PurplePTSD: Behind Enemy Lines: What 49ers Writers Are Saying About The Vikings Game

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

November 27, 2021

Every so often, I like to see what writers from the other side are saying about the upcoming game. I spent a few moments looking for predictions and analysis from the 49ers perspective to get a better sense of where people are leaning when it comes to the Vikings game.

Take a peak at what The Mercury News had to say. They think SF will stick with the run, and it’s hard to disagree:

With the thin defensive line, it certainly makes sense that the 49ers would try to run the ball during the Vikings game.

The writers over at The Athletic are feeling reasonably confident in SF’s ability to win the game. David Lombardi and Matt Barrows – who are both 4-6 in their season predictions – are rolling with the 49ers this game. Here is what Barrows had to say:

I’m also picking the 49ers to win, though it doesn’t inspire confidence when Lombardi says in the very next line that Cousins threw three picks last week (he had zero).

Akash Anavarathan of Niners Nation is expecting a big day on the ground for the 49ers:

This perspective, for the most part, is correct. The Vikings’ run defense has been lousy in 2021. Nevertheless, these past two weeks have been good. Austin Ekeler had 11 carries for 44 yards; AJ Dillon had 11 for 53. Neither ran poorly, though neither dominated. Plus, Shanahan has a bit of a reputation for switching things up as soon as people think they start to understand what he’s going to do.

Peter Panacy of Niner Noise thinks Nick Bosa will get the best out of Christian Darrisaw:

It’s kind of funny seeing the difference between the game predictions for the 49ers sites and Vikings sites. Minnesota sites tend to provide skepticism towards their squad; SF sites seem to be feeling quite confident heading into the game. Both squads are sitting at a humble 5-5, so it’s not like either are elite teams right now.

Be that as it may, I’ll readily admit that there are some matchups that SF will obviously look to exploit. My one counterpoint is that SF doesn’t have anyone in their secondary who can hang with Thielen and Jefferson. Provided with enough time, Kirk Cousins should be able to find these two.

The 49ers vs. Vikings game begins tomorrow at 3:25 CT in San Francisco.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.