Minnesota Vikings vs. 49ers: Four areas of concern
By Dan Zinski
Dec 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) sits on the bench during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
2. Run defense has problems
Mike Zimmer seemed miffed in his post-game presser when talking about the way San Francisco pushed around the Vikings last night. And he had good reason to be.
San Francisco gouged the Vikings on the ground with Carlos Hyde running for 168 yards and 2 TDs.
All night the Vikings struggled staying in running lanes and avoiding cut blocks on the back side.
Everson Griffen especially got owned, over-running several plays and getting burned by Hyde with a serious spin move.
The linebackers also had problems getting off blocks. Despite being on the field for most of the game as the Niners kept the Vikings out of their nickel, Chad Greenway only managed one tackle. It’s hard to tackle when you’re locked up by a blocker or lying on your butt.
Probably the only bright spot on the night was the play of Anthony Barr who managed to stay clean and was very active running around making plays.
Outside of Barr, you’d have to give the Vikings’ linebackers a failing grade. Same goes for the defensive ends.
San Francisco just decided to line up and run the ball down the Vikings’ throats and it worked.
The Vikings have definitely gotten more athletic on defense over the past couple years but that athleticism doesn’t have a chance to show if players are simply being out-muscled.