It has been a long time since the 49ers came to Minnesota and beat the Vikings on their home field. In this game, the script was almost identical. Now, when I say “script,” I mean the Vikings were the better team. In this video, I’ll break down the film to show exactly how it happened, and it all started with the defense being one of the best in the NFL that week. One player I loved in this game was Blake Cashman.
On the first three plays of the game, the 49ers’ offense went three-and-out, and Blake Cashman either made a tackle or had a pass breakup (PBU) on each of those plays. He recorded two tackles and a pass breakup in the first drive and made an impact throughout the game. Watch this first play as he sits in his zone. When in a zone, your responsibility is to read the quarterback’s eyes, as he’s likely going to throw where he’s looking unless you’re dealing with a Mahomes or Josh Allen type. Here, the quarterback stares down a hook route, and Cashman, reading it perfectly, goes full sprint to make a play. It was almost picked off, and it could have been a pick-six if he had jumped a bit earlier.
On another key play, second-and-10, Andrew Van Ginkel shows his versatility. He hedges the tight end and plays contain, forcing the quarterback, Brock Purdy, to try and escape. However, Van Ginkel’s quickness and ability to change direction shut that down immediately. His smarts and speed, along with the overall defensive effort, were crucial for the Vikings in stopping the 49ers early on.
Later in the game, Van Ginkel made another significant play by disrupting a quick out route. This kind of play usually works 99% of the time, but Van Ginkel disengages from his block, jumps, and tips the ball, allowing his defensive back to make a pass breakup. Plays like these show why he’s such an X-factor for the defense.
Then there’s Pat Jones, who also made his mark. On a key third-and-three, the Vikings needed a stop. Jones gets off his block, hedges, and forces a fumble, though the 49ers recover it. But it was still enough to push them to fourth down.
On the next play, fourth-and-two, the Vikings’ defense lined up in a double-mug look, showing heavy pressure but dropping back into coverage. Blake Cashman, reading the quarterback’s eyes, made another big stop by preventing Brock Purdy from scrambling for the first down. Cashman’s ability to anticipate where the play was going was outstanding all game long.
One of the most impressive moments came when Pat Jones bull-rushed Trent Williams, one of the best left tackles in the NFL, and got a sack on third-and-12. Seeing Jones move someone like Williams shows how powerful and disruptive he was in this game. Plays like that were game-changers and helped keep the 49ers from getting into field goal range.
Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel, Pat Jones—these players were key in the Vikings’ defensive dominance. They consistently pressured the quarterback, disrupted plays, and made big stops. The Vikings’ defense is full of potential, and with players like these, they’re a team to watch this season.
If you enjoyed this breakdown and want to see more Vikings content, hit the like button and subscribe to the channel.
