HITTING RIVERS WAS THE GOAL
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was asked if he enjoyed calling the defensive plays as his team continually pressured San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers; the Vikings had 12 hurries and four sacks. "It's never really fun for me," Zimmer said. "We have quite a few blitzes left in the package if we need them. I felt like today was important that we went after this quarterback. I did not want him to sit in there and throw the football. So we decided that we were either going to get the ball out of his hands or we were going to hit him, and I think we hit him a few times today."
MANO-A-MANO
Vikings DE Everson Griffen vs. Chargers OT King Dunlap
WHO WON?
Griffen had 1½ sacks and five quarterback hurries with Dunlap struggling to block him. Dunlap ended up with a reported concussion. Griffen wins.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Convoy right
The Chargers trailed 24-7 at the Vikings 14 early in the fourth quarter. QB Philip Rivers (17) threw for Stevie Johnson (11), who collided with Vikings LB Gerald Hodges (50). The ball popped into the air and was intercepted by LB Chad Greenway (52), who rolled down the sideline, escorted by teammates, on a 91-yard return for a touchdown.
THE QUOTE
"I did play a lot of offense in high school, so I knew what to do with the football."
— Greenway
