The San Diego Chargers overcome a 102-yard opening kickoff return TD by Percy Harvin to beat the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL's first week, 24-17, on the strength of three Mike Tolbert touchdowns.
NFL Scores, Week 1: Chargers Beat Vikings On Mike Tolbert’s Big Day
Donovan McNabb threw for just 39 yards and Mike Tolbert had three total touchdowns as the Chargers beat the Vikings 24-17 in the NFL’s opening week.
Donovan McNabb threw for just 39 yards in his Vikings debut, going 7-15 with a touchdown and a pick. He did run for 32 yards, but less than 80 total yards from a quarterback just ain't gettin' it done.
Harvin started the game with a bang, however, taking advantage of the Chargers' notoriously weak special teams — how else do you have the league's top-ranked offense and defense yet miss the playoffs? — but the Chargers responded by marching back up the field and scoring via a 1-yard touchdown from Philip Rivers to a wide open Tolbert.
After that, it was pretty much Adrian Peterson vs. the Chargers, and the Chargers won. Peterson ran for 96 yards, setting up McNabb's three-yard touchdown throw to new receiver Michael Jenkins.
The Chargers responded back with a steady dose of Mike Tolbert, who added a rushing touchdown and a beautiful 19-yard touchdown catch and run, which ended with a picturesque dive into the end zone.
Philip Rivers finished the game with 335 passing yards and those two touchdowns, attempting 48 passes and completing 33 of them.
It wasn’t all good news for Mike Tolbert though, as he left the game with an injury. More on that to come.
For fan reaction to the game, visit SB Nation’s Chargers’ blog, Bolts from the Blue, and Vikings’ blog, Daily Norseman.
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