No Section

Access Vikings morning walkthrough: Vikings wilt in 'MNF' spotlight, run defense was 'embarrassing' and more

It will be interesting to see if the Vikings decide to make major schematic changes after the offense scored just three points against the 49ers.

By Matt Vensel

September 15, 2015 at 11:47AM

Every weekday, we walk you through what's going on with the Vikings.

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

— The Vikings, particularly an offense that finally featured quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson together, wilted in the "Monday Night Football" spotlight, losing to the 49ers, 20-3.

— Peterson rushed for just 31 yards, but he said he didn't feel rusty.

— Bridgewater, meanwhile, made no excuses for his poor performance.

— The run defense was perhaps an even bigger concern for the Vikings, who allowed about six yards per carry to Carlos Hyde and the 49ers.

— Wide receiver Mike Wallace thought the officials should have called pass interference on that deep ball, but "that's not the thing that made us lose."

— Andrew Sendejo started at safety, but he didn't keep the job for long.

— Mike Zimmer said his Vikings "were just not ready for primetime yet."

AROUND THE NFC NORTH

— Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford took a helmet to his throwing elbow on Sunday, but he expects to play against the Vikings this weekend.

— Coach Mike McCarthy doesn't want the Packers to obsess about the Seahawks leading up to a rematch with the team that ended their season.

— Bears players insist they still have quarterback Jay Cutler's back.

TODAY'S VIKINGS SCHEDULE

Zimmer will do his weekly afternoon-after press conference at 4 p.m.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

It will be interesting to see if the Vikings decide to make major schematic changes after the offense scored just three points against the 49ers. They installed a shotgun spread offense last season and stuck with it throughout this summer, in large because they feel it best utilizes Bridgewater's skill set. But Peterson remarked after the loss that he felt "a little hesitant" running out of the shotgun. Peterson likes to get a head of steam and charge ahead, so perhaps the pistol is a potential solution? It would take some time to get used to, but it might be a way to make both of those key plays comfortable.