Establishing and containing the run game highlights Vikings' keys to victory in Week 2 vs. 49ers
We are going to find out a lot about this Minnesota Vikings team on Sunday when they take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are coming off of major wins in week one but it's the Vikings who arguably need the win the most. They are not just hosting the 49ers, […]
We are going to find out a lot about this Minnesota Vikings team on Sunday when they take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are coming off of major wins in week one but it's the Vikings who arguably need the win the most.
They are not just hosting the 49ers, who they have beaten seven times in a row at home in their home opener, the Vikings are kicking off a four-game stretch that has them facing three playoff teams and a healthy New York Jets team in London. If they want to make the playoffs this season, they will need to steal a game or two to get there.
If they want to beat the 49ers, it will start and end with the running game.
Establish the run
This is something many coaches will tell you is a key to every game. If you can run the ball and shorten the game, While that is true, it takes on a different meaning for the Vikings against the 49ers.
The Vikings will likely be without both Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, meaning Jalen Nailor will have to step up into a role he has never held before. It's not to say he can't, but it could be an unfair expectation for him to take that kid of leap.
Establishing the running game with Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler to take the pressure off of the passing game could be both a game-changer and a potential game-winning strategy for the Vikings. Jones did average seven yards per carry against the Giants, but he faces a more difficult challenge with Fred Warner at linebacker able to stop outside runs with consistency. That battle will be key in determining the outcome of this game
Controlling the 49ers ground game
As much as the Vikings need to get the running game established, stopping the 49ers run game might be more important. Last season, the Vikings did a great job in stopping the run, allowing just 65 yards on 22 carries. The 49ers are also likely to be without Christian McCaffrey who is dealing with a calf/Achilles injury.
The running game looked pretty good with Jordan Mason on Monday night with 148 yards on a Kyle Shanahan-record 28 carries. One thing that will make an impact for the 49ers that they didn't have last season is Deebo Samuel, as he is healthy heading into the game. Having a (mostly) full complement of weapons on the outside will make an impact in how Flores can attack the run game. With the group of cornerbacks that they have, they could get torched if left alone in single coverage.
Get pressure on Brock Purdy
If the running game is humming like it usually is for the 49ers, this could prove to be a challenging one. Shanahan loves to use play-action in the passing game and that can create a bevy of problems for the Vikings. A combination of controlling the run game and pressuring Purdy is extremely important for the Vikings.
Purdy's numbers fall off hard when you pressure him. Last season, Purdy was pressured on 39.6% of dropbacks per PFF and had more turnover-worthy plays (13) than big-time throws (12). He also threw just 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions, whereas he threw 23 touchdowns and five interceptions when he was kept clean. If you can get to Purdy, you can take the game.
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