The Vikings own the 49ers. The 49ers have lost to the Vikings in Minnesota for the last 31 years. In fact, the Vikings are currently 8-0 against the Niners. This is one of the most embarrassing 49ers statistics in their storied history.
Coach Shanahan and the 49ers left points on the field. After multiple punts, the 49ers finally put a drive together, taking the ball all the way down to the one-yard line. Instead of punching the ball in, Coach Shanahan opts for a low yield pass play. Instead of kicking the field goal, the Niners go for it.
Down three points, Coach Shanahan likely thought his defense would hold up. Sam Darnold only needed one throw to the best receiver in football to prove Coach Shanahan wrong. Not only did the Niners leave points on the field, but their coverage allowed too many points.
The 97-yard play to Justin Jefferson is inexcusable. If that was the only busted coverage, perhaps the narrative is different. However, multiple times in the second half, the Vikings would roll out in bunch formation or put a receiver in motion and the secondary flat out refused to adjust. They looked confused. Jalen Nailor and Justin Jefferson took advantage. Given that Coach Sorenson is a defensive backs coach by trade, his squad should have been better prepared.
The 49ers special teams needs work. The Vikings blocked a punt. The Niners held them to field goal despite the short field. On another kickoff the returner caught the ball and ran it out to the 15-yard line instead of downing it. During the return, the Niners were called for holding pushing the ball even further back. Had the returner merely downed it, the Niners start on the 30-yard line. The last bumble occurred when Jacob Cowing muffed a punt deep in 49ers territory. His mistake was saved by Isaac Yiadom.
The Niners offensive line allowed six sacks and was penalized for holding and a false start. Though Brock Purdy was able to throw for 319 yards and Jordan Mason was able to run for 100 yards, the offensive line was harassed by the Viking defensive line most of the game. Purdy rarely had time to throw on platform.
The Niners played on a short week. Two of their best players joined the team days before game one. Christian McCaffrey is on IR. Yet, that is the NFL. Things happen. You must lean on your strong core of veterans and excellent coaching. Ultimately this loss is laid at the hands of the coaching staff. They have played Brian Flores and this Viking defense before. Strategy and play calling are on the coaches. Ensuring your team is buttoned up on coverages and special teams is on the coaches. The Niners coaching staff will need to look in the mirror to clean up the miscues as they get ready for the Rams.
