Playing five preseason games didn't make the Vikings sharp for their season opener tonight in San Francisco.
They bumbled their way through the first half, eventually giving up a 10-yard touchdown run to Carlos Hyde with 47 seconds remaining as the 49ers took a 7-0 lead. Hyde had 83 rushing yards on 12 carries in the half.
The Vikings gained only 113 yards, while San Francisco rolled up 204.
Adrian Peterson was a non-factor for the Vikings, gaining 14 yards on four first-half carries. QB Teddy Bridgewater was shaky, completing nine of 15 for 94 yards under heavy pressure.
The Vikings made a key play on the opening drive of the game. San Francisco got to the Vikings' 11 before attempting a 28-yard field goal, but Andrew Sendejo broke through the right side and blocked Phil Dawson's attempt. Marcus Sherels picked up the ball and ran 45 yards to set up the Vikings in field goal range on their first possession. But they went three-and-out, with Blair Walsh missing a 44-yard field goal wide right.
Bruce Ellington had an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter for San Francisco that was nullified by two blocking-in-the-back penalties. The teams combined for ten penalties in the half.
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