5 Takeaways from Vikings vs. 49ers
The Minnesota Vikings are 2-0. Few thought that could be possible, with the scary San Francisco 49ers slotted as the second opponent on this year’s schedule. But here we are, celebrating another Kevin O’Connell masterclass, helping his unit clinch the first 2-0 record since the 2016 season with Mike Zimmer on the sidelines and Sam Bradford and Shaun Hill guiding the offense.
5 Takeaways from Vikings vs. 49ers
As always, we’ve learned some things about the crew.
1. It’s a RB Duo, Not a One-Man Show
After starting Alexander Mattison last year, there was a universal agreement. A change was necessary, and the front office needed to acquire a true RB1. Aaron Jones, a longtime rival, was signed to be that guy. Indeed, he has taken over the top spot on the depth chart.
On Sunday, however, third-year player Ty Chandler shined and was the more efficient player. Jones also fumbled right before reaching the goal line, putting the game in jeopardy, and his average dipped from an electric 6.7 yards per carry in the opener to a subpar 3.6. Chandler, meanwhile, produced 82 yards on ten carries and stepped up when his team needed a closer.
The Vikings have a one-two punch, and if one guy isn’t on his A-game, the other guy can step up.
2. Patrick Jones II Can Play
It is an unlikely emergence in Patrick Jones’ fourth season. After only logging five sacks in his first three seasons combined, he has already sacked opposing QBs four times in 2024.
The 2021 third-rounder has helped Brian Flores build a solid four-man rotation on the edges together with Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner. He even won some reps against future Hall of Famer Trent Williams.
Jones is in the final season of his rookie contract, and continued high-level play would make him some money.
3. Kevin O’Connell Is a Genius, and the Blueprint Is Intact
The circumstances entering the game were tough. On the opposing sidelines were the Super Bowl runner-up 49ers, who have playmakers all over the defense. The Vikings, on the other hand, were handicapped by Jordan Addison’s and T.J. Hockenson’s injuries. Even Justin Jefferson left at some point.
That left head coach Kevin O’Connell with Sam Darnold under center, and his top weapons were Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor, and Johnny Mundt. And somehow, the team was fine. Darnold led a game-clinching field goal drive late in the fourth, gaining the necessary yards and taking time off the clock.
O’Connell can make the offense work regardless of the personnel, and the sky is the limit if the unit is healthy and the injured players return. His blueprint is intact: When the Vikings don’t lose the TO battle, the head coach is 19-0.
4. Turnovers Still a Problem
That leads us to a major problem. In the season opener, the Vikings fumbled once and threw one interception. A week later, in Week 2, Darnold threw one ill-advised pass to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner (who should also be applauded for an amazing play), and the aforementioned running back Jones fumbled a couple of yards before scoring a touchdown that would’ve put the game out of reach.
It was a point of emphasis in the entire offseason, and the Vikings can’t seem to get a hold of that issue. The Vikings ranked second-worst in the league last year with 34 turnovers, and they are on pace for precisely 34 turnovers in 2024.
5. The Vikings Can Beat Anyone
Some analysts thought the Vikings would compete for the first-overall pick, but through two weeks, the team should have erased the last doubts. It is a decent football team that has already blown out an inferior opponent, something bad teams rarely do, and beaten a Super Bowl contender.
It remains to be seen if that level of play is sustainable, and there will be some adversity, but the coaching staff isn’t going anywhere, the team seems to have some depth, and injuries have just made the 2024 Vikes shrug so far. The 2-0 Texans are coming to town next, and the Norsemen will once again be tested by a likely playoff team.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt