Three Takeaways From Vikings Crazy Win Over 49ers
When Kirk Cousins threw an interception on the opening drive, it looked like the Vikings would shrink under the bright lights, as we've seen so many times before. Instead, the defense came up with a turnover of their own, and Minnesota didn't take their foot off the gas from there.
In the end, the Vikings picked up their third victory of the 2023 season with a 22-17 win over the NFC West division-leading San Francisco 49ers.
So what can you take away from this Monday Night Football game? Here are three keys that led to the Vikings' win.
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Best Game For The Offensive Line
28-year-old Dalton Risner made his first start as a Minnesota Viking on Monday in place of left guard Ezra Cleveland, and against a star-studded 49ers defense, the Vikings' offensive line did their job.
While Minnesota only rushed for 74 yards as a team, it was nice to see some success when running the ball. Meanwhile, the 49ers recorded six quarterback hits and zero sacks.
For a unit that has struggled for most of the season, you must give the O-line props for their play. If they can continue to give Cousins the clean pockets he saw for most of this game, the Vikings can win plenty of games.
Cousins Stellar Play
I never want to hear about the Kirk Cousins primetime narrative again. When the Vikings needed a big play on Monday, Cousins made it, despite the absence of wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Cousins finished the game completing 35-of-45 pass attempts for 378 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His performance helped the Vikings convert on eight of their 13 third downs, which is massive in keeping the drive alive and draining the clock to keep the 49ers offense on the sideline.
Kirk now leads the league with 16 touchdown passes and is second in the NFL in passing yards with 2,057. He's arguably having the best season of his career and may help turn the 2023 Vikings campaign around.
Vikings' Defense Comes Up Big
The Vikings' defense looked good on Monday, holding the 49ers to only 17 points.
Safety Cam Bynum led the team with nine total tackles. He also snagged two Brock Purdy passes, including the game-clinching interception at the end of the fourth quarter.
Danielle Hunter recorded the only Vikings sack and picked up a tackle for loss and two quarterback hits. Hunter is now the NFL leader with nine sacks, followed by T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett.
If the Vikings' defense continues to shine at this level, they'll be difficult for any opposing quarterback.
Final Thoughts
One other Viking player to note is rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison. The 21-year-old had career highs in receptions (seven), targets (ten), receiving yards (123) and touchdown catches (two). With Jefferson on injured reserve, Minnesota will rely heavily on Addison being the number one passing option.
Looking ahead, the Vikings travel to Green Bay to face the Packers on Sunday. Minnesota is currently a one-point underdog with a total of 42.5. With a win this weekend, the Vikings would have a .500 record and could be in the mix for a wild card spot in a struggling NFC.
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