by Undercenter
The 5-1 Forty-Niners are going into U.S. Bank Stadium to play the 2-4 Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have played some really tight games and only have a point differential of a minus six points. They lost at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-20, they lost on the road to the Philadelphia Eagles 28-34, they lost at home to the Los Angeles Chargers 24-28 and at home to the Kansas City Chiefs 20-27. Both of their victories have come on the road against the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears.
Kirk Cousins leads the NFL with 235 pass attempts with 158 completions with 9 passing touchdowns and four interceptions. Cousins has a 67.2 completion rate with a 100.6 NFL QB rating. He has twenty three passes of 20 plus yards and 3 of those have been for 40 plus yards with the long of 62 yards. His average per attempt is at 7.1 yards.
Justin Jefferson a premier WR and Cousins favorite target has been placed on the IR, that is really going to make it tough sledding for the reeling Vikings. Hard to replace a weapon such as Jefferson, I expect the Vikings to play a lot of two tight sets.
Alexander Mattison leads the Vikings rushing attack with 320 yards with 82 attempts with zero touchdowns and not a single run over 20 yards.
On paper it seems that the only advantage the Vikings have over the Niners is the fact they are playing at home where they have lost all three of their home games. I expect Cousins to come out throwing and throwing all game long. Niners should win this game on Monday night football but you never know as witnessed last week against the Browns.
WR Justin Jefferson on IR is a BIG LOSS for Kirk Cousins and the vikings offense. Cousins is leading the league with 14 TDs and has had success connecting with Rookie WR Jordan Addison. He will now take on the #1 WR role and K.J. Osborn the #2 WR. Addison has 19 catches for 249 yards and 3 TDs on the year, while Osborn has13 catches for 166 yards and 2 TDs.
ReplyDeleteWith Jefferson on IR, Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson is the Vikings #1 offensive threat. He's been the third-best tight end in fantasy football this year (in ESPN PPR), averaging almost 13 points per game. If the 9ers contain him to less than 75 yard receiving and keep him from scoring, they will win the game.
Viking RB Alexander Mattison, is an average RB that will likely gain less than 50 yards running the ball, but is used a receiver on ~1/2 of the Vikings pass plays.
On Defense, the Vikings DC Brian Flores runs a base 3-4 Defense, but will mix it up. To have success running the ball, the 9ers must control LILB Jordan Hicks. The 9er O-line must also contain LOLB Danielle Hunter, who's tied for the lead in sacks, with 8.
I am not overly confident about this weeks game. I think Minn. is much better than their record indicates. The 9ers health is a big question especially T. Williams. If the 49ers end up with McKivitz and J. Moore at the tackle spots look out it could get ugly. I am very interested in how the 49ers play this week. How will they answer their Cleve. performance?
DeleteOC
DeleteI'm more concerned with injuries! The Viking play at U.S. Bank Stadium, where the playing surface is turf, rather than grass.
On the plus side, the game is played Monday night, So more time for the injured 9ers to recover.
Also, the weather won't be a factor. I believe that made it difficult for BP to grip the ball and the wet field contributed to the 9er D missing tackles. If you're not used to playing on wet grass, it slows you down and you take bad angles trying to tackle.
OOOPS! forgot to log in.
DeleteAES,
ReplyDeleteHopefully, D. Hunter doesn't use this game as a strong audition to promote himself as the trade deadline nears. He knows that 30 teams along with the 49ers are watching.
This is a pivotal game in the season for a couple of reasons:
ReplyDelete1) The head-to-head with Vikings might come into play as far as playoff-seeding goes. Vikings are a common opponent this season for Lions, Eagles and us. Eagles already beat the Vikings earlier in the season and Lions play them later in the year.
2) We have a tough 2 game stretch next against the Bengals (at home) and Jags (away). Two balanced AFC teams with good QBs and competent coaching staff. Won't be surprised if we go 0-2 or split 1-1 in these games.
So gotta win the Vikings game!!
