49ers, Hyde Roll Over Vikings in Week One
By David Ochoa
After an off-season filled with negativity, the San Francisco 49ers were finally able to showcase their true level of talent. The 49ers hosted the Minnesota in a late night Monday Night Football game. They were able to finally silence their doubters as they cruised to a dominating 20-3 win.
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Many were skeptical about allowing Frank Gore to leave in free agency and handing over the reigns to second year player Carlos Hyde. Hyde proved the 49ers’ front office right by exploding on opening night. The young back tallied 168 yards on 26 carries along with two touchdowns. Hyde completely overshadowed the former MVP on the opposite sideline.
Adrian Peterson, who is playing after a year away from the NFL, could never truly get going as he finished the game with just 31 yards on 10 carries. While some of that could be attributed to rust, the new 49ers’ defense had much to do with it as well. The 49ers’ defense was highly scrutinized all off-season because of the plethora of retirements that the team suffered. The young squad completely shut down Peterson and most of the Vikings’ run game, along with giving QB Teddy Bridgewater a hard time.
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Bridgewater was shaken all game by the many exotic blitzes thrown at him by 49ers’ defensive coordinator, Eric Mangini. The 49ers were able to get to Bridgewater and sack him five times. Even when the 49ers weren’t actually brining the young quarterback to the ground, they were disrupting him. They forced one interception, which was made by Tramaine Brock, and pressured him all night.
The biggest surprise of all was the play of the offensive line. They plowed big holes for Hyde to run through which allowed him to gave the game he did. Pass blocking, which was thought to be a weakness, was actually very exceptional. Colin Kaepernick was not sacked all game, and even though he only threw for 165 yards, he showed great improvement as a passer.
Besides a few early hiccups such as the blocked field goal and a fumble by the much-hyped Jarryd Hayne, the 49ers completely dominated the Vikings. New head coach Jim Tomsula keeps his perfect record as the 49ers travel east to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.