The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a stunning upset over the San Francisco 49ers in a Monday night thriller, winning 22-17 at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings improved to 3-4 on the season, while the 49ers suffered their second loss and fell to 6-2.
Cousins shines without Jefferson
Kirk Cousins had one of his best games of the season, throwing for 379 yards and two touchdowns on 35 of 45 completions. He did not take a single sack, as his offensive line held up well against the 49ers’ formidable pass rush. Cousins also overcame an early interception by Charvarius Ward, which he made up for with a beautiful 20-yard touchdown pass to rookie Jordan Addison on the ensuing drive.
Cousins was without his star receiver Justin Jefferson, who is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. But he found other targets to step up, especially Addison, who had a career-high seven catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Addison showed off his speed and route-running skills, beating Ward twice for scores, including a 60-yard bomb with seven seconds left in the first half.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson also had a big game, catching 11 passes for 84 yards. He was Cousins’ favorite option on third downs, converting six of them with his reliable hands. Brandon Powell and K.J. Osborn also contributed with four and five catches respectively, as Cousins spread the ball around to nine different receivers.
Bynum saves the day with two picks
The Vikings’ defense had a tough task against the 49ers’ balanced offense, led by Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey. Purdy threw for 287 yards and a touchdown, while McCaffrey rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown. McCaffrey also set an NFL record with his 16th consecutive game with a touchdown, breaking the mark held by Lenny Moore.
But the Vikings’ defense came up with some timely turnovers to keep the game close. In the first quarter, Camryn Bynum forced a fumble by McCaffrey, which was recovered by Dean Lowry. In the fourth quarter, Bynum intercepted Purdy twice, including one in the end zone to prevent a potential go-ahead score by the 49ers.
Bynum, a rookie safety out of California, has been a pleasant surprise for the Vikings this season. He leads the team with four interceptions and has shown great instincts and ball skills in coverage. He also made some key tackles in run support, finishing with seven solo stops.
Joseph misses crucial field goal
The game was not without drama, as the Vikings had to survive a late scare by the 49ers. After taking a 22-14 lead on a 32-yard field goal by Greg Joseph with 5:12 left in the game, the Vikings forced a punt by the 49ers and got the ball back with 3:42 remaining.
The Vikings tried to run out the clock with Alexander Mattison, who had eight carries for 39 yards in relief of Cam Akers, who left the game with an ankle injury. Mattison picked up two first downs, but the Vikings faced a third-and-10 at the 49ers’ 32-yard line with two minutes left.
Instead of passing or attempting a long field goal, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell decided to run the ball again and force the 49ers to use their final timeout. Mattison gained two yards, setting up a 50-yard field goal attempt by Joseph to make it a two-possession game.
But Joseph missed wide left, giving the 49ers one last chance to tie or win the game. They had to go 60 yards in 70 seconds with no timeouts left. Purdy completed three passes to move the ball to the Vikings’ 40-yard line, but then he threw his third interception of the game, as Bynum jumped in front of Deebo Samuel and secured the victory for the Vikings.
What’s next for both teams?
The Vikings will look to build on their momentum when they host the Detroit Lions next week. The Lions are coming off a bye week and have a 2-5 record. The Vikings beat the Lions 28-17 in Week 5, thanks to two touchdowns by Jefferson.
The 49ers will try to bounce back when they visit the Seattle Seahawks next week. The Seahawks are also coming off a bye week and have a 4-3 record. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 31-24 in Week 4, thanks to three touchdowns by Russell Wilson.
