49ers fall to Vikings 32-31 in preseason

The 49ers lost to the Minnesota Vikings 32-31 after a spirited comeback by the Vikings' reserves. However, much of the work by the starters was of note.

The 49ers' first-team offense set the tone early by starting quickly and scoring on its first two drives. Quarterback Brian Hoyer completed his first eight passes (including two touchdowns) and was 12-17 for 176 yards with those two aforementioned touchdowns in a solid tune-up for the regular season.

Pierre Garçon was targeted seven times and had six catches for 64 yards to lead all 49ers. Most of the catches were off of quick-hitting plays over the middle. Marquise Goodwin had a long touchdown catch of 46 yards on a play-action fake, beating Xavier Rhodes by several yards. Goodwin again got deep later in the first half, but the ball was underthrown and incomplete.

Trent Taylor was again impressive, with three catches for 33 yards, a couple of which were very tough catches. He seems to have solidified his spot on the roster.


The running game was again stagnant, with Carlos Hyde managing to gain just 19 yards on seven carries, as most of the runs were outside zone runs. Despite the struggles on the ground, the 49ers used play-action fakes early and often as Hoyer looked comfortable delivering the ball.

Matt Brieda was the first running back off the bench and had seven carries for 31 yards. He continued to play with the backups through the beginning of the second. Raheem Mostert followed and had an impressive touchdown run after catching a short pass and taking it 87 yards to the house as well as a four-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He had over 100 yards receiving to lead the team in that department.

The first-string defense fared well, pitching a shut out in the first half and limiting the Vikings to less than 150 total yards. Arik Armestead and DeForest Buckner had back to back sacks at one point in the first half. Elvis Dumervil and new starter Eli Harold were also impressive in bringing pressure off the edge.

Reuben Foster was the story of the defense, though. Foster was all over the field and made several big hits. He was also solid in coverage and was asked to blitz a handful of times. Navorro Bowman played well, showing no ill effects of the Achilles injury that caused him to miss most of the 2016 season.

Eric Reid seemed more comfortable in his new role as a box safety. He also had several big hits and was around the ball regularly. Jaquiski Tartt started at free safety and had three tackles (including one for a loss). Training Camp standout Lorenzo Jerome played with the second unit.


The rest of the secondary again struggled. Sam Bradford completed his first nine passes against the 49ers as the defense was seemingly bending but not breaking. 49ers corners were getting beat regularly, but were helped by two big Stefon Diggs drops. This may be an area of concern moving forward, as the pass defense has struggled for most of the preseason.

C.J. Beathard was not as effective as he has been in the first two weeks of the preseason. He seemed a little out of rhythm as he started 1-5 for 13 yards and an interception. Beathard also held the ball a bit too long and took a sack. He bounced back to throw a touchdown pass on a checkdown to Mostert, but was otherwise not as effective this week.

Overall, it was a slightly disciplined game by the 49ers, who had nine penalties for 75 yards after having more than 10 penalties in each of their first two preseason games.

The 49ers finish up the preseason against the Chargers next weekend.

Related News

• 49ers strike impressive early pose in dress-rehearsal loss to Vikings
  San Francisco Chronicle
• Instant Analysis: Starters shine, but 49ers lose in last second vs Vikings
  NBCS Bay Area
• FINAL: Vikings orchestrate come-from-behind win over 49ers
  Niners Wire
• Game Wrap: 49ers' starters outclass Vikings in exhibition loss
  Niners Wire
• 49ers-Vikings post-game report
  Press Democrat
• Refocused: Minnesota Vikings 32, San Francisco 49ers 31
  Pro Football Focus
• 49ers starters put together best preseason performance in loss to Vikings
  ESPN

More San Francisco 49ers News

• 49ers reportedly 'intrigued' Daniel Jones, but QB signs with Vikings

  ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes the San Francisco 49ers could be a strong contender for quarterback Daniel Jones, who the New York Giants recently released. Fowler described the 49ers as a "viable option" for the former first-round pick. Update: Daniel Jones is reportedly...
  Read Article

• Why the 49ers aren't using Mason or Guerendo since McCaffrey's return

  Since returning from an Achilles tendinitis issue, Christian McCaffrey has dominated the San Francisco 49ers' backfield, playing 88% of the offensive snaps. In contrast, Jordan Mason has seen just 8% of the snaps since McCaffrey's return, while Isaac Guerendo has played only...
  Read Article

• 49ers vs. Packers injury report: Purdy briefly throws before exiting practice; Still no Williams, Bosa

  The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 12 contest against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Brock Purdy, who refrained from throwing during Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury, resumed light throwing to team staff...
  Read Article

• Pelissero provides update on Brock Purdy's injury and 49ers-Packers status

  San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited during Wednesday's practice and refrained from throwing altogether in at least the position of practice that was open to the media. Purdy is dealing with a shoulder injury sustained during Sunday's loss to the Seattle...
  Read Article