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Minnesota's attempt to make a quick turnaround was more of a wrong turn for the Vikings last Thursday in Los Angeles.

In short, it was a "hell ride" in the City of Angels.

The opening kickoff popped for 46, but a holding penalty moved the ball all the way back to the 16.

Minnesota's offense failed to convert third-and-1 on the opening drive and bottlenecked throughout the night. The defense was unable to get off the field, allowing four third-down conversions during a 14-play drive by the Chargers to begin the evening.

Injuries added up, AGAIN, and there were lapses in every phase.

For the second time in as many years, the Vikings followed a disappointing home loss in Week 7 with allowing 30-plus points on Thursday Night Football at SoFi Stadium.

The Vikings (3-4) return to the field this week for a practice session today before resuming their regular Wednesday-Friday sessions ahead of Sunday games. The hope is the team can fix its ills before opening a stretch of "normalcy" in November with four consecutive noon games.

This Sunday remarkably is the first noon road game this season. But the schedule doesn't get easier. Detroit (5-2) has won the past six games against Minnesota for its longest all-time win streak in the series, and the Lions will be well rested after their Week 8 bye.

Which presents a moment of contention for this year's schedule.

Every year when the schedule is released, Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis does a deep dive on "rest advantages" (or disadvantages, depending on perspective. I recommend this video on YouTube for his full breakdown.

In summary, the Lions play one game on shorter rest than an opponent (one day) all season and eight games on longer rest than an opponent (five games with one-day advantages and three games with three-day advantages) for an NFL high net of plus-13 rest days.

Green Bay is at a rest disadvantage against four opponents (minus-14 days) and a rest advantage against four (plus-12) for a net of minus-2 days.

Minnesota is at a rest disadvantage against four opponents (minus-10 days) and a rest advantage against two opponents (plus-7) for a net of minus-3 days.

Chicago is at a rest disadvantage against five opponents (minus-13 days) and at a rest advantage against two (plus-9 days) for a net of minus-4 days.

It is quite a discrepancy from the NFC West, where all four teams are ranked third through sixth in terms of net rest days (Rams at plus-10, 49ers at plus-9, Seahawks at plus-8 and Cardinals at plus-7).

After Detroit at plus-13, the Dolphins ranked second at plus-11.

We'll start this week's questions with another schedule-related topic.

In John Breech’s Tuesday column on cbssports.com, he noted that over the past 20 years Thursday night visiting teams that travel across two time zones are a combined 4-17.

Make that now 4-18. The Vikings were victim No. 17 last year when thrashed by the Rams on a Thursday night in L.A. after being beaten up by the Lions four days prior. History has repeated in L.A., this time at the hands of the Chargers after our bruising Sunday game against the Eagles. 4-18. Hopefully NFL hierarchy is now aware of that trend (though I suspect they already were) and tell their schedule makers to stop the Thursday night carnage. Based on historical fact, the Vikings had very little chance in this game.

— Dan in NW Arkansas

That's about as automatic as things can get in an uncertain league that tries to pride itself on parity and competitive balance.

I admittedly was shocked about that occurrence of events happening for a second consecutive when the schedule was released, and I honestly didn't know just how lopsided the scenario has been for road teams that travel two time zones west on short rest.

Minnesota was the only NFC North team tasked with that scenario this season.

Green Bay hosted Washington in Week 2 on TNF and will visit Detroit on Thanksgiving.

After hosting their annual "Turkey Bowl," the Lions will host the Cowboys on TNF in Week 14.

Chicago doesn't have a Thursday game but is on the road at Philly for Black Friday in Week 13 and is set to host Green Bay in Week 16 on a Saturday.

The Vikings have struggled in road night games at multiple places for years, though. The narrative used to be about Kirk Cousins' struggles in prime time until he started notching some wins in those slots.

I understand that we are a little banged up, but this showing was just poor. This game wasn't even competitive. I am a Vikings fan through and through, and I will continue to endure the pain, but expecting fans to accept results like this is ridiculous. K.O. is a great coach, but he does not adapt well enough. The line needs to be coached better to get schemed up. We need to get the ball out faster, and the defense has to, absolutely has to stop the run, and it's insane that we can't. They don't even have an elite running back, and he made us look pedestrian!

I'm writing because I'm trying to see the positives in this season, and I am running out. Defense isn't showing up thus far this season. Offense can't seem to adapt to get anything done. We won't try a change at quarterback. Bottom line, poor performance and unacceptable to show up like this as professional football players who do this for a living.

Oh, by the way, just saw Max Brosmer take his first few snaps and his decision-making is one million times faster than anything I've seen this season.

