49ers 17-22 Vikings (Oct 23, 2023) Game Recap

MINNEAPOLIS — Kirk Cousins unleashed the ball early to Jordan Addison, defying an aggressive San Francisco blitz in the closing seconds of the second quarter. The underthrown pass initially caused Cousins to fear an interception, but Addison managed to make an incredible catch and spin away for a 60-yard touchdown. This game-winning play ended the Minnesota Vikings’ three-game losing streak at home.

“I thought it was getting picked,” Cousins admitted. “I still don’t know how Jordan came away with it.”

Cousins connected with Addison for two touchdowns in the first half. Furthermore, Camryn Bynum intercepted Brock Purdy twice in the fourth quarter, contributing to the Vikings’ 22-17 victory against the San Francisco 49ers.

“Last year we were fortunate enough to pull them out. We found a way tonight,” Cousins stated after going 35 for 45 for 378 yards and zero sacks.

For the 49ers (5-2), Christian McCaffrey scored twice, but their two-game losing streak has left them disappointed. “We came in with the right mindset,” Purdy said. “We’ve just got to execute better.”

Addison stepped up in the absence of Justin Jefferson, showcasing his talent with seven catches for 123 yards in his breakout performance on a prime-time stage.

The play of the game occurred on third-and-6 with 16 seconds left in the first half. With the 49ers sending additional rushers, the fight for the ball with Charvarius Ward resembled the opening drive when Ward intercepted Addison’s pass. However, this time, Addison emerged victorious. “I needed that one,” Addison said. “I couldn’t let him get it twice.”

In the final quarter, Joseph missed a 50-yard field goal attempt, but Bynum’s interception secured the Vikings’ victory.

The 49ers had one last chance with no timeouts and 1:11 left on the clock, but Bynum intercepted Purdy’s pass intended for Ray-Ray McCloud III. “Obviously, our season isn’t going as well as we would like it to, but nothing’s better than bouncing back from adversity and stacking wins up,” Bynum remarked.

The 49ers played without Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams due to injuries sustained in their previous game. Purdy recovered from his previous loss as a starter but was hindered by his late interceptions.

Furthermore, McCaffrey’s fumble at the Minnesota 11 allowed the Vikings to avenge their earlier mistake. “I made a bad mistake today that I believe cost us the game,” McCaffrey admitted.

Cousins’ first touchdown pass to Addison was the first allowed by the 49ers in the first quarter this season.

Regarding individual milestones, McCaffrey extended his scoring streak to 16 games, dating back to the 2022-23 playoffs. Cousins reached the 300-yard mark for the 50th time in his career, joining a select group of quarterbacks.

Both teams experienced some injuries during the game, but it did not significantly impact the outcome.

Looking ahead, the 49ers will host Cincinnati while the Vikings will visit Green Bay.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL