The Viking Age
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Week 1 Ups and Downs: Minnesota Vikings vs San Francisco 49ers

By Adam Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown over defender Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown over defender Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to catch the ball over defender Mike Hughes #21 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to catch the ball over defender Mike Hughes #21 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Overall Impression

It may only be Week 1, but this was an important game for the Minnesota Vikings to come away with a win during. The 49ers are an extremely good team, but the Vikings will face many other excellent squads this year due to winning their division next year. Thankfully, the purple and gold start the season 1-0.

Aside from the win, there was a lot of to love during this game.

Offensively, Kirk Cousins was as advertised. He made some tough throws to keep the chains moving and put points on the board while doing his best to stay upright due to a leaky offensive line. Also, his targets were reliable for the most part, helping out the quarterback with few exceptions. Plus, Dalvin Cook continued to look good as a receiver.

On defense, there were plenty of big plays to be had. Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes, and Mike Hughes all hauled in interceptions, with Hughes bringing his back to the house. Plus, Danielle Hunter, Harrison Smith, Sheldon Richardson, and Everson Griffen all got to the quarterback. In addition, the stops in the red zone were amazing and show just how hard it’s going to be to score on this Vikings defense.

Special teams saw Daniel Carlson make his only field goal attempt from 48 yards and hit all three of his extra point tries. Mike Hughes also made a big impact on the game by making a great play on a punt return to down the ball inside the 5-yard line.

It’s hard to pick apart negatives from this game, but the biggest issue is how teams can take advantage of the Vikings aggressive nature. Short passes to tight ends and backs or sneaking a fullback out to catch a pass really hurt the team. Thankfully, the damage was limited by solid tackling from the defense.

As a whole, this is a game Minnesota should be proud of. They can build off this win and continue moving forward. They made great plays in all phases of the game and that is the best way to come away victorious in the NFL.

Verdict: Kirk Cousins makes me glad the Vikings don’t have a guy like Nathan Peterman as their starting quarterback.

Next. Predicting the Vikings 2018 record. dark

In Week 2, the Minnesota Vikings hit the road to take on the Green Bay Packers. As usual, this will be a tough game and one which could have a huge impact on the NFC North. The Viking Age will return for Ups and Downs for that game next week!

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