Offensively, the Chargers will have to deal with the many exotic blitzes from Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The last time the Vikings and Chargers played in Week 3 of 2023, Flores blitzed quarterback Justin Herbert on 83.7 percent of dropbacks, according to TruMedia. It remains the highest blitz rate Herbert has seen in his career by a considerable margin. Herbert finished that game 40-of-49 passing for 405 yards and three touchdowns. This season, the Vikings have blitzed at the fourth-highest rate in the league, according to TruMedia — 21 percent of plays. How the Chargers handle these blitzes will be a hinge point in the game.
The interior of the offensive line played its worst game of the season against the Colts on Sunday. At times, left guard Zion Johnson and center Bradley Bozeman have struggled to identify and pick up blitzes and stunts. The Chargers are getting some reinforcements at tackle in Joe Alt, who is playing for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 4.