San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings recap
Stats and Information
The Minnesota Vikings traveled to San Francisco to face the 49ers for their week 12 matchup. The Vikings come into the game with a 5-5 record after just beating the division-leading Packers at home. The game was even throughout the first half with the teams tying at halftime with a 14-14 score. The Minnesota Vikings run-first offense quickly had to change their strategy as the 49ers stacked the box in order to stop Dalvin Cook. Cook finished with only 10 carries for 39 yards and left the game in the third quarter because he tore his labrum as well as dislocating his shoulder. Cook is now day-to-day and is expected to miss the next two games.
The story and weight of the game landed on the shoulders of Kirk Cousins who kept the Vikings in the game finishing with 20 completions for 238 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Justin Jefferson finished the game with four receptions for 83 yards. Dalvin Cook made a massive impact in the passing game resulting in six receptions, which was the most in the game besides the other running back Elijah Mitchell who had 5 receptions for 64 yards. Adam Thielen recorded five receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns which were both in the first half.
The Vikings defense struggled to stop the run as the San Francisco 49ers running back, Elijah Mitchell ran 27 carries for 133 yards and added a touchdown. Not only was Mitchell unstoppable, Deebo Samuel had his biggest impact in the running game with six carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns.
Jimmy Garoppolo finished with 17 completions for 230 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Brandon Aiyuk finished as the 49ers leading receiver with three catches for 93 yards.
Breakdown
The Minnesota Vikings lost another close game except this time the turnovers were the cause of this painful loss. Kirk Cousins threw an interception in the third quarter just as the 49ers marched down the field and scored a touchdown to start the second half. Not only that but Cousins threw it right to the opposing defender with no doubt of it being an interception.
Another key turnover occurred late in the third quarter as Dalvin Cook fumbled the ball and in turn also injured his shoulder. The Vikings had just stopped the 49ers from scoring and had a chance to take the lead.
The Vikings offense’s inability to run the football caused the pressure to be put on the passing game and Kirk Cousins. Kirk Cousins missed some key throws, one happened late in the fourth that led to a turnover on downs and another that caused a failed two-point conversion with an underthrown pass to Justin Jefferson in the back of the endzone. The Vikings receivers were able to get free but Cousins’ struggle to place the ball accurately really led to the loss.
The Vikings defense wasn’t perfect but they definitely gave the team a chance to win the game but poor turnovers put the defense in multiple tough situations. The Vikings should also be concerned on giving up 208 rushing yards and 66 of those were to a wide receiver. If the Vikings defense can put up a complete game again they could be able to carry the offense to victories if need be.
Next Game
Week 13: Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions (12/5)