MINNEAPOLIS — Big plays have been the story early on in Sunday's home opener for the Minnesota Vikings.
The fireworks started when C.J. Ham blocked a San Francisco punt midway through the first quarter to set up the Vikings' first score. However, the biggest bang came on the Vikings' next possession when quarterback Sam Darnold launched a pass to receiver Justin Jefferson for a 97-yard touchdown to put Minnesota up 10-0.
The touchdown came just moments after Minnesota's defense turned San Francisco away on fourth down at the Vikings' 2-yard line.
Jefferson surpassed 6,000 receiving yards for his career, tying Lance Alworth for the fewest games (62) to do so. It's also the longest career catch for Jefferson, surpassing his previous mark of 71 yards set back in 2020, according to team officials.
Minnesota scored first in the opening quarter after Ham slipped through the line and left his feet to block a punt in San Francisco territory. The drive sputtered out near the goal line, setting up Vikings kicker Will Reichard to attempt — and hit — his first professional field goal attempt.
San Francisco got in the end zone late in the second quarter, but the offense marched down to set Reichard up for another field goal as time expired. Minnesota took a 13-7 lead into the half.
