A look at the brighter side one day after the loss to the Chargers

The reviews are in following the Vikings 24-17 loss to San Diego on Sunday and they aren't good.

I can't argue with those assessments. The Vikings were brutal in the second half of that loss. But was there anything positive to take out of this season-opening defeat? From my spot on the couch Sunday afternoon, there were five things that I did find encouraging.

1) The Vikings run defence: (Note to any American readers, "defence" is spelled with a "c" in Canada.) San Diego's running back duo of Ryan Matthews and Mike Tolbert aren't All-Pros, but the Vikings defensive team did hold them to 80 yards on 24 carries – a 3.3 yard average and consistently put the Chargers offence in long yardage situations. Now if only the unit could have defended screen passes and Antonio Gates as well as it defended the run.

2) Erin Henderson: E.J.'s younger brother won the starting right outside linebacker job by default. But he looked like he belonged against the Chargers. In his first NFL start, Henderson had a sack, nine tackles (three for losses) and was around the pile more often than not. It was an impressive start for a player who had plenty of doubters heading into the opener.

3) Chris Cook: He was called for two pass interference penalties, but he also had perfect coverage on the Chargers' Malcolm Floyd on two deep throws into the end zone, using his size and the sideline to his advantage. Cook is an important player who needs to play well this season. Against the Chargers he showed us a bit of what he can do when he's healthy and playing with confidence.

4) Brian Robison: I was not in favor of the Vikings allowing Ray Edwards to walk and making Robison the starting left end in the offseason. But he was a force in the first half of the San Diego game. Although he disappeared in the second half, that also applies to everyone else that dressed for the Vikings on Sunday. Maybe this is one personnel move that will work out for the Vikings

5) Michael Jenkins: The numbers weren't impressive in his Vikings debut (three catches for 26 yards), yet Jenkins looks like he will be one of Donovan McNabb's favorite receiving targets. He's a big guy who can work between the numbers and make tough catches in the middle of the field. There is value in that kind of a player. Jenkins will be even more valuable if the Vikings can figure out how to complete a pass to somebody other than him and Percy Harvin.