Jordan Addison #3 of the Minnesota Vikings battles for yards after a first half catch against Tashaun Gipson Sr. #31 and Charvarius Ward #7 of the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 23, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ((Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings defied the odds and beat the San Francisco 49ers, one of the best teams in the NFL, 22-17 on Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium.
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Vikings locker room reacts to 22-17 win over 49ers
Vikings players Cam Bynum, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Christian Darrisaw, Dalton Risner, Cam Akers and Jordan Hicks react from the locker room after a 22-17 win over the 49ers on Monday Night Football.
The Vikings have now won three out of their last four games after an 0-3 start. They also avoided the franchise’s first 0-4 home start in team history. Here are takeaways from Monday’s win:
JORDAN ADDISON’S COMING OUT PARTY
The Vikings needed a receiver to step up with Justin Jefferson on injured reserve. That guy is rookie and first round pick Jordan Addison. He responded from an early turnover and had the first 100-yard game of his career. He had seven catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. His biggest was a 60-yard score at the end of the first half, ripping the ball way from Charvarius Ward on what looked like his second interception of the game.
Addison looks to be a future star for the Vikings.
STELLAR OFFENSIVE LINE
You read that correctly. The Vikings’ offense line was outstanding Monday night. The 49ers have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and Kirk Cousins’ wasn’t sacked a single time. Ezra Cleveland missed the game with a toe injury, and Dalton Risner got his first start. The play across the line was stellar, and Cousins had time to pick part the defense for 378 yards and two touchdowns.
CAM BYNUM STEPS UP
Playing for his family and people in the Philippines with a decal on his helmet, Cam Bynum led the Vikings’ defense with seven tackles. He intercepted Brock Purdy twice, and the second time it sealed a win with 25 seconds left. He was also the team choreographer for celebrating takeaways, and he didn’t disappoint in making sure the Vikings were having fun.
RED ZONE ISSUES CONTINUE
The Vikings’ win could’ve been more lopsided had they been more efficient in the red zone. Twice inside the 5-yard line, they had to settle for field goals. A "tush push" didn’t work, and the passing game was a little off in tight quarters. The Vikings have had issues in the red zone most of the season, and those will have to be fixed.
DANIELLE HUNTER CHASING HISTORY
Danielle Hunter got another sack Monday night, and he now leads the NFL with nine on the season. He also passed Everson Griffen with 80 career sacks, doing so in 109 games. He’s fourth in Vikings’ history in sacks, behind only Jared Allen, Chris Doleman and John Randle.
That’s elite company, and Hunter will get paid next year whether it’s with the Vikings or elsewhere.
GAME BALLS GALORE
Kevin O’Connell loves handing out game balls. After all, that means you’re celebrating a victory. Monday night, he handed out game balls to Hunter, T.J. Hockenson for his 11 catches and 86 yards, Jordan Addison, all five members of the offensive line, Cam Bynum for is two interceptions and Cousins.
ARE THE VIKINGS BACK IN THE NFC NORTH RACE?
The short answer: Yes. The Vikings are 3-4, and in sole possession of second place in the NFC North behind the 5-2 Detroit Lions. They’re a half game out of a Wild Card spot right now, with 10 games left. Their next five games are at Green Bay, at Atlanta, against New Orleans, at the Broncos and against the Bears. There’s a legitimate chance to go on a run there and get over .500.
After an 0-3 start, the Vikings have life.