It’s tough to make a definitive statement about the San Francisco 49ers defense, because Week 1 they faced an offense that was not in sync.
Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner hasn’t yet figured out how to integrate running back Adrian Peterson into the offense. Peterson missed 15 games last year due to suspension and sat out all of this year’s preseason. Monday night was his first game in about a year.
The running game Turner created for Peterson Monday night was soft, mostly a finesse read-option attack with three receivers on the field. Peterson gained just seven yards on four carries out of this personnel grouping.
When Turner put two or more tight ends on the field, Peterson gained 17 yards on three rushes—5.6 yards per carry. Why didn’t Turner use these power groupings more often?
Despite Turner’s terrible game plan, we can say one thing for sure about the Niners defense: Inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman is its best player. He looks like the early favorite to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
We’ll learn more about the 49ers defense next week when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers. For now, here are the five biggest offensive takeaways from the 49ers’ Week 1 win.
via http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2567348-5-biggest-takeaways-from-san-francisco-49ers-week-1-win
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