49ers vs. Vikings second quarter thread: Penalties are the only thing stopping the Niners

We’ve come to expect the San Francisco 49ers to score every time they touch the ball, which makes you scratch your head whenever they go three-and-out. That’s what Brock Purdy and the Niners did on their first drive.

Sam Darnold and the Vikings had more success after Darnold ran for a first down, which brought Minnesota to around mid-field. Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen was not going to let Justin Jefferson beat him, as they had bracket coverage on Jefferson on the first drive. A penalty and an awkward toss backward put the Vikings in a 2nd & 23 situation.

On 3rd & 10, the Vikings targeted Fred Warner. There aren’t many situations where that’s a good idea. That’s especially true on third and long. Warner made a diving stop:

A blocked punt on the ensuing drive gave the Vikings great field position. But the defense held in the red zone after George Odum nearly intercepted Darnold in the end zone. You never want to fall behind a touchdown early in the game, so holding Minnesota to three was crucial at that juncture of the game.