Vikings at Chargers
THE STORY: The Donovan McNabb era in Minnesota begins Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings meet the Chargers in San Diego. McNabb, who was acquired from the Redskins, takes over for Brett Favre and is hoping to resurrect his career after a forgettable 2010 in Washington. The Chargers missed the playoffs last season after winning four consecutive AFC West titles, but key defensive acquisitions could land San Diego in its first Super Bowl since 1995. The Chargers, though, will have to contend with running back Adrian Peterson, who had a record-setting performance against them in their last meeting.
TV: FOX, 4:15 p.m. ET. LINE: Chargers -8.5, O/U 41.5
ABOUT THE CHARGERS (2010: 9-7, 2nd, AFC West): While the offense, led by quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates, usually carries San Diego, it is the other side of the ball that could make the difference in 2010. Linebacker Takeo Spikes and safety Bob Sanders join linebacker Shaun Phillips as big-play threats. The Chargers had the No. 1 defense by yardage last season, but was 23rd with 23 takeaways, including 26th in forced fumbles (10). San Diego must improve on special teams, which allowed five blocked or deflected punts and four kick returns for touchdowns last season.
ABOUT THE VIKINGS (2010: 6-10, 4th, NFC North): McNabb, who is 97-51-1 as a starter, will try to lead Minnesota out of the division cellar. McNabb finished in the NFC East basement last season as he threw a career-high 15 interceptions and never seemed to click with Redskins coach Mike Shanahan. Peterson rushed for 1,298 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2010 to become the fourth player in NFL history to rush for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first four seasons. Leslie Frazier begins his first full season as Minnesota coach. He guided the Vikings to a 3-3 finish in 2010 after Brad Childress was fired.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Peterson set an NFL record with 296 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns in the Vikings’ 35-17 victory over the visiting Chargers in the last meeting on Nov. 4, 2007.
2. Rivers led the NFL with a career-high 4,710 passing yards in 2010, and will try to become the first Chargers quarterback to record four consecutive 4,000-yard seasons.
3. The Chargers have started their last four seasons 2-3.