5 Important Questions Ahead Of Vikings Vs. 49ers
The Minnesota Vikings surprised many people in week one, picking up a blowout win on the road in New York over the Giants. Now, the team looks ahead to week two and the always-dangerous San Francisco 49ers.
The Niners were dominant in their win over Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Monday night, despite star running back Christian McCaffrey being ruled out an hour before kickoff.
There is no shortage of star power on these two rosters, which should make for an interesting game this weekend. Here are five of the most intriguing questions ahead of the Vikings vs. the 49ers.
5) Can The Vikings Continue To Run The Ball?
It was refreshing to see the Minnesota Vikings run the ball successfully in week one. Running back Aaron Jones finished with 94 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Ty Chandler also pitched in with eight rushes for 17 yards. Minnesota should want to limit the 49ers' time of possession, and that will start with establishing a strong running game.
4) Will The Vikings Defense Stay Strong?
San Francisco has one of the better offenses in the NFL, meaning we’ll get a better sense of the ceiling of the Viking's defense. It’s easy to stop Daniel Jones, but add Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and potentially Christian McCaffrey. It’s a totally different story. Andrew Van Ginkel, who scored a touchdown in week one, did not participate in Vikings practice on Wednesday with what the team calls a foot injury. At the time of publishing, his game status is unknown.
3) Which Sam Darnold Will We See?
Vikings fans were pleasantly surprised by the level of play quarterback Sam Darnold provided in week one. The former first-round draft pick completed 19 of his 24 pass attempts for 208 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He was also only sacked once, thanks to good play from the offensive line. Darnold has had ups and downs his entire NFL career. Was week one a fluke, or have Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings coaching staff unlocked something three other teams failed to do? Sunday’s game will be telling.
2) Is Jordan Addison Ready To Play?
Addison had been dealing with an ankle injury for most of the Vikings training camp but was healthy and ready to go last weekend in New York. The second-year wide receiver was forced to leave the game early due to an ankle injury and didn’t participate in practice on Wednesday. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said earlier in the week that Addison would have “a chance” to play in week two, but his official game status has not been released. If Addison can’t play, Jalen Nailor will be asked to slide into a larger role on offense.
1) Will McCaffrey Make His Season Debut?
The health of 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is the biggest question heading into this week two matchup. The three-time Pro Bowler didn’t play in the Niners season opener on Monday night, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter originally reported that McCaffrey wasn’t expected to return this weekend. San Francisco has been playing their cards close to their chest this week, not wanting to rule McCaffrey out before they’re certain he can’t play. The 28-year-old was limited in Wednesday’s practice.
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