Vikings 17, Chargers 24

What a frustrating game to watch as the Vikings lose 24-17 to the Chargers.  It started out great as Percy Harvin returned the opening kickoff for a TD.  The Vikings even held a 17-7 half time lead.  The second half is when things seemed to fall apart for the Vikings though.  It seemed as though they started playing not to lose rather than to win the game.  The offensive was incredibly conservative, it seemed like it consisted of run-run-pass, run-run-pass, run-run-pass, that doesn't usually cut it in the NFL.  The defense wasn't much better either, there were holes open all over the place that a QB the caliber of Phillip Rivers will just pick apart.  Anyways, the Vikes start out 0-1 on the season. 

Observations:
-Chargers 31 first downs, Vikings 10 first downs.
-Chargers 407 total yards, Vikings 187 total yards.
-Chargers time of possession 37:17, Vikings time of possession 22:43.
-Where were the half time adjustments?  The Chargers outscored the Vikings 17-0 in the second half.
-Charlie Johnson is no Bryant McKinnie.  He struggled all game at LT.
-Donovan McNabb completed 7 of 15 passes for just 39 yards, I fault the playing calling for that more than McNabb though.  Also, lack of protection.
-Where were the TE's???  No receptions for any Viking TE's today.
-Way too many stupid penalties, especially down the stretch. 
-Adrian Peterson had a nice game (98 yards on 16 carries), they cannot rely only on him though especially when teams start stacking the box to stop the run (like the Chargers did today).  
-Up next is Tampa Bay in Minneapolis @ Mall of America Field.

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***Cardinals 28, Panthers 21***
The Kevin Kolb era starts off 1-0 with a 28-21 victory over the Panthers.  Kolb looked good, he played at a much higher level than any QB the Cards played at any point last year.   The Ray Horton era as defensive coordinator on the other hand needs some work, they gave up 477 yards to a team playing a rookie QB in his first NFL start, I did like their aggressiveness though.   

Observations:
-Nice game by Early Doucet (3 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD), they really need a #2 WR to step up and Doucet showed he could be that guy.   
-Nice game by Beanie Wells too (90 yards on 18 carries, 1 TD).
-Patrick Peterson struggled a bit in his first NFL start at CB, his punt return for a TD really helped though. 
-Darryl Washington had a nice game at LB, hopefully his injury is not serious. 
-Cam Newton had perhaps the greatest NFL debut ever (422 yards passing, 3 TD's), he just may have a future in this league.  
-Up next is Washington (1-0) on the road in Washington.