By: Korbin McCarthy
What a difference a few days can make. Earlier in the week, the Los Angeles Chargers suffered a somewhat of an embarrassing 38-24 home loss to the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts, dropping them to 4-3 overall. Four days later, the Chargers hosted the 3-3 Minnesota Viking for a Thursday Night match up at SoFi Stadium.
The Chargers made the most of the short week. They were able to regroup and pull off a statement making 37-10 win to get back into the win column and get their season back on track. The win improved the Chargers to 5-3 in Week 8, and put them in second place in the AFC West, one game behind the Denver Broncos who sit at the top of the Division with a 6-2 record. The Chargers beat the Broncos 23-20 in home match up in Week 3.
During their most recent outing against the Vikings the Chargers put on a show. They performed well in all 3 phases of the game. Defensively they held the Vikings to 34 total rushing yards and 157 total receiving yards. Special teams wise, they did not punt the ball all night. Offensively they controlled the game with a well balanced running and passing attack. Quarterback Justin Herbert put on a show passing for 227 yards, while the team rushed for a combined 207 yards. The rushing attack featured Kimani Vidal who led the team with 117 rushing yards.
Hard work, persistence and patience has paid off for Vidal. At the start of the season Vidal was a member of the practice. However, due to some unfortunate injuries to Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, the opportunity for Vidal to step up presented itself.
“During my time on the practice squad I made sure I stayed focused and ready for my opportunity,” said Vidal. “This opportunity means everything to me and want to make the most of it,” he added.
Vidal’s production and hard work has not gone unnoticed. Chargers’ wide receiver Ladd McConkey give him credit for stepping up and filling the void at the running back position.
“He’s been awesome. I thought even last year when he got his opportunity he stepped up and made big plays. He’s worked hard these past couple weeks, it’s just great to see,” said McConkey. “He’s been putting in the work and he was ready for his moment. Unfortunately injuries happen but he stepped up and pick up where they left off,” added McConkey.
Even Herbert recognizes the value Vidal has brought the team and important role he plays.
“We’re lucky to have him. To lose two very good running backs like Omarion (Hampton) and Najee (Harris) they are tough to replace. Kimani (Vidal) has done such a great job of stepping up and making plays,” said Herbert. “Whether it’s catching or running out of the backfield, he done an awesome job. He is a true leader, and a great teammate. I’m glad to have him,” Herbert added.
Vidal has definitely made his presence felt on the Chargers offense. He provides another weapon for Herbert to attack opposing defenses. The second year man out of Troy not only provides the Chargers with the much-needed help out of the backfield, but will also provide them with depth in the future. Vidal’s presence is without a doubt helping the Chargers round into form offensively. Vidal is an every down back who can catch the ball out of the backfield and rush the ball between the numbers.
Vidal will play a key role in the Chargers offense when they travel to Tennessee on Sunday, November 2 to take on the Titans who sit at the bottom of the AFC South with a record of 1-7.
