The San Francisco 49ers came in as the Las Vegas’s biggest favorite road team to win a game with the point spread of almost 7 points. I got to my seat around 11 am and saw more red than purple causing a concern of what the crowd would be like. The stadium filled as it closer to kickoff and the purple was showing up. The red definitely was easy to pick out.
The 49ers then chose to have their offensive starters announced and with that Randy Moss’s name would be called. I listened to see how the crowd would react. I honestly would call it 50/50 with boos and cheers.
The way the Vikings played Sunday was so encouraging. The first touchdown was especially refreshing. The team could have settled for a field goal on the drive but the gutsy call by the Vikings coaching staff paid off with a touchdown pass from Ponder to Kyle Rudolph. This took guts with a powerful team like the 49ers if the Vikings would have failed could have given the 49ers a confidence on the road. It really got the crowd into the game.
The first half was as good as I have witnessed in person for quite some time. The hustle by the defense was awesome to watch. The play of Chad Greenway was huge finishing with a game high 13 tackles and sacks to boost.
The sack numbers were not high but the discomfort the defense caused San Francisco quarterback, Alex Smith went on all day. He just could not get comfortable and made some bad throws. A hurried pass is just as good as a sack in a game like Sunday.
Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder I thought today had as good as protection as he has had maybe since he took over as quarterback last season. The decisions he made Sunday were remarkable. It seemed as though he could finally feel pressure if he got is and either ran or threw to receivers working to get open.
Ponder scored on a long scramble but would not have made it without a block like I saw Adrian Peterson throw for him. It is another example of teamwork that happened at Mall of America Field.
The partially blocked field goal attempt by 49ers kicker, David Akers by Letroy Guion with less than a minute left in the half brought out a huge ovation from the fans as well. The fans were in the game the whole time and made the victory even more special feeling the crowd could contribute.
Blair Walsh also got in the act with a 52 yard field goal with 4 seconds left in the half. This is the 3rd straight game of a 50 yard or more which puts him the Vikings record book. Blair is the first Vikings kicker to accomplish this feat of 3 straight games with a field goal over 50 yards. Congrats to Blair Walsh
Minnesota goes into the locker room with a 17-3 lead at halftime and left to a well-deserved standing ovation by the crowd.
The biggest series of the year by the defense came early in the 3rd quarter. 49ers Kyle Williams takes the opening 2nd half kickoff 94 yards and thank god for Jamarca Sanford and his hustle to save a touchdown. It was such a eerie feeling sitting in the stands knowing the 49ers cannot get any sniff of a hope. The defense came up with the series of a lifetime and left the 49ers with only a field goal attempt. The 49ers had it first and goal from the Vikings 14 and had to settle for a field goal. Kudos to the Minnesota Vikings defense and not letting an easy score occur.
The 49ers get a touchdown 6 minutes and 29 seconds making it a game. Are we watching 2011 all over again? The Vikings play huge in the first half and then early in the third quarter here we go again.
The difference this year is the belief of the Vikings in themselves I am seeing. Ponder lead a huge drive ending with a spectacular touchdown catch by tight end Kyle Rudolph. It is a top 5 play on ESPN. The thing about this touchdown it is the same end zone I witnessed in person in 2009 as Greg Lewis made the improbable catch. What a catch by Rudolph, one-handed. This end zone is magic for the Vikes when they play the 49ers.
What a way to end the 49ers hopes watching Jared Allen coming up with one of his most important sacks in his career here. I watch him as much as I can when I am at a game and he is so close. His hustle was finally rewarded. The hugs and high fives he got on the Vikings bench was so neat to see.
I predicted a 24-20 Vikings victory. It was a great day to be a Minnesota Vikings fan and be part of this upset victory.
The 2011 season ended with a home record of 1-7 and now after 2 home games in 2012 they are 2-0. Could this be the season of good home cooking?
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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