Vikings at 49ers: Full highlights, final score
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Minnesota Vikings in a defensive affair on Monday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium, 20-3. San Francisco came into the game as a road underdog but was in control for much of the way, leading 7-0 at the half before extending to 10-0 in the third quarter.
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Minnesota would finally get on the board with a 37-yard Blair Walsh field goal to make it 10-3 before capitulating. The Vikings could never get the offense rolling, watching Adrian Peterson rush for only 31 yards on 10 carries, with his longest carry being nine yards. Teddy Bridgewater also struggled with 231 yards on 32 attempts and an interception.
Highlights
Three Stars
1. Carlos Hyde
Hyde is under a ton of pressure in San Francisco, taking over the starting running back job for the franchise’s all-time leading rusher. The youngster showed no nerves, rushing for a career-high 168 yards with two touchdowns on 26 carries. Hyde showed power and moves, giving the 49ers much to be excited about.
2. NaVorro Bowman
Bowman had not played in anything other than a preseason game since the 2013 NFC Championship game, when he shredded his knee. Bowman is back in name and deed, racking up seven tackles and a sack. Bowman was all over the field, coming on blitzes, stuffing the run and dropping into coverage. It was a beautiful thing to see.
3. Anthony Barr
Barr was one of the few bright spots for Minnesota, amassing a game-high 12 tackles including one for a loss and a pass defended. Barr, the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2014, can play as both an edge-rusher and a run-stuffer. He appears to be the type of play head coach Mike Zimmer can build his defense around.
Odds
Minnesota was favored by 2.5 points, and did not cover the spread.
Next week
San Francisco will travel to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers while the Minnesota Vikings will open up their home slate against the Detroit Tigers.