49ers own mistakes vs. Vikings, know they must ‘play smarter’

MINNEAPOLIS — The 49ers' defense couldn't get the Vikings off the field when they needed to in their 23-17 loss on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Fred Warner had an All-Pro performance, registering nine tackles — seven solo, including one for a loss - while also snagging an interception and forcing two fumbles. But it was mistakes by everyone that kept the 49ers from leaving Minneapolis with a win. "It's too many 'My bads,' too many 'Hey man, I'll try to do better next time,' — me included," Warner said after the game. "I think of the plays I want back in this game, and we got to play more together as a team. We just got to do our job and play smart football and the rest will take care of itself." The Vikings converted seven of their 12 third-down situations and had several explosive plays that were results of missed assignments and blown coverages. Quarterback Sam Darnold completed 17 of his 26 attempts for 268 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. Both touchdowns were plays that the 49ers secondary could have approached much more efficiently. The first, a 97-yard touchdown from Darnold to receiver Justin Jefferson, was a missed assignment by safety Ji'Ayir Brown,...