The Minnesota Vikings entered Week 2 riding high off a dismantling of the New York Giants in Week 1. However, their opponents this week would be the defending NFC representatives from LVIII, the San Francisco 49ers.
The Vikings would have the advantage of playing the game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. San Francisco hadn't won on the purple and gold's home turf since 12/13/1992 when the movie A Few Good Men was No. 1 at the box office but the Niners would hope to change that on Sunday.
Minnesota defended their home turf once again in Week 2, defeating the 49ers in a game that stunned many fans who expected San Francisco to win. However, when it came to Sunday's game, there were some performances that had a huge impact on the game.
3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Vikings in Week 2 win over the 49ers
Here are three players for the Minnesota Vikings who made the most of their opportunities on Sunday and two who struggled despite the big team win.
Winner No. 1: Sam Darnold, Quarterback
It would be easy to point a finger at Sam Darnold and say that he should be a loser for fumbling twice and throwing an interception, but there are some real positives that the Vikings quarterback showed on the field on Sunday.
Darnold completed 17 of his 26 pass attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns while adding five runs for 32 yards. He was without starting receiver Jordan Addison this week and Justin Jefferson left the game with an injury and did not return. The Vikings quarterback took three sacks, but still looked comfortable leading the offense.
Loser No. 1: Garrett Bradbury, Center
Although there was a miscue between Garrett Bradbury and Sam Darnold in the game, the reason Bradbury is on this list is purely by accident. Minnesota's offensive lineman played a solid game, but was also part of a scary play.
Bradbury was running up the field to block and inadvertently rolled up on Justin Jefferson's leg, ending the star receiver's day but thankfully not resulting in what could have been a serious thigh injury. Thank goodness for that.
Winner No. 2: Will Reichard, Kicker
I will write this fully knowing the wild history of Minnesota Vikings' kickers, but Will Reichard might be starting to calm the nerves of skeptical fans. On Sunday, he was a perfect three-for-three on field goals and flawless on two extra points.
Reichard has yet to miss a single kick this season, making all four extra point tries in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Vikings fans may know not to get too comfortable with a kicker, but the rookie looks like he could be the real deal.
Loser No. 2: Aaron Jones, Running Back
Aaron Jones didn't have an awful day, carrying the ball nine times for 32 yards and catching five passes for 36 yards, but it was one costly mistake that left the door open for the 49ers in the Week 2 contest.
Losing a fumble as he approached the goal line, Minnesota could have taken a 27-10 lead make a San Francisco comeback improbable. The 49ers capitalized on that mistake by diving 99 yards and capping off the drive with a Jordan Mason touchdown to keep the game within reach.
Winner No. 3: Patrick Jones II, edge
Much of this edge rush conversation for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason revolved around free agent signings Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard as well as first-round draft pick Dallas Turner. Although all of those guys are having good years so far, Patrick Jones II is off to a scorching start.
Jones sacked 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy twice in the game as part of his five total tackles. Last week also saw Jones notch two sacks on Daniel Jones, giving him four in the first two games of the 2024 NFL season.