— Slam in Alabama

I will say I don't believe anyone who works for the Vikings expects fans to accept a showing like to become the norm, but it looks like there were plenty of games Sunday that joined in becoming blowouts.

(I'm sending this in before the Sunday Night Football game, so nine of Sunday's other 10 games were decided by double digits, and seven of those were by 18 or more.

The Vikings and Chargers were using replacements on their offensive line, but L.A. also had dipped into the back of its depth chart and practice squad at running back. A byproduct of the Chargers falling behind early Sunday against the Colts was that their running backs didn't get much workload and looked pretty fresh.

Minnesota had an opportunity to establish the run early and did not because of missed blocks on its first couple of runs, and then the Vikings opted for an unsuccessful pass out of an imbalanced formation with Justin Jefferson lined up in the backfield on third-and-1 to cap their first drive.

The defensive front was so dominant in training camp practices and the joint sessions with New England. That side of the ball has struggled against the run for much of the season until Week 7 when the Eagles aerial attack was more detrimental. On Thursday, the Chargers found success on land and through the air.

This game was a total and embarrassing disaster on both sides of the ball. Unacceptable performance and results all around for the Vikings. Anyone knows it is ugly if your opponent is never forced to punt, not once? The first play of the game is a gross pass/gross missed throw by Wentz intended for Aaron Jones in the flat. Why am I not surprised with that poor throw after watching the Eagles game on Sunday? Wentz and the offense just not moving the ball consistently or effectively. Honestly, I would rather see Max Brosmer out there than watch Wentz continue to flail around in pain and injured if J.J. McCarthy can't play? And our defense looks like a kitchen colander trying to hold water? Our defense cannot stop a darn thing, especially on third downs and when needed at the end of the first half to give our offense a chance to score before halftime. I bet Justin Herbert wishes he could play us twice a year. Overall, sad and disappointing, just like Tyler Batty's return from injury when he immediately commits two holding penalties on our kickoff returns? Inexcusable, not sure why they would even play him on the kickoff return team if he can't do better than that?

Below are my 3 Ups and 3 Downs for the game:

UPS:

1. I guess it is good to score three points on a 54-yard FG by Will Reichard — nice kick for sure. However, it is not good for our offense to score yet another FG rather than a TD.

2. The Vikings defense forced a Chargers FG rather than giving up another TD to start the second half.

3. Nice interception by Joshua Mettelus, followed by yet another FG instead of a TD. Oh, but wait, the Vikings pull a rabbit out of K.O.'s hat and we score a fourth-down TD after back-to-back Chargers gift penalties. Wow. However, that sequence was followed by the defense allowing another fourth-quarter TD drive and then the inevitable Wentz interception. Please make it stop!

DOWNS:

1. On the Chargers first possession, it is third-and-13 inside their 20. Why am I not surprised that Herbert hit Keenan Allen for a first down, resulting in a sustained 14-play TD scoring drive by the Chargers. Hint for Vikings: Try making it a priority to cover Keenan Allen this time around.

2. The Chargers drive at the end of the first half. Just horrific. We have a chance to get off the field with them pinned deep but allow another third-down conversion to Allen? Then Herbert runs through our defense? Followed by an easy pitch and catch for a third TD? The sad truth is that the Vikings defense is just weak and soft and mediocre at best. A downright weak and embarrassing first half. Please make it stop.

3. John Harbaugh and his coaches outcoached K.O. and the Vikings in a bad and painfully obvious way. K.O.'s game plans on both offense and defense were definitively ineffective and poorly conceived — just rewatch the entire game and see for yourself. The Vikings defense gave up a hundred yards rushing to a third-string guy? Time to take a long hard look at how and why our defense performed so poorly. The offense, too, for that matter. All in all, an epic coaching failure.

If we play like this next week against the Lions, we will be exposed again on both sides of the ball — and it will be ugly. Hopefully we can see J.J. McCarthy back on the field. After seeing Wentz go down numerous times and in major pain, K.O. leaves him in? What? Why? Using that standard, I was thinking we should see J.J. against the Lions for sure. In fact, here is my advice to JJ: "Tape it up and get back out there!" … before the season is lost.

Respectfully,

— Jeff Ludwig

It was just Batty's second career game after opening the season on Injured Reserve. Coaches clearly like what he had shown before suffering a knee injury to apply one of eight total (teams that make the playoffs get two more) applications of the Designated for Return from Injured Reserve tags this season. He started 45 of 53 games at BYU and is adjusting to the NFL kickoff. He's also not the only one to have a penalty negate a considerable return in that phase this season. Those issues need to be resolved because the Vikings seem to have little room for error and are not taking the football away this season.

