Modified Ground Game
The running back situation for the 49ers has recently taken a hit with the loss of former Vikings rusher Jerick McKinnon suffering a season-ending ACL tear. San Francisco will now turn to the talents of journeyman and one-time Pro-Bowl running back Alfred Morris, who poses a completely different dynamic out of the offensive backfield.
Morris is a downfield runner that Minnesota needs to make a priority of containing. His career has been made between the tackles and he has contributed to three different teams now after winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2012 with the Redskins.
Morris is listed on the 49ers’ depth chart behind Matt Breida, who is a smaller, quicker back like McKinnon. But Breida has been dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered in the preseason.
It’s likely going to be a heavy dose Morris coming at the Vikings on Sunday though. Ironically, this may pose a challenge for Minnesota’s defense, who were most likely game-planning against San Francisco using McKinnon’s unique talents this week.
The 49ers’ offensive line is now trying to develop a new chemistry much like their opponents on the Minnesota side.
Minnesota Vikings
34-year-old left tackle Joe Staley returns and is joined by former New York Giants center Weston Richburg, whom many Giants fans consider a draft bust. San Francisco’s starting right tackle, Mike McGlinchey, is a 2018 first-round draft pick out of Notre Dame.
That’s another thing quarterback Garoppolo may be missing from New England, an annually solid offensive line. He’ll be improvising at times on Sunday like his counterpart, Cousins.
So, if the Vikings can stop the run and be aggressive with their pressure packages on Garoppolo, the 49ers should not threaten to come out of U.S. Bank Stadium with what would be a significant upset.
Play-action and creative play-calling will no doubt be Shanahan’s method of operation throughout the contest. If the Minnesota defense can play disciplined football, they will take away the former and compel the latter.
That’s Mike Zimmer’s method of operation.
With a little luck and some hometown energy from the fans, the Vikings should be able to put a dent in the 49ers’ hype that currently surrounds them.