Toniu Fonoti/ Shawne Merriman

No, this hasn't become the San Diego Chargers blog. But with Fonoti making his first start at Guard tonight instead of Chris Liwenski. I figured I should speculate on what impact it might have. When healthy Fonoti can be a mauler, and the type of guard that could open up the Viking running game. Fonoti though is reported to be out of shape, and still unfamilar with the Offense. You do wonder if Fonoti was so good, why the Chargers offense hasn't taken steps back without him. I will watch for Fonoti's impact, but it made no difference in my evaluation of the game. If the Vikings game is effective, which I still doubt then they do have a chance to win. I define effective as over 4.2 yards per carry, and over 120 yards.

Shawne Merriman-Two more sacks yesterday, six in his last 4 games. This comment by an NFL Scout is in the Morning After Column by Len Pasquareli http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2231802

"Shawne Merriman is becoming a monster at linebacker for the Chargers. He's got seven sacks now, is a great fit in the 3-4, and is the best rookie [defensive player] that I've seen."

I only bring this up because I constantly called on this blog for the Vikings to draft Merriman. Boy would he look good in purple.