The 49ers faced the Vikings on October 23 in Week 7 of the 2023 NFL season. Here are takeaways and highlights from the game.
Click here for more Week 7 game recaps.
Final Score: Vikings 22, 49ers 17
Many NFL games are decided by which teams’ stars make the most plays, but it may come as a surprise who balled out in this week’s Monday Night Football contest.
In the absence of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, rookie Jordan Addison had a monster game for the Vikings. Addison hauled in seven catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns in his MNF debut. The play of the game came just before halftime when quarterback Kirk Cousins was under pressure and underthrew a deep pass to Addison. 49ers defensive back Charvarius Ward appeared to be in position to intercept the pass; however, Addison ripped it away from Ward and dashed into the end zone for a 60-yard touchdown. The score gave the Vikings a 16-7 lead at the half.
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy looked to bounce back from a losing effort to the Browns in Week 6. Purdy finished the evening 21-for-30 for 272 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers’ offensive line also protected him well, only surrendering one sack to Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter. However, two costly fourth-quarter interceptions prevented any chance of a 49ers second-half comeback. Both interceptions were picked off by Vikings safety Camryn Bynum, including one that sealed the game with just 25 seconds remaining.
The Vikings’ defense did an excellent job containing All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, who managed just 45 yards on 15 carries. However, no defense can fully contain McCaffrey, who broke free on a screen pass that went for a 30-yard touchdown and also had a three-yard rushing touchdown in the contest.
Ultimately, the 49ers offense did not do enough, and the Vikings made plays to emerge victorious in this hard-fought battle.
After a blazing fast 5-0 start, the 49ers have now dropped two in a row. The 5-2 Niners, who have scored 30-plus points in each of their wins this season, will have to figure out a way to win close games if they hope to make another deep playoff run.
On the other hand, the Vikings are poised to turn their season around after a slow start. Now with a 3-4 record, Minnesota is approaching a portion of their schedule where they will face struggling teams such as the Saints, Broncos, Bears, and Raiders.
Highlights
.@espn_jordan. TO. THE. HOUSE.
📺: @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/MXcbsXdSoL
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2023
The dude is just different!@CMC_22#SFvsMIN on ESPN
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4nCVJ pic.twitter.com/iB8mwBkw3O— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 24, 2023
CAM CALLED GAME
📺: @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/3bU5oPMFPb
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2023
Looking Forward
The 49ers will face the Bengals at home in Week 8. The Bengals, who enjoyed their bye in Week 7, beat the Seahawks in Week 6 to even out their record at 3-3.
The Vikings will travel to Green Bay next week to face the Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, most recently falling to the Broncos in Denver, 19-17.
Main Image Credit:
