![]() Still, the prime-time 20-3 win marks a positive step in this first season of new head coach Jim Tomsula's reign. Rookie running back Jarryd Hayne muffed a punt return on his first regular-season touch, and a series of penalties also marked San Francisco's efforts here and beyond. Minnesota blocked an early field-goal attempt by kicker Phil Dawson and nearly returned it or a touchdown. ![]() Special teams play was ugly, especially early on. There were some ugly moments despite the 20-3 win, though. The 49ers sacked Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater five times, and he never looked totally comfortable against San Francisco's seemingly relentless defense. ![]() Despite not throwing any touchdown passes, he did avoid any costly turnovers and generally looked far more comfortable within the pocket.ĭefensively, the 49ers shut down Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and limited him to a mere 31 yards on 10 carries. Kaepernick had a so-so game, finishing with 17 completions on 26 attempts for 165 yards. The O-line adequately protected quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who was sacked just once. Rather surprisingly, the 49ers offensive line-seemingly a weakness prior to the season-held up well and allowed Hyde to amass those yards. Hyde's nifty spin move on his first touchdown score was only part of the story as San Francisco's new offensive bell cow averaged 6.5 yards per carry. Such was the case for the 49ers as running back Carlos Hyde exploded in his first contest as San Francisco's new featured back. Let's break down this enticing matchup and try to determine which team comes out on top in Week 2.Īnytime a team's running back bursts for 168 yards and two touchdowns, there is a good chance that team is going to win the game. The challenge only gets more difficult from here as San Francisco looks to take on a Pittsburgh team eager to bounce back from its own Week 1 setback. Still, the 49ers are riding a brief wave of momentum following their promising victory over the Vikings. Pittsburgh also benefits from the added days off following its Week 1 28-21 loss versus the New England Patriots on September 10. Playing on Monday night puts the 49ers at a disadvantage given the short week and travel. San Francisco has a new coaching staff, a new stadium and an overwhelming crop of new players-many of whom are entering new roles in this 2015 NFL season. The last time the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers squared off was on Monday, December 19, 2011, and the 49ers wound up beating the Steelers 20-3 in a prime-time contest at Candlestick Park.Īside from the ironic score comparison against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 on Monday Night Football, very few elements remain of that 49ers team that dominated the Steelers in what seems like a lifetime ago. The 49ers will look to continue their momentum against the Steelers in Week 2.
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