The San Diego Chargers fell to 1-2 on the preseason after dropping a 23-10 decision to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the loss, the Bolts' first-team red zone defense showed promise as did Melvin Gordon, who secured his second touchdown of the preseason.
Stat of the Game:
After only notching 46 rushing yards last week, the Bolts offense improved to 100 yards on the day against the Vikings.
Play of the Game:
On 1st-and-10 from the Minnesota 39, Melvin Gordon took a handoff from Philip Rivers and rushed up the middle into an open field for a 39-yard touchdown. The score was Gordon's second of the preseason.
Turning Point:
While San Diego had momentum after Josh Lambo gave them a 10-6 with 2:28 remaining in the first half, , Minnesota recaptured the lead for good when Teddy Bridgewater lobbed a deep pass over the middle to tight end Kyle Rudolph. Although their two-point conversion attempt failed, the Vikings took a 12-10 lead heading into the half and the Chargers never scored again in the game.
It Was Over When:
In the fourth quarter, Chargers QB Mike Bercovici's pass intended for Torrence Allen was picked off by Vikings CB Jayron Kearse. Ultimately, the pick ended up in points for the home team as on Minnesota's ensuing drive, the Vikings drove down to the San Diego five-yard line where Blair Walsh kicked his team to a 23-10 lead which San Diego could not recover from.
Bolt Quotebook:
"When you come on the road, there are certain things you've got to do. You can't turn the ball over. You can't have penalties (and) you can't give up big plays defensively. We got off to a slow start defensively, but the great thing during the game for the defense was the red area defense." – Head Coach Mike McCoy
"As a defender, the main focus is to not let (the offense) get into the end zone so if they get close, it is still our goal to not let them score. They are already in the red zone so the most they can get is three. That is how defenses think (to) not even let them get down there where they can get that is the best situation." – DE Darius Philon
"It's always good when you can be explosive out there for the offense. Credit to those guys for helping me out. It's not just me, obviously I need help doing it. But it's always great when you can go out there and make explosive plays." – RB Melvin Gordon
"Injuries can happen and (Branden Oliver) works about as hard as anyone and it's unfortunate. He's what you see. Obviously takes care of himself great. He's in early and detail-oriented with game plans…It just sucks that it happened to him." – RB Danny Woodhead
Odds and Ends
The Vikings outgained the Chargers in total yardage, 326 to 286. They held advantages in both rushing (122 to 100) and passing (204 to 186).
Tyrell Williams led all receivers in receptions (3) for 36 yards. Running back Danny Woodhead had the longest reception of the day good for 25 yards.
Dexter McCoil led the defense with 10 total tackles. Ben Gardner and Nick Dzubnar both notched four..
Four Bolts secured sacks including Darius Philon, Chuka Ndulue, Corey Liuget and Damion Square. The four sacks were good for a total loss of 33 yards.
Melvin Gordon had a 2016 preseason high 51 rushing yards on the day.
Today's captains were Joe Barksdale, Nick Dzubnar, Dontrelle Inman, Brandon Flowers and Corey Liuget.
Inactives for the Chargers include Antonio Gates, Brandon Mebane, Jatavis Brown, Jahleel Addae and D.J. Fluker.
The Chargers take on the Minnesota Vikings for preseason game three at US Bank Stadium.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) hands the ball off during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs from Minnesota Vikings defensive back Michael Griffin (33) during a 39-yard touchdown run in the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, right, runs from Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes, left, during a 39-yard touchdown run in the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, left, is tackled by Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Chad Greenway (52) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring on a 39-yard touchdown run in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon runs up field during a 39-yard touchdown run in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers tackle King Dunlap, right, blocks Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, left, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead, left, runs from Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr, right, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, center, talks with teammates on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) scrambles up field during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers cornerback Craig Mager stands on the field during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon carries the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon celebrates with fans after a 39-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers defensive back Dexter McCoil waits on the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) is tackled by San Diego Chargers' Manti Te'o, left, and Melvin Ingram, right, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett walks on the field during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams runs up field after making a reception during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
San Diego Chargers linebacker Shaq Petteway waits on the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks to throw a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Troy Stoudermire (1) is tackled by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Tourek Williams, lower right, during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) drops back to pass during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
