The Vikings put together another great team victory in beathing the visiting San Francisco 49ers. The final score was 23-17, but the Vikings dominated the Niners a bit more than the score might indicate. Vikings used good offense (two lengthy scoring drives), even better defense (two turnovers) and an exciting special teams play (a blocked punt that turned into three points) to knock off the defending NFC champion Niners and improve their division-leading record to 2-0.
The Vikings weren’t flawless (two turnovers of their own, plus giving up 399 yards on defense), but they beat a very good Niners team, which should turn the heads of those who maintained that all they did last week was beat the lowly New York Giants. While that is true, the perception on this team is chanding. Lead by a much-improved defense, and a revitalized Sam Darnold under center, the Vikings are becoming a team to be reckoned with in the NFC North.
The downside from the game are injuries to Justin Jefferson (quad contusion) and rookie defender Dallas Turner (knee, requiring more tests). More information to come this week. But in the meantime, enjoy a great start to the season for the Vikings against the Giants followed by a huge win over an elite team in the 49ers. And the fellas at Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast—Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com—are on hand to help you do that (well, at least one of them is). Tune in and check it out.
Listen to Vikings Territory Breakdown here or on your favorite podcast network.