Geep, if you'd like to contribute to the blog with some articles all you need do is email me and I'll remove MWD, whom I haven't heard from in over a year. That goes for anyone wanting to contribute.
ReplyDeleteGeep would be a good one.
DeleteYep, a third regular contributor would be amazing, especially with me not able to regularly contribute atm.
DeleteRazor
DeleteTrying to fill either Scooter or your shoes is a tough act to
follow! Not sure I'm up for that task?
I'm willing to contributing occasionally, if something like my post (above) on the Vikings game this week is acceptable? If so, how can I get your e-mail?
Razor
Deletethe above post on contributing was mine
If that's how you want to do it fine by me. If you change your mind email me.
DeleteRazor
DeleteOK...TKS, will do.
Taliese Fuaga is an OT to keep your eye on.
ReplyDeleteRazor,
DeleteWhere does he play? On another subject, do you remember back in 2020 talking about the 49ers possibly drafting M. Pennix? WOW he has come a long way since then. Also its been a tough year to be a fan of the Irish. Maybe the toughest schedule ever.
AES,
DeleteRazor, I haven't paid much attention to college football as I did in the past, namely because the 49ers were a dumpster fire before the Shanahan era. I like the kid from Duke, OL Graham Barton. He could be available in 2nd rd. Fuaga looks pretty good as well. The 49ers definitely could use high-end young OL next year to start building towards the future.
OldCoah, love Pennix.
DeleteFuaga plays for the Ducks.
AES, I liked Barton last year. He's a nice player for sure. OT is deep at the top of this draft.
DeleteThe good news for the 49ers is we are finally seeing how a good QB can make the OL better through quick decisions and good pocket awareness.
DeleteGood point, Scooter.
DeleteAES,
ReplyDeleteIf the 49ers don't make anymore trades this year they should have enough picks to move up in the draft. A middle of the 1st round OT sounds good to me. I think if they moved McKivitz inside he could be an Avg. to above Avg. OG
If Purdy bounces back, like I expect he will, should be a pretty comfortable win.
ReplyDeleteVikings are a decent team, but were lucky to go so well lastbseason. They had so many close games go their way last season. Usually that's a sign of a team with a record better than their talent, and will be corrected over time. That's what we're seeing this year.
Scooter,
ReplyDeleteUntil we hear who is in and who is out for the 9ers i'm not too confident about Mon. If Williams is out I think we lose. If either Deebo or CMC or both of them are out I believe they will slip by. An OT combination of McKivitz and Moore should scare the hell out of Purdy. imho
Greenlaw, CMC in and Williams and Samuel OUT.
DeleteThat's fair, OC. But I think Purdy and the team are primed for a bounce back game, no matter which of those players are available.
DeleteIf the 49ers could win with Brunskill and Skule at OT, they can do it with McKivitz and Moore.
I'm actually anxious to see what Moore has with a full week of practice.
DeleteDeebo hairline fracture of the shoulder, out 2 games minimum.
QUESTION FOR THE BLOG: Should the 9ers trade for a player before the OCT 31?
ReplyDeleteNOTE: The 9ers’ have 12 picks in the 2024 draft post Gregory trade.
Their own draft picks in Rd 1, 2, 3, 4 and Rd 7. ALSO two Rd 3 comp picks, one extra in Rd 4 (from Dallas for Lance), two Rd 5 comp picks, one Rd 6 one comp pick and one Rd 7 comp pick.
Geep,
DeleteI haven't heard of any O lineman who are available. I wouldn't mind seeing them picking up a run stuffing DT on the cheap maybe a 6th. Secondly a nickle back for a 4th or 5th. If they don't it wouldn't break my heart. It will put them in better shape to move up in the draft to get a OT. imho
OC
Delete* With a league-high $39,962,048 in cap space and 12 draft picks in 2024 draft, the 9ers can be players for virtually any player that hits the trade market.
* The only OTs that comes to mind, is Denver OT Garrett Bolles.