The condition of Minnesota's offensive line — playing without right tackle Brian O'Neill, having left tackle Christian Darrisaw leave the game after nine plays, starting Blake Brandel at center for the third time and rookie Donovan Jackson making his fifth career start at left guard — led the Vikings to try to lean on Wentz's experience to offset the dearth of that quality up front. O'Connell said Wentz kept saying he was good to go back in the game. It was almost like watching a movie — you could pick from a bunch, but I'll go with Bruce Willis in Armageddon or Randy Quaid in Independence Day — where an admirable character shows courage to benefit others.

K.O. still won't run the QB sneak. He keeps outsmarting himself, trying to pass again on third-and-1.

— Terry Terrigno

I think Terry's email was the first of many sent during Thursday's game in response to Minnesota's play selection on third-and-1. Terry had emailed after passes against Philly on second-and-1, third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 in Week 7.

There may have been some reluctance to have Wentz attempt a sneak given the status of his left shoulder, but a substantial offseason effort was placed on getting better at running the ball in third-and-short.

I'm sure O'Connell expected the backside blitz to get picked up by the running back — it didn't — to enable a chunk gain and get into scoring range, but there also could have been value in moving the chains and staying on the field. A long opening drive when receiving the first kickoff is a good way to remove energy from an opponent's fan base.

The Vikings are 6-for-9 when running the ball on third-and-1, which still has room for improvement but is better than Minnesota's 0-for-3 showing when throwing the ball on third-and-1.

We didn't utilize a SHORT passing game, didn't change the LAUNCH POINT of Wentz with some rollouts to avoid the heavy rush, didn't have qualified backups on the offensive line, and didn't take Wentz out (obviously hurt) and try Brosmer.

Why, why, why?

This game was by far the worst game I have watched in the last two years.

And the vaunted Flores defense? Can't stop the run, can't stop passes over the middle, can't contain the QB in the pocket and make a sack.

Winning is a decision you make. No one on that field made that decision.

— Barb Aud

With Wentz continuing to say he was OK and continuing to have medical clearance to stay in the game, the Vikings didn't bring in Brosmer until after the 2-minute warning. The Chargers throttled down their pocket pressure.

At this point in this season, there's almost a filter of what if things got worse, say had Brosmer been brought in and been knocked from the game, affecting his future availability, and then McCarthy would be in as the emergency QB before he was fully ready.

Feel like the showing really undermined impressive games by Jonathan Greenard and Jalen Redmond, but there were so many other places of the defense where L.A. smoothly found success.

Two weeks in a row that I am disappointed in K.O.'s play-calling; however, this week let's add "team management!" This was the week to move away from Wenz to McCarthy or Brosmer. K.O. gave this game away! There was NO passion in his demeanor. Does anyone else see this? He gives the plays away by not covering his mouth! I read lips, and on one occasion the camera caught him calling the play, and I knew exactly what he said! If I can do it, you better believe our opponents are doing it on EVERY PLAY! Anytime there is a penalty, I always consider it 50/50 blame: 1) player & 2) coach(es). I do have faith in K.O., that he will turn this around. What do you think?

— Randy in Las Vegas, Nevada

The success the Chargers had made it feel like the Vikings were somehow tipping run or pass, but it seemed like there was a lack of execution across the board by the offense and defense. All-22 reviews show a little more about what could have happened on plays than the broadcast cameras.

During the Week 6 bye, I did some neglected house and yard projects and tried to rest. I think I realized how tired I was during the short slowdown — and I'm just trying to use proper grammar and punctuation instead of everything it takes to develop a game plan or defeat others who are among the best in the world at doing something.

Coaches and players are notoriously famous for powering through fatigue, but this historically irregular start to the season hasn't helped many in Purple get good rest or settle into a rhythm.

Whatever changes were made at the self-scout clearly didn't have the intended consequences in the past two games. Ideally the Vikings are able to regroup and refresh as this difficult stretch (based on last year's results, Philly, L.A., Detroit and Baltimore won 52 games) continues.

Although this is O'Connell's fourth season, there have been issues and injuries the team has been working through for the first time in his tenure.

Not surprised by the L. When I ranked the games from most likely to least likely victories, I had this one as my least likely overall. Thursday night. Travel. To L.A. We saw this movie last year.

I suggested somewhat tongue-in-cheek that the Vikings protest the continuing TNF in L.A. inequity by playing only second string. Well, out of necessity that's about what we saw. I was very concerned when Jonathan Greenard went down late and cringed when I saw T.J. Hockenson catching a pass over the middle in a game that was all but decided when the schedule came out but was certainly over when T.J. caught that pass in the fourth quarter. Why were key players in the game at that point with the Lions coming up next week?

