Sloppy 49ers drop one in Minnesota: Rapid reactions

Well, that was frustrating. The San Francisco 49ers showed up for the game in Minnesota against the Vikings, but barely. A barrage of mistakes and ugly play put the 49ers in a hole they couldn't climb out of. From untimely penalties to turnovers, San Francisco couldn't get out of its way in this one, falling 23-17.

The offense was bad. The defense was bad. The special teams was bad. And the coaching wasn't great either. But there doesn't seem to be much in the way of injuries, so that's one positive thing.

Here are my rapid reactions. These are my live observations as the game unfolded.

• A blocked punt is not the way you want to begin. Fortunately, the defense held Minnesota to a field goal. Unfortunately, the blocked punt was a sign of things to come.

• The offense was sloppy early on. And they stayed that way throughout the game. They moved the ball ok but made too many mistakes.
• I liked seeing Isaac Guerendo get a carry in the first quarter. It didn't go well, but I was still glad to see it.

• From now on, Jauan Jennings will be called "4th and Jauan" in addition to "Third and Jauan." Anytime is Jauan time.
• Jordan Mason has excellent vision. What a star.
• Have I mentioned the 49ers offense looks sloppy?
• I don't mind going for it on 4th and goal, but I hated the call. I would have preferred not to be in a shotgun formation. Kyle Shanahan knows more than I do, but I still wasn't crazy about the play call.
• The 49ers have been abysmal in all three phases of the game.
• That 14-point turnaround, the 49ers failing on 4th and goal, then giving up the 97-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson, was a massive series of events. That was probably the biggest turning point of the game.
• Did the 49ers keep the wrong quarterback? I'm kidding. Sort of. Sam Darnold was very good against a tough defense.

• The 49ers may not have shown up for the game, but the fans sure have. Well done, Faithful.
• Fred Warner is elite. Every game. Is he the best player on the team? Who impacts a game more?

• Malik Mustapha entered the game at safety after the big Jefferson touchdown. Maybe the coaches didn't like how George Odum was playing. I don't know, but Odum was out a few series and then later returned.
• That Warner interception and scoring drive was huge. The 49ers needed that. Again, is Warner the best player on the team?
• Nick Bosa had a couple of sacks, but other than that, the 49ers' pass rush didn't put much pressure on Darnold.
• Did Brandon Aiyuk retire? Oh wait, there he is. (Public service announcement: Show up for training camp, kids.)
• Welcome to the 49ers, Yetur Gross-Matos.

• Mason continues to run over people. And he's solid in pass protection, as well. I love this guy. But the 49ers' offense misses Christian McCaffrey, especially in the passing game when Brock Purdy needs to dump it off to his running back.
• Rookie punt returners. Ugh! I sure hope Jacob Cowing doesn't end up in Shanahan's doghouse because of that muffed punt.

• The 49ers have been terrible today. All the way around. Everyone except Warner and Mason. George Kittle was good, too.
• Charvarius Ward was not been good, however. This may have been his worst game in San Francisco.
• The offensive line regressed from last week. Even Trent Williams and Dominic Puni had bad moments.
• Maybe I've already mentioned this, but that Warner guy is good.

• That sideline throw from Purdy to Deebo Samuel was beautiful.

• Samuel had a nice game as a receiver. Not so much as a runner.
• A 99-yard drive to move within a touchdown is impressive. As bad as the 49ers have played, they still have a chance to win.
• Darnold picked the 49ers apart. I guess they taught him too well.
• Mitch Wishnowsky would like to forget this game, as well. He had a punt blocked and that onside attempt was weak.

If you're looking for a positive spin, it was a terrible game by the 49ers, but they didn't give up and had a chance at the end. They just fell a little short. Next up is a date with the Los Angeles Rams.

• Marc Adams
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