Christian McCaffrey scored once on the ground
and once through the air for San Francisco (5-2), which lost its
second straight game. Brock Purdy completed 21 of 30 passes for
272 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Vikings safety Camryn Bynum picked off Purdy twice, including a
leaping interception in the final minute to seal the outcome.
McCaffrey became the first player in NFL history to score at
least one touchdown from scrimmage in 16 consecutive games,
including playoffs. He entered Monday in a four-way tie with
Lenny Moore (Baltimore), O.J. Simpson (Buffalo) and John Riggins
(Washington).
Minnesota opened the scoring with 4:48 to go in the first
quarter. Cousins fired a 20-yard touchdown pass to Addison, who
found a soft spot in the 49ers' coverage.
The Vikings increased their lead to 10-0 on Greg Joseph's
21-yard field goal midway through the second quarter.
McCaffrey's history-making touchdown cut San Francisco's deficit
to 10-7 with 1:01 left in the second quarter. He barreled
through a crowded line of scrimmage for a 3-yard score.
Addison provided a highlight-reel reception for his second
touchdown of the evening and the sixth touchdown of his rookie
campaign.
On the play, Cousins underthrew a deep ball that looked as if it
would be intercepted by 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward. But as
Ward began to come down with the ball, Addison reached in and
ripped the ball out of the defender's arms. Addison then
sprinted downfield for a 60-yard touchdown to make it 16-7.
The Vikings made it 19-7 on Joseph's 20-yard field goal midway
through the third quarter.
McCaffrey struck again to pull the 49ers within 19-14 with 5:54
to go in the third quarter. He caught a swing pass toward the
right sideline and took off for a 35-yard touchdown.
Joseph's 54-yard field goal gave the Vikings a 22-14 lead late
in the third quarter.
On the next possession, San Francisco answered with a 55-yard
field goal by Jake Moody to pull within 22-17.
--Field Level Media
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|