49ers at Vikings Depth Chart Preview
Sept 7, 2018 18:16:20 GMT -6
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Post by Danchat on Sept 7, 2018 18:16:20 GMT -6
All right everybody, it's that time of the year again! Let's see how the 49ers depth chart stacks up against the Vikings! You can find the Vikings' depth chart here.
My thoughts
The 49ers went from a basement dweller to a popular playoff pick in the matter of one season, and it's mostly thanks to Jimmy Garoppolo. The former Patriot has yet to lose a start, but he's got a big challenge against a playoff team that went 8-1 at home last season.
Compared to the Vikings, the 49ers also have other disadvantages, like having their feature back Jerick McKinnon hit the IR with a torn ACL and their best defensive player, Reuben Foster, suspended. Plus, if you're into the whole Circadian rhythms thing, the 49ers are playing football at 10am Pacific time... last time the Vikings played the 49ers at 9pm central time, they sure looked like they were snoozing.
The 49ers offense has plenty of strengths, but it might have to come from mostly the passing game. Breida is a fast back and Morris can bring power, but the Vikings run defense was masterful last season and there isn't any reasons why they should decline until any injuries happen. Garoppolo has some very nice options to throw to - Goodwin was dominant with Jimmy last year, Garcon's healthy again, Taylor is a solid slot option, and Pettis has dynamic speed. George Kittle might be on his way to being a good TE, but it's just his second season. The 49ers O-line should be average, as the tackles are looking good (I was very high on McGlinchey in the draft), but Tomlinson and Person are a pretty bad guard duo.
The 49ers primary weakness is put on clear display when you see the depth chart laid out with PFF ratings - the 49ers front 7 looks awful. DeForest Buckner is a force to deal with and Armstead is a good run stuffer... yep, that's it. Earl Mitchell is years past being a passable player, Solomon Thomas was a big disappointment in year 1 after being the third overall pick, and holy cow, those LBs. Brock Coyle and 3rd round rookie Fred Warner are projected to be every-down LBs with Nzeocha chipping in a little. This defense reminds me of the 2017 Bengals D when we faced them this past December (McKinnon had 100+ yards receiving on them). The Vikings should plan to carve holes in these guys.
However, the 49ers defense looks strong in the secondary. It will depend on Sherman's ability to shadow #1 WRs, as his Achilles tear could throw his playing level down a few notches. Witherspoon looked good as a rookie and should only get better, and Williams is a quality nickel CB. Colbert is a 7th rounder who turned starter last season, and Tartt had breakout year last season. This group looks good on paper.
Facing a quality opponent with homefield advantage, this is a game the Vikings should win most weeks. The Vikings only seem to be down nickel CB Alexander [on defense], which could absolutely be a blessing with Mikes Hughes taking his place. The Vikings O-line will be a big concern, but there's only one scary D-lineman to face up against, so the run game should work well.
Prediction: Vikings 26 49ers 20
Any thoughts?
Vikings
CB Mackensie Alexander Doubtful
T Aviante Collins Out
Pat Elflein Out
CB Xavier Rhodes Questionable
HB Roc Thomas Out
49ers
C Erik Magnuson Out
LB Malcolm Smith Doubtful
LB Dekoda Watson Out
CB Mackensie Alexander Doubtful
T Aviante Collins Out
Pat Elflein Out
CB Xavier Rhodes Questionable
HB Roc Thomas Out
49ers
C Erik Magnuson Out
LB Malcolm Smith Doubtful
LB Dekoda Watson Out
My thoughts
The 49ers went from a basement dweller to a popular playoff pick in the matter of one season, and it's mostly thanks to Jimmy Garoppolo. The former Patriot has yet to lose a start, but he's got a big challenge against a playoff team that went 8-1 at home last season.
Compared to the Vikings, the 49ers also have other disadvantages, like having their feature back Jerick McKinnon hit the IR with a torn ACL and their best defensive player, Reuben Foster, suspended. Plus, if you're into the whole Circadian rhythms thing, the 49ers are playing football at 10am Pacific time... last time the Vikings played the 49ers at 9pm central time, they sure looked like they were snoozing.
The 49ers offense has plenty of strengths, but it might have to come from mostly the passing game. Breida is a fast back and Morris can bring power, but the Vikings run defense was masterful last season and there isn't any reasons why they should decline until any injuries happen. Garoppolo has some very nice options to throw to - Goodwin was dominant with Jimmy last year, Garcon's healthy again, Taylor is a solid slot option, and Pettis has dynamic speed. George Kittle might be on his way to being a good TE, but it's just his second season. The 49ers O-line should be average, as the tackles are looking good (I was very high on McGlinchey in the draft), but Tomlinson and Person are a pretty bad guard duo.
The 49ers primary weakness is put on clear display when you see the depth chart laid out with PFF ratings - the 49ers front 7 looks awful. DeForest Buckner is a force to deal with and Armstead is a good run stuffer... yep, that's it. Earl Mitchell is years past being a passable player, Solomon Thomas was a big disappointment in year 1 after being the third overall pick, and holy cow, those LBs. Brock Coyle and 3rd round rookie Fred Warner are projected to be every-down LBs with Nzeocha chipping in a little. This defense reminds me of the 2017 Bengals D when we faced them this past December (McKinnon had 100+ yards receiving on them). The Vikings should plan to carve holes in these guys.
However, the 49ers defense looks strong in the secondary. It will depend on Sherman's ability to shadow #1 WRs, as his Achilles tear could throw his playing level down a few notches. Witherspoon looked good as a rookie and should only get better, and Williams is a quality nickel CB. Colbert is a 7th rounder who turned starter last season, and Tartt had breakout year last season. This group looks good on paper.
Facing a quality opponent with homefield advantage, this is a game the Vikings should win most weeks. The Vikings only seem to be down nickel CB Alexander [on defense], which could absolutely be a blessing with Mikes Hughes taking his place. The Vikings O-line will be a big concern, but there's only one scary D-lineman to face up against, so the run game should work well.
Prediction: Vikings 26 49ers 20
Any thoughts?
... and neither is this Chris guy.