Vikings vs. 49ers – Game REcap: 15 Sep 2024

Vikings win 23-16 and are 2-0!

What a game! The Minnesota Vikings put up a solid, balanced performance yesterday and they soundly defeated the San Francisco 49ers, final score was 23-17 Vikings. The game wasn’t really as close as the score would indicate, as the Vikings took control early and never really let go. If it weren’t for two Vikings turnovers near the goal line, the margin would have been wider.

From Vikings.com, here is the box score, stats, and recap from Vikings vs. 49ers. Didn’t see the game? Check out the highlights!

Offense

Rushing

The Vikings continue to run a balanced and effective offense. The Vikings rushing attack has taken a massive step forward from where they were last year, and they showed up again yesterday. A competent run game will open up the passing game, and we’ve seen that happen in both games this season. The ability to get a first down when it’s 3rd and 1 is huge. The Vikings haven’t been able to do that for the past couple years, but they’re able to again, which is one of the reasons they’re extending drives instead of punting more often this year. Yesterday, Ty Chandler had the hot hand and he got a bulk of the rushing yards with 80 yards on 10 rushes. Aaron Jones carried it 9 times for 32 yards and a fumble, he also caught the ball 5 times for 36 yards. Jones did have the fumble on the goal line. In my opinion, that was just an outstanding play by Warner to force the fumble. Jones had it covered with both hands, Warner just made a perfect hit to dislodge the ball.. I don’t knock Jones for that one.

Passing

The Vikings passing attack continued to roll yesterday, picking up where they’d left off in New Jersey last Sunday. Sam Darnold was dialed in again yesterday and made big plays with his arm and his feet. Darnold had to overcome occasional bouts of horrific blocking (glance at Bradbury & Ingram) and used his elusiveness to either make a play or at least avoid catastrophe. He threw one interception and it was in the red zone. You never want to do that, but I like that he had the courage to try to fit the ball in a tight window. Again, it was Warner who made the play, and he’s a very gifted athlete who made a very good play to get the interception. Again, you don’t want the pick in the red zone, but I’m not mad at Darnold for trying to fire that one in.

Darnold finished completing 17 of 26 passes for 268 yards, 2 touchdowns and the one interception. Those are pretty good numbers when you consider it came against the 49ers defense, and a lot of those completions were not easy. He and JJ connected on a beautiful 97 yard pass play, and he made numerous impressive throws throughout the game.

I’m happy for Darnold, he was thrust into some difficult situations in his first couple/few years in the NFL, but he handled the adversity and is making the best of his opportunity with Minnesota. I obviously want him to succeed because he plays for the Vikings, but I hope he uses this as a springboard to launch his career. He looks comfortable in KOC’s offense, he looks poised and confident on the field.

Justin Jefferson left with a quad injury. I haven’t heard an update, but it appeared to be maybe a bruise or something like that so hopefully he’ll have no additional missed time. Just my opinion. I’m not a doctor, although I was pretty good at that game “Operation” when I was a youngen.

Seriously though, JJ needs to be okay.

Defense

The Vikings defense is for real. I know the 49ers put up some yards against the Vikings defense, but the Vikings defense were rock solid yesterday. They kept Purdy under pressure, oftentimes without blitzing, they forced 3-and-outs, they forced turnovers, and they did not allow the 49ers rushing attack to control the game. I love what Flores has done with this defense, I’m going to miss him when he leaves for a head coaching gig someday, so I should remember to be thankful for him while he’s here. I haven’t felt this good about our defense since back in 2017-2019.

This is the most balanced Vikings team I have seen in quite some time. Strong offense, strong defense, good kicker?!?!?!, and a brilliant head coach and play caller who seems to be smart/humble so he should continue to improve even more.