The Timberwolves hosted the Chargers for an NFL regular-season clash on Saturday, and the hosts kept their side in it to win 10:7. It was not the sort of game where the defence sat idle; instead, both sides dug in for every inch. By then, you would expect a different rhythm given what happened earlier in the month.
To be fair, the conversation leading up to kickoff suggested a shootout. The hosts had just put the Warriors away 52:0, while the visitors had dismantled their own opponents 49:0 in the previous round. The expectation was for open play, but reality rarely follows the script.
The match settled into a tight groove that neither team could break open until the final moments. The Timberwolves controlled the tempo, letting the game flow at a pace that frustrated the Chargers' attack. It was a case of keeping knocking on the door rather than smashing it down.
Breaking down a disciplined back line is rarely straightforward, especially when nerves are high. The Timberwolves made their decisions count when it mattered most, while the visitors struggled to create clear openings. And here's the thing: the margin was razor thin.
The victory puts the Timberwolves in control of their local rivalry, adding another notch to their belt. The Chargers leave with a result that feels like a missed opportunity after such a strong start to the campaign. It is a reminder that football is unpredictable; you cannot plan for every variable.