No. 2: Robert Saleh is an underrated play caller

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is easily overlooked on this team. The 49ers secondary is by far the worst position group on the team, yet they only allowed 17 points. Give credit to Saleh who was able to mask his secondary’s deficiencies. I didn’t think it was possible to do so, since it’s fairly easy to expose a poor secondary. The Vikings receive the bulk of their hype on the defensive side of the ball, but their offense isn’t one to sleep on.

They have an ample supply of talent on offense with their weakness being on the offensive line. Saleh’s defense quickly exposed that with his best pass-rusher, DeForest Buckner. Buckner had himself a game with 2.5 sacks. It was essentially a “coming out party” for the former Oregon Duck, who almost matched his sack total of three from last season in this game alone.

Saleh definitely had a hand in his development by putting him in the right position to make a play.

It’s not just the stats that back up Saleh, but how Kirk Cousins was reading the field. Cousins was in a dead lock a few times scanning the field with no one open. There were even occasions where he had to scramble and run the ball. That indicates the 49ers gave the Vikings receivers no breathing room.

Having such stout coverage against the Vikings receivers is impressive. This is something they can build on and hold their heads up high. It’s an accomplishment that they can take with them going into Week 2. Once again, Saleh has done wonders with this defense. There may be hope with this 49ers secondary after all.