Kevin O'Connell's most impressive win gets Vikings back in NFC North race

For one stunning night, the Minnesota Vikings played like the team they were supposed to be all season.

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Kirk Cousins was supposed to thrive in his second season in the same offense and with the same coaches. Monday night, he shredded the San Francisco 49ers' intimidating defense for 378 yards and two touchdowns in a wire-to-wire 22-17 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The offensive line was supposed to be better, if only because of the in-season signing of guard Dalton Risner. Monday, Risner helped the line keep Cousins from getting sacked against a fierce front seven.

New defensive coordinator Brian Flores was supposed to disguise the Vikings' defensive weaknesses with an aggressive and innovative approach. Monday, even with key pass rusher Marcus Davenport missing because of injury, Flores' defense limited one of the best offensive coaches and collection of offensive stars in the league.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson was supposed to justify his large salary with reliable play. After six games of drops and fumbles, he was outstanding on Monday, catching 11 passes for 86 yards with no drops.

First-round draft pick Jordan Addison was supposed to make the Vikings' downfield passing game more dynamic. Monday, he produced his first NFL 100-yard game while catching two touchdown passes. Correction: He caught one, and stole another, ripping a last-second pass in the first half from the hands of a 49ers defender and completing a 60-yard catch-rip-and-run touchdown.

Future Hall of Fame safety Harrison Smith and running mate Camryn Bynum delivered two big plays on the 49ers' last drive, Smith scaling George Kittle's back to knock away a pass, and Bynum sealing the victory with an interception. Bynum had two interceptions in the fourth quarter; Smith also caused a fumble.

With their first impressive victory and first home victory of the season, the Vikings launched themselves into contention for either the NFC North title or a wild-card berth. For all of their problems and confounding close losses, they are 3-4, just two games out of the division lead, with six eminently winnable games ahead, and the return of Justin Jefferson and Davenport likely a few weeks away.

They could easily be 8-5 or 7-6 by the time they travel to Cincinnati in December.

This victory provided the final answer to those who wanted the Vikings to trade Cousins, star pass rusher Danielle Hunter or anyone else. An answer to those who would have had them give up and play for a high draft pick so they could start over with a new quarterback.

For all of his ups and downs since he arrived in Minnesota, Cousins led them to 13 victories last year and has generally played well this season. Monday, he offered a reminder of how good and accurate he can be when given time to set his feet.

Credit Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell with a game plan that opened creases in the 49ers' secondary. On Addison's first touchdown catch, Addison, Brandon Powell and tight end T.J. Hockenson were lined up to the left. Hockenson went into motion to bunch with the two receivers, and then Hockenson's shallow route left a linebacker trying to cover Addison. Addison beat him easily for the 20-yard touchdown.

Given that the 2022 Vikings cruised to a division title, then lost a home playoff game, this victory might be the most impressive of O'Connell's tenure. The 49ers were missing two stars — left tackle Trent Williams and receiver Deebo Samuel — but the Vikings were missing Davenport and starting guard Ezra Cleveland, and the 49ers have a much deeper, more celebrated roster.

O'Connell even survived his classic Minnesota mistake — trusting his kicker. He ran the ball on third-and-long late in the game to set up a 50-yard field goal attempt by Greg Joseph. Joseph missed it right, and an entire state wondered what Gary Anderson is up to these days.

Smith and Bynum canceled that thought, and the Vikings were back in the business of contending.

"I thought there were a lot of elite performances out there tonight," O'Connell said.

And on the sideline, where O'Connell and Flores finally got to show off, together.