The movie we saw last week was a rerun this week. First opposition TD. Who's in coverage? Joshua Metellus. And then again the last Charger TD, who's in coverage? Very good player. But I don't want him isolated in coverage. It's becoming a theme.

Another theme? Rush defense. I've already joined on that topic so I won't go too deep into what's missing from last year (Harrison Phillips). I will say I'm not seeing much dividends from the defensive line free agency moves.

No. We are not ready for a fire sale at the trading deadline. No. Our head coach should not be on any hot or even warm seat. Yes, there is plenty of talent on this team when healthy AND used properly.

Finally, I keep seeing and hearing opinions about when to play J.J. McCarthy. Here's my two cents. If you can't protect him, don't play him. Even if he's healthy. Darrisaw and O'Neill are essential to his success. And the interior had better be solid, too.

Get rested. Get healthy. The upcoming showing against the Lions is among the biggest games the Vikings will play this year. They all count as one W or L but anyone who thinks next week is just one of 17 is kidding himself.

Skol!

— Jeff in Sacramento, California

There's a line in a Chris Stapleton song about "the last thing I needed the first thing this morning…" Although it was night, I thought of it when I saw Greenard on the turf. He has been going all out every week despite not yielding the production in some familiar metrics that the Vikings enjoyed so much last year. He was still being evaluated on Friday when O'Connell spoke to Twin Cities media members, so we won't know more about where he's at until later this week.

Metellus (and Harrison Smith) missed considerable time during training camp with an injury and illness, respectively. At the time, it seemed like Minnesota's front seven was firing on all cylinders, and it was exciting to envision what things would look like with both players back in the mix.

Unfortunately, the front seven hasn't been able to affect opposing quarterbacks with the success needed at this level (and to help the secondary). Rush and coverage go hand-in-hand, with one making the other better. The past two games haven't featured either aspect helping cover for the other.

The lack of a running game early, lapses in protection and falling behind by multiple scores would have made it difficult for any quarterback to thrive on Thursday.

And, yep, Sunday is big for multiple reasons, including the fact that Detroit has won the last six in the series, as well as the number of teams ahead of Minnesota in the division and conference standings. Since 1990, teams that open 4-4 have made the playoffs 31.9 percent of the time (66 of 207). Teams that have gone 3-5 through their first eight have only qualified for the playoffs 10.4 percent of the time (21 of 201).

It's also the last on-field assessment point before the Nov. 4 trade deadline.

Brosmer deserved reps for the entire fourth quarter. Wentz hurt, not performing, our D was a laughing stock. Get the dude in the mix. Regardless of when J.J. is ready to rock again. Waited way too long to give Brosmer very many meaningful snaps.

— Derek Jackson

I understand the interest in wanting to see more opportunities for Brosmer, especially when things aren't going well and because of what he was able to do in preseason games.

I do believe O'Connell to be highly qualified in developing quarterbacks and trying to do the best things possible for a young player's development.

We continue to draft very poorly.

We spent huge amounts of money on the O-line and the D-line, and we get man-handled in the trenches.

The worst is the continued very bad offensive play-calling.

— Jim Kristof

Most of the time, the best play call in the world isn't going to work if there's a quick breakdown up front in the protection, which does circle back to the offensive line that has been inundated with injuries and changes on the fly within games.

It's not an excuse — and I don't believe O'Connell will allow it or anything else to become an excuse, but the Vikings have had 0 offensive or defensive snaps with what most would consider their first teams.

It's too early to judge the 2025 class, which only had five players, and quite possibly the 2024 class. Undrafted rookies have logged significant minutes, and they should be part of the evaluation, particularly when the team had fewer picks than most years.

I just don't understand how we all get hyped up year after year and get crushed every year! This was supposed to be a great year. Big offseason signings. Coming off a 14-3 season. This was it, a season to finally celebrate and now this is one of the worst teams in the NFL. It's an embarrassing product. A fan for over 50 years, and this game might have finally broken me. Absolutely terrible. Penalties, turnovers, absolutely crushed on offense and defense. Our coaches were outcoached again. The disappointing thing is I'm coming out from California again this time to get beat by the Ravens!

— Steve in California

And…

Good morning, a sad day knowing that my Vikings once again leave me with no desire to watch the NFL. I'm 44 years old, I'm Argentinian and I've been a Vikings fan since I was 7 years old and they showed an NFL game on TV and I saw Randy Moss and Cris Carter play … and Violet was always my favorite color. Everything was perfect. This is my NFL team. Unfortunately, year after year I suffer with my Vikings, always supporting from Argentina. My house has everything from the Vikings, I always read them, and I just want to tell you one thing, for the first time as a Vikings fan, I wasn't motivated to watch the game. I knew how it was going to end before it started.

