Deuce: 49ers Fans Should Be Encouraged
By Deuce Mason
The offseason was brutal but it was great to see the new-look team back on the field in Monday night's 20-3 win over the Vikings. The game was downright ugly at times but you'll take the victory.
The formula was similar to what we saw in years past with the 49ers. San Francisco played solid defense, ran the ball effectively and its quarterback did a great job managing the game.
New defensive coordinator Eric Mangini play-calling was aggressive and they made made Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater look uncomfortable for most of the night. I loved what I saw from Aaron Lynch, NaVorro Bowman, Tramaine Brock and Antoine Bethea.
Kaepernick was solid and didn't turnover the ball. He made some plays with his legs but he didn't rely on that part of his game.
The Winners
Carlos Hyde-168 yards and 2 touchdowns. He looked fantastic in the zone-blocking scheme and was broke a ton of tackles.
Plus, that spin move he had was nasty. Hyde said after the game: "Ninety-nine's hips are pretty stiff ... I got a move for him. That spin move killed him."
That was video game stuff.
The Offensive Line-You have to give credit where credit's due. The 49ers offensive line was terrible during the preseason and Kaepernick didn't have time to do anything. Tomsula told the media that his group was building chemistry and on the right track.
They had some penalties in the first half but cleaned things up. The new zone-blocking scheme opened up holes for Hyde, and Kaepernick was sacked only once.
And how about this high-praise from Carlos Hyde? "I loved it. I felt I was back at Ohio State tonight. I felt good"
The Losers
Special Teams-Jarryd Hayne muffed a punt, Dawson had a field goal blocked and the 49ers had a punt return for a TD called back due to penalty. Yikes.
The Fans At Home-You had to listen to Chris Berman's lackluster play-by-play call. The guy has been a staple at ESPN since day one but I don't think he needs to be on the call for a Monday Night Football game. ESPN has a ton of young talent who are more than capable of doing a solid job on a telecast.
I can't forget to mention his lame nickname for Levi's Stadium. He called Levi's "The Big Bell Bottom."
Adrian Peterson-Mr. "I only care about setting personal records" got off to a slow start after missing most of last season. All we heard from during the offseason was that he was ready to prove people wrong and show that he's the best player in the NFL.
"I'm going to be blunt and honest with you. I feel like if I didn't play another snap in my life, I got the opportunity to go in the Hall of Fame right now," Peterson said in Aug.
He averaged 2.95 yards per carry against the 49ers before last night's game. He finished with 10 carries for 31 yards.