5 Things We Learned From Vikings Upset over 49ers

Aaron Jones is a Great Addition to the Vikings' Offense

Aaron Jones was signed to a one-year deal in free agency this offseason after Minnesota dealt with lackluster production from their backfield last season. Jones joining the Vikings seemed like a cheap shot to Packers fans, but in all reality, the versatile back fits perfectly in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Minnesota has used Jones as a bell cow in Week 1 and an even balance of rushing and receiving out of the backfield against San Francisco. The running back will likely be a big point of the team’s offense throughout the season.

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Sam Darnold is More than Serviceable Under Kevin O’Connell

In the offseason, the Vikings signed Sam Darnold to compete with first-round pick J.J. McCarthy for the team’s starting job. The former No. 3 overall pick eventually won the starting job after an injury ended the Michigan product’s rookie season. However, after two weeks, Darnold may have won the starting gig regardless. The 27-year-old has thrown for 476 yards, four touchdowns, and only two interceptions through the first two weeks. With his early connection with star wideout Justin Jefferson, the Vikings could be a team to watch in the NFC.

The 49ers Miss Christian McCaffrey Despite Jordan Mason’s Success

When the season started, the 49ers waited until the last second to rule Christian McCaffrey out ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Jets. However, after a breakout game from Jordan Mason and no improvement in his injury rehab, San Francisco opted to put the running back on Injured Reserve. In Week 2, the team fell short of the Vikings after their offense stagnated for much of the first half. The 49ers seemed to be missing McCaffrey’s versatility on offense, and they’ll need to adjust with the running back out for the next four weeks at least.

Justin Jefferson Remains one of the Best Receivers in the League

Justin Jefferson hit the ground running during his rookie season, and since then, he’s continued to prove he’s one of the best receivers in the league. After an injury-riddled season last year, Jefferson looked to redeem himself this year, regardless of who was throwing him the ball. However, through two games, Jefferson is up to 192 receiving yards and two touchdowns on only nine receptions, including a 97-yard touchdown pass in Sunday’s win over the 49ers. The former LSU star continues to show why he’s one of, if not, the best, receiver in the game.

Brandon Aiyuk Looks Rusty Following Offseason Absence

It’s no secret that Brandon Aiyuk spent much of the offseason away from the 49ers and not practicing amid contract disputes. And through two weeks, Aiyuk looks like a player who hasn’t received many reps with the starting offense in the offseason, as he’s begun the season looking pretty rusty. In Week 1, Aiyuk dropped an open touchdown pass, and in Week 2, the talented receiver only had four catches for 43 receiving yards. With McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel set to miss time, Aiyuk must shake off the rust and make plays for his team.

Aaron Jones is a Great Addition to the Vikings' Offense

Aaron Jones was signed to a one-year deal in free agency this offseason after Minnesota dealt with lackluster production from their backfield last season. Jones joining the Vikings seemed like a cheap shot to Packers fans, but in all reality, the versatile back fits perfectly in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Minnesota has used Jones as a bell cow in Week 1 and an even balance of rushing and receiving out of the backfield against San Francisco. The running back will likely be a big point of the team’s offense throughout the season.

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