But IMO, he's not capable of replacing McKivitz and he's never
played RT (as far as I know)?
* La’el Collins is a FA: He's 30 YO, 6-4 X 320
Collins has medical clearance from his doctor coming off ACL and MCL surgery. He’s met with teams, but the Niners have not been mentioned as having interest.
IMO, In 2024 the 9ers use their 1st or 2nd Rd to draft an OT. He'llcompete with McKivitz in 2024, but eventually replace TW when he retires.
* Randy Gregory trade paid dividends He produced a sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 3 quarterback hits against Cleveland.
* IMO, the only player(s) the 9ers could trade for capable of giving them a better chance of winning a SB, are:
1) Vikings DE Danielle Hunter: Signed a 1 year contract that could be worth $20 Mil. for 2023 season. IMO, too expensive!
2) 25 year old Panthers WLB Brian Burns: Has a 2023 salary of $16,012,000 and he's a free agent in 2024. The stalled out contract talks before the year doesn't instill confidence in his long-term future. But as a 9er, he'd have to switch from MLB to a Defensive End
* Even if Garrett works out, Burns can be signed to a (Paraag Marathe), team friendly, long term contract. Last season he posted 13 sacks and 68 pressures. This year he’s at 15 pressures and five sacks for the worst team in the league. His length and athleticism would fit nicely on the edge of Kris Kocurek’s defensive line. IMO, the only question is what would the 9ers have to give up to get the Panthers to trade him?
MY GREATEST FEAR: The 9ers are an injury away from Ambry Thomas becoming a 9er starting CB!
3) Denvers' CB Pat Surtain II...IMO he's PIE IN THE SKY!
* Why would the talent-starved Broncos trade a top 23 YO
CB they can keep through 2025 on his current contract?
They won't, Denver has stated that Patrick Surtain will NOT BE
TRADED. Will that change if Ariz continues to lose? IMO, NO!
* Other options worth considering:
A) Chicago CB Jaylon Johnson: He's only 24 YO, 6'0" X 196
2023 salary is $2,993,000 and he's a FA in 2024.
Reports indicate the 9ers have asked about his availability and asking price. He has a top-ten coverage grade of 84.1 from Pro Football Focus this season, albeit in limited snaps due to injury.
AES,
ReplyDeleteAs Razor noted. It's going to be a deep Olinemen talent in the 2024 draft. Whether the 49ers address this at the trade deadline or next year, it's imperative to prepare for the eventual retirement of Trent Williams.
I believe that they will, only question is what rd?
Pick 32 would be nice.
DeleteI became a grandpa this spring to a baby girl, Pamela Michelle and that's why I've been preoccupied.
ReplyDeleteAES,
DeleteThat's awesome, Razor. Enjoy all the time you can, they grow up fast.
Exactly right
DeleteRazor
DeleteCongratulation on becoming a grandpa.
Thanks, Geep
DeleteCongrats razor!
DeleteThanks, Scooter
DeleteRazor,
ReplyDeleteCongrats
Thanks
DeleteCongratulations Razor.. Blessings to all of you!
ReplyDeleteThere are a couple of ways we can lose the Monday night game:
1) Scenario A: Brian Flores confuses the heck out of Purdy....like he did Jimmy a few seasons go. Remember the 40 burger in Santa Clara from the visiting dolphins? I remember that as the "Brian Allen at Corner" game. Really bad game for Jimmy. This scenario is unlikely because Purdy is better than Jimmy at diagnosing coverages and the Vikings corners are not great. But you never know.
2) Scenario B: The other vulnerable spot for us is Special Teams. I live in Vikings country and their AllPro PR/KR Kene Nwangwu is a problem man. I hope we contain him. Combined with the Yips for Moody, ST might become a factor.
I'm most concerned about the Injuries. I don't think CMC or Greenlaw are full go (even though they will end up playing). Deebo is already out and Trent Williams might not play. Levels the talent disparity.
