Chargers 24, Vikings 17
Mike Tolbert scored three touchdowns, including a 19-yard reception with 5:10 remaining, as the host San Diego Chargers overcame more problems on special teams to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 24-17 on Sunday.
San Diego punter Mike Scifres made a 40-yard field goal with 10:09 left in the fourth quarter to make it 17-17. Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding suffered a left knee injury while trying to make a tackle on the opening kickoff, which Minnesota’s Percy Harvin returned 103 yards for a touchdown.
The Chargers spoiled the Vikings’ debut of quarterback Donovan McNabb, who was 7-of-15 for 39 yards and a touchdown. His first pass was intercepted at his own 6 by Shaun Phillips and, three players later, Philip Rivers connected with Tolbert for a 1-yard touchdown pass to make it 7-7.
Rivers finished 33-of-48 for 335 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions as the Chargers outgained the Vikings in total yards 407-187.
Adrian Peterson, who set an NFL record with 296 rushing yards in the Vikings’ 35-17 victory over the Chargers in 2007, rushed for 98 yards on 16 carries Sunday.
The Chargers have started 2-3 for four straight seasons, and missed the playoffs in 2010 after winning four straight AFC West titles.
San Diego allowed four kickoff or punt returns for touchdowns last season.