Don’t Sleep on The 49ers, Vikings Fans
K. Joudry
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Vikings fans are mostly feeling optimistic heading into the 49ers game. That’s the sort of thing that happens following a clutch win against the division-leading Packers, especially since it followed a good road win against the Chargers. Here’s the thing, though: the 49ers are no joke. I may be in the minority, but I’m a little nervous about this game.
We’ve all applauded Klint Kubiak’s adjustments on offense. Justin Jefferson has been a monster these past two weeks. Adam Thielen has been more involved (though he could do even more). The renewed emphasis on these two has really opened up the offense. What’s a surefire way to disrupt that success? Get instant pressure.
We all saw Kenny Clark bully Mason Cole last week. Garrett Bradbury’s anchor isn’t much better. Whether the center conundrum gets solved or if they even get creative at RG, the Vikings will be in trouble if the 49ers DL gets going. Klint Kubiak suggested that he may try to do some different things along the iOL: “Both guys will play.” After a clarifying follow up question, Kubiak indicated that “well, one would have to play guard.” Kubiak then said that he likes Cole’s “resilience” and his communication.
Minnesota may be in trouble if Arik Armstead gets going early. Plus, they’ve got some guy named Nick Bosa. Those two make me nervous. Bosa is already up to 10 sacks, 15 TFLs, and he has hit the QB 22 times. Armstead has more modest traditional stats – a mere two sacks – but he does come in as PFF‘s 11th ranked iDL. The Vikings OL will have their hands full.
Fred Warner, moreover, will likely be tasked with slowing Dalvin Cook. He’s likely up to the task. Don’t be surprised if the offense struggles to find a rhythm early.
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On offense, Kyle Shanahan – who has been subject to no shortage of coaching rumors – will likely try to run all over a beleaguered Vikings squad. The defensive line will likely be relying on exclusively depth options. It’s pretty wild to see Trent Williams and his superhuman 97.6 PFF score. That number suggests he’s remarkably dominant, especially in the run game where he has a 98.5 score. Alex Mack, Laken Tomlinson, and Mike McGlinchey also have strong grades. Will D.J. Wonnum, Kenny Willekes, Armon Watts, Patrick Jones II, and Sheldon Richardson be able to get the best of SF’s impressive front five? I’m skeptical.
Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t an elite option at QB, but he has some elite weapons. George Kittle is special, and so is Deebo Samuel. Don’t be surprised if Brandon Aiyuk also has a nice game. Thankfully, Minnesota is getting healthier at LB and in the secondary, but those guys will struggle if the pass rush is essentially non-existent. Blitzes can really only go so far. Every time a player blitzes, the pass coverage gets a little less strong. It’s worth it in some scenarios, but it’s something Shanahan will be able to scheme around. Zim will really need to disguise his coverages in order slow Garoppolo.
From my vantage point, the Vikings have a chance if they have an opportunistic defense and a methodical offense. There’s a legitimate case to be made that the defense needs to be better, but it’ll be surprising if this is the week where they show that improvement. A critical interception or a sack/fumble at the right time may be enough. They’ll allow some points, so the team will need to ensure they get stops whenever they can and that the offense again shows off a balanced, explosive approach.