People are very disappointed because we took Darnold and formed him and put him at his best and let him go. We bet on J.J., but he didn't even play a game, and he already tore his meniscus last year. This year he got injured in the second game. Years watching this sport and it is known that it is prone to injuries. How can you not see that, OK? The plays they send are disastrous, against Eagles on second-and-1 to gain that yard and get first-and-goal, he makes three passes and we end up kicking (after a penalty). Totally disappointed with the handling. I thought we were on the right track. I love the Vikings. I'll always love them. I have Viking tattoos seared into my skin that I'll carry with me forever, but I'm totally frustrated.

— Lucas Muñoz, Greetings from Argentina

It's always been important to me in this role to not present as a "homer," but it's also obvious to everyone that, as an employee of the Vikings organization, my role has been smoother in seasons like 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2024 than in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2023. I've also tried to never inauthentically oversell the capabilities of any of those teams that did or did not reach more goals than others.

I heard this past week from Vikings fans across the Lower 48 United States, as well as a gigantic triangle with tips in Alaska, Australia and Argentina.

I can understand how the weight of previous "almost titles" won't be shed until the Vikings can finally figure out a way to win a Super Bowl. Any "exclusive window" game widely broadcast that doesn't go well adds to that side of the equation.

Dear Vikings Ownership, Coaches and Players,

As I sit here watching the game, now five minutes into the third quarter, I feel compelled to share my thoughts and unwavering support as a dedicated fan. First and foremost, I want to express my genuine appreciation for everyone of you who makes this team what it is — from the ownership and coaches to each player. Your commitment and passion for the game never go unnoticed.

That said, I have to be honest: This season has been a challenge. Injuries have certainly played a role, but the team just looks out of sync. I understand that football is as much about rhythm and momentum as it is about talent and preparation, and it seems like the schedule this year has made it difficult to find that groove.

In particular, I feel it was a poor decision to sign up for back-to-back overseas games. Truthfully, I'm not a fan of even one overseas game. Athletes in team sports thrive on routine, and the current schedule has disrupted the rhythm that's so vital for success. Yet, the season isn't even halfway over, and I know there's always hope. With recovery from the travel and some consistency in scheduling, I believe there's still a chance to turn things around.

One thing is absolutely certain: I have been a proud Vikings fan since 1969 and my support for this team will never waver. Through ups and downs, wins and losses, I'll always be cheering you on. Here's hoping for a strong finish as everyone gets healthy and the team finds its stride.

Skol Vikings!

— Mike in Oklahoma

Appreciate the steadfast support over the decades.

It will be interesting to see what the league does henceforth regarding teams trying to play back-to-back International Series games in different countries. The Vikings willingness to do so was done with the idea of trying to turn road games into neutral or even better situations.

But Steelers fans also travel well, and the organization has preexisting, authentic ties to Ireland. It essentially was a home game for Pittsburgh, which is also not usually an easy place to play.

The plan did work with facing Cleveland at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Minnesota improved to 3-0 in the past four years with yet another dramatic finish.

When others evaluate how things have gone for the Vikings since, it's possible that teams could be reluctant to "volunteer as tribute" for future double dips.

Given how well the Vikings had previously handled international games before and since O'Connell took over, I can understand his interest in this type of scheduling. The Vikings also haven't dealt with an injury year quite like this in his tenure, so that was an extra challenge.

Love the team and love the program! Thank you so much for providing opportunities like this. Just wondering the thought process on third-down play-calling this season. For the last two weeks, I've seen multiple opportunities in third-and-short scenarios where the Vikings play-calling just doesn't make sense or get the first down. Simple running plays still seem to win the day in the NFL. What are the thoughts on some of these third-down play calls? The stats seem to prove my point with the Vikings ranking so low in third-down conversions this season.

I appreciate any thoughts you can provide. Thanks so much.

Fans from Boone, North Carolina. SKOL!

— Seth Norris

Hello in beautiful Boone.

The numbers are not good. Excluding the Sunday Night Football game and tonight's contest, Minnesota is ranked tied for 27^th in the NFL (with Seattle by the way) with a third-down conversion rate of 33.3 percent, which is well below the league average of 39.1 percent.

Part of that is a bad habit of not being in favorable down-and-distance situations.

The Vikings have had third-and-3 or third-and-4 on seven total plays through seven games.

Minnesota has had third-and-11-15 yards to go on 10 plays and third-and-16+ on eight plays.

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