The Minnesota Vikings are off to a 2-0 start to their 2024 season as they defeated the San Francisco 49ers in their home opener 23-17. Sam Darnold would lead the Vikings over a NFC favorite when it comes to the 49ers who were without Christian McCaffery who was placed on IR earlier last week.
Darnold would finish the day with another solid outing going 17/26 for 268 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception with a 109.1 QB rating. Darnold and company also had one of the plays of the week, when he hit Justin Jefferson for a 97 yard touchdown catch with a griddy celebration to follow.
Ty Chandler would be your leading rusher in Week 2, carrying the ball 10 times for 82 yards. And both Sam Darnold and Aaron Jones would tie each other in rushing yards with 32, and no touchdowns scored.
The wide receiving room, was a little short entering the game, Jordan Addison was announced as out with an ankle injury, leaving Justin Jefferson to carry to load. And carry the load he did, Jefferson would finish the day with 4 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, plus the beautiful 97 yard score from Darnold in the second quarter. Justin Jefferson would leave the game in the second half with a quad injury. But rest easy Viking fans, the injury is believed to be not major, and Jefferson himself said he doesn’t feel like the injury will be significant.
Blake Cashman was the leading man on the defensive side of the ball with 13 total tackles, 1 sack, and 3 passes defended. Pat Jones would also make his name known in the game by collecting 5 tackles, 2 sacks, with 2 tackles for loss. The Vikings defense would also force 2 turnovers from San Francisco.
The Vikings would lead the game in total yards with 403 to San Francisco’s 399. The Vikings however, would be the lesser in time of possession with 25:12, to the 49ers 34:48, and in first downs with 17 to 24.
With a Detroit, and Chicago loss, the Vikings now sit as your current leader of the NFC North going into Week 3, where they will face another formidable opponent, the rising, and star powered Houston Texans. The status of Justin Jefferson entering in Week 3 will be the main question being asked, as well as Jeffersons running mate Jordan Addison. If the two are to remain out, Minnesota will have to turn to other wide receivers on the team including Jailen Nailor, Trent Sherfield Jr., and Brandon Powell.
Photo Credit: The Minnesota Vikings
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