Overall I think it will be a close 1-score game. Go Niners 31-24!
Thank you
DeleteNFL Week 7 is looking like a week of upsets:
ReplyDeleteThe Lions are getting an old fashioned butt whipping by the Ravens with 11:20 left in 4th QTR. Lions 6 VS Ravens 35, Patriots 22 VS Bills 17 with 5:02 left in 4th QTR, NYG 14 VS Washington 7 with 14:22 left in 4th QTR and the Bears 30 VS Raiders 6 with 4:32 left in 4th QTR
ReplyDeleteAfter a big win against the 49ers, Cleveland looks flat against the Colts. Colts 31 VS Cleveland 30 with 14:09 left in 4th QTR
Geep,
DeleteCleve comes back and wins but they go for 2 instead of 1, they don't get it. I have the browns -1.5 as the last of a 3 team parlay. Not kicking the PAT costs me 60 dollars. Now I really hate Cleveland.
OC
DeleteLOL.... Yep, I had switched to watching another game, but I feel your pain. I had a $50 bet with a friend that Washington would beat the NYG....Thats life.....Win some, lose some!
This DT outta Illinois reminds me of Hargrave, Jer’Zahn Newton. Grabbed my attention against Wisconsin and he's somebody to keep an eye on.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed with Philly's win yesterday. They shut down the Dolphins run-game. Most impressive was 0 penalties, which means Sirianni has them ready to play. The Tush Push is gonna be problematic and with a solid O-line/D-line, the Eagles are gonna be formidable, unlike the Cowboys.
ReplyDeleteOur D-line compares with the Iggles, but their O-line is far better. Hurts has regressed, but I think he is more proven at this point than Purdy. Advantage Eagles....Dec 3rd is gonna be fascinating.
Go Niners! Get the W today!
Ndamukong Suh says he'd like to play in the NFL this season, has talked to Ravens......
ReplyDeletehttps://www.yahoo.com/sports/ndamukong-suh-says-hed-play-162301549.html
Last year Suh signed with the Eagles mid-season, for a base salary plus incentive of $2 Mil. He played the last eight games of the regular season and all three postseason games. At age 36, could he still help the 9ers D this year?
Geep,
DeleteI think he would be worth a try out
Mugee,
ReplyDeleteI believe that if the 49ers played the Eagles today (with both teams healthy) the Eagles would beat the 9ers by 7 or better. That doesn't mean that they would beat them Dec. 3rd or in Jan. If the 9ers can pull off a trade this week for either a OT, NB or a DT it would close the gap. As to QBs as much as I like BP I would take Hurt in a second. His ability to move the chains with his legs and throw the deep ball make him a measurably better QB. imho
Agree, OC. Eagles DL >>> 49ers OL. 49ers DL > Eagles OL. Since games are won in the trenches and the SF OL << Eagles OL, I don't see how they could win if the game were played today, even if Williams were healthy. Purdy would be running for his life again.
Deletecubus
ReplyDeleteI don't know that Purdy will be "running for his life" today, but he'll be pressured by Viking LB Danielle Hunter. With Jaylon Moore replacing TW and McKivitz at RT, Center Brendel will need to recognize when the Vikings D is blitzing and make the correct O-line adjustment calls.
NOTE:
* Hunter is now tied with TJ Watt for most QB sacks, with eight. If Steve Wilks doesn't account for him, it's going to be a long day for Purdy!
* The Vikings sent 5 or more rushers on 60.5% of passing plays they've faced. The most by any NFL team since Sportradar began tracking blitzes in 2007.
GEEP: I was talking about the Eagles not the Vikings
DeleteTua carved up that Eagles secondary. Eagles traded for Kevin Byard.
ReplyDeleteByard for a 5th and 6th WOW. The 9ers should have pulled the trigger on that one. They must really like Womack and or Luter
ReplyDeleteHe's a safety. Edmunds has been trash for the Eagles.
Delete