3 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers – Preseason Week 2

Minnesota’s secondary will continue to be a problem

There were many positive developments last week (including a pair of touchdown passes from Kellen Mond) but on the other side of the field, the defense struggled to stop the pass.

The Vikings’ secondary had a hard time getting off the field in Las Vegas, allowing Jarred Stidham to dink and dunk his way to a touchdown drive in the first quarter. The pain continued when Nick Mullens came into the game, going 7-for-9 with 94 yards and a touchdown before conceding to Chase Garbers.

When the smoke cleared, the Vikings only allowed 160 yards passing on the afternoon but left a slew of bad PFF grades. Kris Boyd was the only cornerback to post a grade over 80 and Vikings corners combined to commit four of Minnesota’s eight penalties. (NOTE: This number could have been five if it weren’t for Andrew Booth Jr.’s double penalty in the first quarter.)

In their second test, the Vikings will likely have to go up against Trey Lance. The 49ers typically don’t like playing their starters, but Lance is a special exception. Entering his first season as a starter, Lance played during the first preseason game and launched a 76-yard touchdown to Danny Gray.

If Shanahan opts to play Lance on Saturday, there are going to be some highlights. When that happens, the Vikings will have to figure out how to fix their secondary.