The San Francisco 49ers opened up Week 1 on defense, bending but not breaking on their first stand of 2018. And that was a major storyline for the Niners, who missed some key chances on both sides of the ball.
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was a massive factor early on in Week 1, ensuring the Minnesota Vikings' first offensive drive of 2018 fell short of finding the end zone. He registered his first sack of the season, bringing down Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and also registering another pressure that opening stand.
Yet the Niners weren't able to respond on their first offensive possession, starting off within their own 5-yard line but picking up two first downs in the process before punting.
Minnesota continued to put pressure on San Francisco's defense the following drive, however, including a 19-yard pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs with cornerback Richard Sherman in coverage. Diggs forced Sherman to bite on a deep route before hooking back towards Cousins, making the catch. And while the Vikings' drive stalled, rookie kicker Daniel Carlson was able to convert a field goal from 48 yards out to give Minnesota the early 3-0 lead.
The 49ers offensive line had a few setbacks early, including a critical holding call against left guard Laken Tomlinson and two allowed pressures by right guard Mike Person -- one of which led to a sack of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Diggs managed to beat cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon the subsequent drive for the game's first touchdown, putting the Vikings up 10-0.
Kirk Cousins throws a perfect pass to Stefon Diggs right over the top of Ahkello Witherspoon. #Vikings lead #49ers 10-0. #SFvsMIN pic.twitter.com/YHhBmTdVyM
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) September 9, 2018
San Francisco managed to strike back the following drive, resulting in a seven-play, 51-yard drive that ended with a Robbie Gould field goal to make it a one-score game. But the Niners also lost wide receiver Marquise Goodwin to an apparent leg injury during the possession.
He's questionable to return.
Vikings running back Dalvin Cook managed a 17-yard run the following drive, but 49ers rookie linebacker Fred Warner stayed with him and was able to knock the ball loose for the first turnover of the game -- a huge moment for the Niners defense, as it had been on the field a lot over the first half.
The 49ers were given a tremendous opportunity to tie the game late in the first half, managing eight plays within the red zone. But ultimately the Niners wouldn't score -- their drive ending with an Alfred Morris lost fumble on the 1-yard line.
Another point of note was how much the 49ers missed linebacker Reuben Foster (suspension), which led to backup linebacker Brock Coyle and a slew of missed tackles over the first two quarters. Had Foster been present, the Vikings offense likely would have stalled earlier on a number of elongated drives.
Over the first half, San Francisco managed 128 total yards of offense and converted three of six third-down attempts for the three points.
The Vikings, on the other hand, outgained the Niners by nearly 100 yards in the half by putting up 218 all-purpose yards of their own.
San Francisco will get the ball on offense to open up the second half, so stay tuned.
