San Francisco entered week 3 as perhaps the best team in the NFL with two impressive wins over playoff teams from last season, but someone forgot to tell Minnesota as the Vikings used a terrific defensive effort to defeat the 49ers 24-13.
Quarterback Christian Ponder was impressive as he completed 21-35 for 198 yards and two touchdowns for the Vikings, but his best play came on a scramble up the middle for a 23 yard touchdown run in the second quarter that gave the Vikings a 14-3 lead.
Adrian Peterson was solid for Minnesota with 86 yards on 25 carries, but the former All-Pro didn't play late in the game and it nearly cost the team as backup Toby Gerhart fumbled twice in the fourth quarter, but the defense made the plays late and the team held on for the win.
The 49ers offense was limited to just 280 yards as the Vikings defense forced three turnovers and sacked San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith three times. Smith did complete 24-35 for 204 yards, but an interception and fumble cost the team a chance at victory.
San Francisco will have a shot at rebounding from the defeat in week 4 as they travel to New York and face the Jets. Minnesota is now 2-1 in the 2012 NFL season and will look to carry over the momentum from this win next week on the road against division rival Detroit.
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