Like any preseason game, the Vikings 17-6 loss against the 49ers was filled with ups and downs. With some names such as Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Antoine Winfield and Percy Harvin watching from the bench, the Vikings offense struggled to get anything going and the defense was unable to stop the 49ers ground game.
The first team offense was actually able to move the ball during their two series. Christian Ponder found Stephen Burton who slipped past a 49er safety for a 52 yard gain on Ponder's first pass attempt. Following a Jerome Simpson drop, the drive stalled and the team was forced to a 39 yard Blair Walsh field goal, his first of two on the game.
Ponder and company drive the field again following a Alex Smith touchdown pass, but the drive stalled and the team settled again for a Walsh 26 yard field goal.
Ponder finished the game completing four of nine passes for 80 yards.
Meanwhile, the niners gained 260 yards on the ground averaging 6.2 yards per carry.
Once Ponder exited after the second series, Joe Webb entered the game and for five series was unable to establish any type of rhythm in the offense.
Colin Kaepernick made the play of the game with his legs for the 49ers in the second quarter. Kaepernick took off and ran 70 yards for the second score for San Francisco giving them a 14-6 lead.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson played in the fourth quarter completing three of seven passes for 49 yards while throwing one interception.
The team comes home and will host the Buffalo Bills next Friday night at Mall of America Field.
