Times wires
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Chargers shake off usual slow start
SAN DIEGO — The Chargers seemed headed for another slow start under coach Norv Turner.
They let former Florida star Percy Harvin return the opening kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, and kicker Nate Kaeding hurt his left knee on the play, forcing punter Mike Scifres into the placekicking role for the first time since college.
But then the Vikings sputtered and Philip Rivers got the opening he'd waited for. His 19-yard touchdown to fullback Mike Tolbert with 5:01 to play won it for San Diego.
"When we face adversity, we don't curl up and call it quits," said Scifres, a nine-year veteran who signed a $19 million contract extension Wednesday.
On the winning play, Rivers rolled left and waited for Tolbert to get open inside the 5-yard line, then lobbed the pass.
Minnesota led 17-7 at halftime, but gained only 26 yards on 17 plays in the second half behind new quarterback Donovan McNabb. He was intercepted on the Vikings' first play from scrimmage.
Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/chargers-24-vikings-17/1191080
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