After the Minnesota Vikings' 24-17 loss Sunday to the San Diego Chargers, here are three issues that merit further examination:

After falling to the Chargers in the opener, Minnesota takes its turn in the examination room. Kevin Seifert

Quarterback Donovan McNabb told reporters that his passing production -- seven completions and 39 yards -- was "embarrassing." But it would be wrong and unfair to blame him alone for the Vikings' passing woes Sunday. McNabb was under pressure for a good portion of the game and, quite frankly, the passing offense is short on explosive playmakers outside of receiver Percy Harvin. McNabb isn't in a spot to get much help unless tailback Adrian Peterson starts averaging 150 yards per game or some gaudy number. That dynamic leaves me with a split thought on the immediate future of the position. On the one hand, it probably makes sense to leave rookie Christian Ponder out of this mess if the Vikings quarterback -- whoever he is -- will be put in such a tough situation. But part of me wonders if the Vikings would get any big-picture benefit out of treading water with McNabb, if it comes to that. You know what they say: If you're not moving forward, well, there is only one other way to go.

I understand why coach Leslie Frazier wasn't willing to let Harvin take every kickoff Sunday, even after Harvin opened the game with a 103-yard return. I don't think it has as much to do about injury as it does priority. As Devin Hester demonstrated in recent years with the Chicago Bears, it's awfully difficult to be a full-time receiver and a dynamic returner at the same time. There are only so many things you can focus on during a given week, and Harvin is the Vikings' quasi-No. 1 receiver. But I will ask this: Would it make sense to use him as a full-time returner at least until the Vikings get more flow in their offense? At the moment, the team's best scoring opportunity could be Harvin as a returner or at least a catapult for excellent field position.