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Five 49ers to watch in illuminating Week 2 matchup vs. Vikings originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Minnesota Vikings have a new quarterback, running back and edge rusher.
The 49ers are quite familiar with some of the Vikings’ key offseason acquisitions, especially quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Aaron Jones.
San Francisco is coming off an impressive Week 1 victory over the New York Jets, but 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said he believes this week poses a more significant challenge.
“This week I think we’re playing a better, honestly, a better team,” Bosa said as the 49ers prepared for their road trip to face the Vikings on Sunday in Week 2.
“We have to hone in and not pat ourselves on the back.”
The 49ers are looking to snap their seven-game road losing streak against the Vikings. The organization has not won in Minnesota since 1992.
Here are five key players who can help the 49ers end that skid:
George Kittle suits up for his 100th NFL regular-season game on Sunday. Through this stage of his career, he ranks favorably among the all-time greats at the tight end position.
Kittle needs 17 yards receiving to surpass Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow for No. 3 on the all-time list of receiving yards for a tight end through 100 games. And with six receptions, he would top Rob Gronkowski for fifth-most receptions during that period.
In 99 games, Kittle has 464 receptions for 6,314 yards.
But he will be a huge factor in this game as a blocker, too. He should see plenty of Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who is used in a variety of different ways in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme.
4, S Ji’Ayir Brown
Darnold has started 57 games in his six-plus seasons in the NFL. He has thrown 57 interceptions in his career.
Darnold will give the 49ers’ defensive backfield some opportunities to create takeaways, and second-year safety Ji’Ayir Brown will have his chances to come away with the football.
Brown has shown a knack for making plays. He…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/five-49ers-watch-illuminating-week-155141114.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-09-13 15:51:41
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