The Minnesota Vikings had a taller task in Week 2 after their rout of the New York Giants last Sunday.
Against the reigning NFC Champions, Minnesota’s defense stood tall, leading the Vikings to a Week 2 upset victory over the San Francisco 49ers in front of their home fans.
Brian Flores’ Defense Leads Upset Over 49ers
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores called a masterclass of a game.
Minnesota allowed 80 yards in the first quarter, and the Vikings shut out San Francisco until the two-minute mark of the second quarter.
Flores coached an incredible game in Week 2 against the 49ers’ high-powered offense, coming away with two turnovers and allowing just 14 points to an offense that scored 32 points last week.
The Vikings allowed just six points in their Week 1 matchup against the Giants, but this week, the 49ers posed a larger threat with All-Pro talent across the offense.
Flores and the Vikings’ defense were stout to start this game and look to be one of the stronger defensive units in the league.
Justin Jefferson Carries Offense in First Half With Addison Out Before Leaving With Injury
After signing his record-setting contract worth $140 million, Justin Jefferson showed why he’s worth every single penny.
With Jordan Addison out in Week 2 with an ankle injury, Jefferson was required to step up against one of the NFC’s strongest defensive units in the league.
However, that didn’t stop Jefferson from showing he’s one of the league’s top receivers.
Through the first half alone, Jefferson accounted for 133 of Minnesota’s 171 first-half passing yards. This included a 97-yard reception for the first touchdown of the game.
Late in the third quarter, Jefferson was rolled up on, causing him to be evaluated for a lower-leg injury.
The diagnosis during the game was a quad injury, and after the game, it appears the Vikings missed out on a disaster for their star receiver.
Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson says he is not expecting to miss any games after leaving the team’s 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers because of a bruised right quadriceps.
Story via @SeifertESPN:https://t.co/kmE0irH6O3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2024
“I’m not seriously injured,” Jefferson said. “So that’s the main important thing. It’s just all about getting to the training room, making sure my body is right for next week, and I’ll be ready to go next Sunday.”
Head coach O’Connell noted Jefferson was sore after the game, though reiterated that he would be considered day-to-day heading into Week 3.
Sam Darnold Comes Back Down to Earth in Week 2
In Week 1, Sam Darnold completed 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards and a pair of touchdowns. This started with 12 straight completions for the journeyman quarterback, showing a potential resurgence of his career.
That performance was against a weaker defense in the New York Giants, so many were curious if Darnold could replicate that performance against the 49ers.
This was a more humbling performance from Darnold, who, in the first half, completed eight of 15 passes for 133 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
In the second half, Darnold showed more of his Week 1 magic, finishing the game 17-for-26 for 268 yards and two touchdowns, throwing just one interception against a strong 49ers defense.
Vikings’ Pass Rush Crucial in Upset
The Vikings’ defense shined the brightest on Sunday in their upset win, and that was especially true of the defensive line.
This week, Minnesota came away with six sacks, totaling 11 takedowns through its first two games.
With another game totaling more than five sacks, the Vikings’ defensive front is cementing themselves as one of the best in the NFL in this young season.