The Los Angeles Chargers took an early lead against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on Thursday Night Football, and Justin Herbert has rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden to thank.
Not a household name, Gadsden might be soon enough.
On the Chargers' opening drive, Gadsden caught three passes for 30 yards and a touchdown as his superb form this season continues. After a 46-yard game in Week 1, Gadsden was quiet in the following weeks, but lately? He's become one of Herbert's favorite weapons.
Yards totals of 68, 164, and now 30 on one drive have the young tight end blossoming in front of the nation's eyes, and now he is becoming a genuine threat in the passing game.
Yes, it is early in his career, but already up over 300 yards receiving along with two touchdowns, Gadsden is making everyone around the league take notice, and he's doing it on primetime as well.
More: Vikings vs. Chargers live score, updates, highlights from NFL 'Thursday Night Football' game
Chargers get lucky INT break on opening drive
On the second play of the Chargers' first drive, Herbert was intercepted by Isaiah Rodgers, who took it to the house for a pick-six. That was the worst possible start.
Only for a review to find it was an incomplete pass, and SoFi Stadium performed a collective exhale as the Chargers could have been in a big hole early.
What followed was a 15-play, 74-yard touchdown drive that saw Gadsden emerge from the shadows on Thursday night as his stock has never been higher, just a handful of games into his career.
The Chargers got lucky, then got off to a blistering start, and Gadsden was a big reason why.
More NFL news:
Aaron Rodgers reveals true feelings on facing the Packers
Baker Mayfield is working on earning himself a raise
Vikings made a massive Sam Darnold mistake, and Daniel Jones is making it feel worse
Ravens, Lamar Jackson have a looming $74.5 million contract problem
Teddy Bridgewater has the weirdest injury reason for missing practice
Shilo Sanders' new NFL team pursuit takes a brutal Madden video game twist