San Francisco 49ers Preseason: 3 Takeaways vs Vikings

The San Francisco 49ers starters impressed significantly in the penultimate preseason game with the Vikings, here we look at three key takeaways.

The San Francisco 49ers were defeated, 32-31, in their penultimate preseason game with the Minnesota Vikings in an encounter that should leave head coach Kyle Shanahan feeling good about his first string. With the third preseason game seen as the dress rehearsal for the starters, the 49ers will have been keen to impress after a sloppy showing against the Denver Broncos.

And they did just that as quarterback Brian Hoyer threw two touchdown passes to help the 49ers jump out to a 14-0 lead, with the defense pitching a first-half shutout in a pleasing performance ahead of Thursday’s preseason finale with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Here we look at three key takeaways Sunday’s contest.

Starting Offense Hits Stride

San Francisco’s starting offense had failed to really hit its stride in the first two games with the Kansas City Chiefs and Broncos, but Hoyer and Co. found their rhythm in a big way in Minnesota. Hoyer looked extremely sharp in going 12-of-17 for 176 yards and the two scores, the first of which came on an 46-yard bomb to Marquise Goodwin, who flashed the big-play ability that has been so evident in camp.

#HoyAIR to @flashg88dwin for the 46-yard touchdown 🙌 #SFvsMIN pic.twitter.com/en5fyeQUi7
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 28, 2017

He also connected with Carlos Hyde for a 24-yard touchdown, the running back taking a step to silencing those who have doubted his skills as a receiver. Demonstrating a clear rapport with Pierre Garcon, who had six catches, Hoyer had the look of a quarterback at ease with Shanahan’s scheme and will now sit out the preseason finale and head into the regular season on a high.

Defense Cranks Up the Pressure

One of the big questions surrounding the 49ers defense has been whether they can generate enough pass rush to be successful after struggling to do so for each of the last two seasons.

But, playing against a shaky Minnesota offensive line, the pass rush flourished. Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford was harrassed constantly, Elvis Dumervil and Arik Armstead registering sacks, as did D.J. Jones.

Tank Carradine and Eli Harold, having seemingly secured the starting SAM linebacker job, were also able to pressure the opposing signal-caller, leaving defensive coordinator Robert Saleh with plenty of reason for encouragement.

Breida Looks Bound for Backup RB job

Tellingly after Hyde finished his strong night’s work, it was undrafted Matt Breida who received the first carries with the second string at running back. The former Georgia Southern star showcased some elusiveness in putting up 29 yards on seven carries, and appears to be the favorite to be Hyde’s immediate backup.

Next: NFL 2017: One superstar megatrade for each team

Joe Williams had 16 yards on seven attempts, but it was Raheem Mostert who helped his cause the most, scoring on an 87-yard reception and a four-yard run. Mostert has value as a special teams contributor, so his display should be of concern to Tim Hightower, who did not receive a carry after an extremely disappointing performance against the Broncos and may be a surprise cut candidate when the roster is trimmed from 90 to 53.