3 takeaways from the Vikings' MNF win over the 49ers
The Minnesota Vikings secured a big win on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikes got a 22-17 win, playing their most complete game of the season so far. Kirk Cousins threw for just under 400 yards and the defense forced three turnovers. This win could force the Vikings to pivot from […]
The Minnesota Vikings secured a big win on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Vikes got a 22-17 win, playing their most complete game of the season so far. Kirk Cousins threw for just under 400 yards and the defense forced three turnovers. This win could force the Vikings to pivot from being a seller to being a buyer at the deadline.
With that being said, let's discuss our three takeaways from this win.
The defense did exactly what it needed to do
The Vikings’ defense held Christian McCaffrey to just 45 rushing yards and forced him to fumble. The unit also picked off Brock Purdy twice, setting the offense up in favorable positions.
It would have been nice to see the unit get more than just one sack, especially with Trent Williams out. However, they made it up for it by stuffing the run and causing turnovers. If the defense plays like this consistently, the Vikings will be a playoff team.
Kirk Cousins was dynamite
Well, nobody can make any “Primetime Kirk” means for a while after that performance. Cousins completed 35/45 passes for 378 yards and 2 TDs. The QB did get picked once, but it was a great play the San Francisco DB.
Most importantly, Cousins did this without his best receiver Justin Jefferson. And, the veteran QB did not fumble the ball, which is an improvement. This version of Cousins along with this version of the defense will make the Vikings very hard to beat.
Jordan Addison has WR1 potential
Jordan Addison needed to have a big game, and did he ever. The rookie racked up 123 yards and 2 TDs on 7 receptions. Addison looked electric, and the Vikings really needed that with Jefferson out.
Addison had already displayed flashes this season, but last night was the first time he showed WR1 potential. The 49er secondary is no joke either, making Addison's performance even more impressive.
The best play of the night happened right before the half when Addison wrestled the ball away from Charvarius Ward and took it 70 yards to the house.
3 Vikings who need to have big games on Monday Night Football
The Vikings will need some big performances to get a MNF win.
Featured image via © Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
