INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh waved his hands to say not a catch while Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell talked into an official’s ear to argue otherwise. In reality, neither coach likely had a clue as to whether Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers had control of Justin Herbert’s first pass attempt, which he took to the end zone before the SoFi Stadium video board control room rushed to find an angle that would benefit the home team.
Four days after tight end T.J. Hockenson was livid about his overturned fourth-quarter touchdown catch that would have made a difference in the loss against the Eagles, there were the Vikings again hoping the complex catch rules would go in their favor. It was only three minutes into Thursday night’s game, but it was a pivotal decision for two wounded, desperate teams in need of a break.
