In the old days, this was a run, and your defense would give you the ball back with advantageous field position. Instead, Kyle Shanahan opted to try it on 4th & 4, and Jauan Jennings beat his man over the middle of the field for a gain of 25 yards. Jennings was remarkable early in the season, and he came up big for the team there.

That wouldn’t be the last time the Niners would lean on Jennings. After Kittle’s 3rd & goal reception fell a yard and a half short of the end zone, Purdy turned to Jennings on 4th & goal, but the ball was behind JJ after he was tipped, and the 49ers would give the ball away on downs.

Many wanted the 49ers to run the ball, and you won’t get many arguments, but Jennings was open. It’s hard to predict a tipped pass and an unblocked defender. In hindsight, it hurts not to score, as the defense allowed a 97-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson. It was the longest ever allowed in franchise history.

Jefferson was matched up against George Odum in the slot. It’s an impossible matchup for a safety, even with help from above. Jefferson being in the slot makes it difficult for Mooney to play Jefferson, but there has to be some a kind of control that Odum does not isolate here.

Ji’Ayir Brown didn’t do the best job deep in coverage. Jefferson is the only threat for the Vikings. That should have been Brown’s main concern.

After another point, the Vikings pushed back up the field and tried to extend their 10-0 lead. But Fred Warner made an acrobatic interception that gave the 49ers the energy boost they needed.

At half time the score was 13-7.