colts. That\u2019s when the idea of Aaron Rodgers surfaced, and, even though plenty of people inside the building supported the idea as a way to give young quarterback J.J. McCarthy more developmental time, the Vikings forged ahead with McCarthy as the primary starter for 2025.<\/p>\n
All of these months later, Darnold and Jones are thriving in Seattle and Indy, respectively. Rodgers is excelling in Pittsburgh. McCarthy was uneven before a high-ankle sprain forced the Vikings to turn to Carson Wentz. He has played how you\u2019d expect Wentz to play, especially given the serious injury to his non-throwing shoulder. On Thursday night, Wentz, who was rolling around in pain for much of the night and left to take body blows for three hours, wore a contraption that made him look like he was dressing up as Bane in Batman for Halloween.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve never worn anything remotely close to all that,\u201d Wentz said after the game.<\/p>\n
Offensive line injuries haven\u2019t made the circumstances easier for either quarterback. Concussions have prevented center Ryan Kelly from being available. Left guard Donovan Jackson broke his wrist. Right tackle Brian O\u2019Neill sprained his MCL. And Christian Darrisaw, who tore his ACL and MCL on this turf almost a year ago to the day, has taken himself out of two of the last three games. All of this carnage only amplifies the role of a defense that is without Andrew Van Ginkel, its key cog at edge rusher.<\/p>\n