The San Francisco 49ers have been struggling on both sides of the ball early against the Minnesota Vikings as they trail 17-3 at halftime at Mall of America Field.
After a one-yard Christian Ponder touchdown pass in the first quarter, the 49ers responded with a 13-play, 54-yard drive at the beginning of the second that concluded with a 29-yard field goal from David Akers to get the Niners on the board. Alex Smith overthrew an open Randy Moss in the end zone on a second and eight from the Vikings' 18-yard line just two plays prior.
Ponder and the Minnesota offense continued their success in the second quarter, especially through the air. But on a first and 10 from the 49ers 23-yard line, Ponder capped an 11-play, 80-yard drive by scampering though the secondary for a rushing touchdown, pushing their lead to 14-3.
The 49ers completed some key third-down plays on their following drive, but pressure from the defensive line would force San Francisco to settle for a 43-yard field-goal attempt, which the Vikings blocked. Minnesota got its shot at a 52-yard field goal from Blair Walsh at the end of the half, which the rookie hit to make it a 17-3 Vikings lead.
Ponder finished the first half 15-of-23 for 143 yards with a passing and rushing TD, while Alex Smith is 13-of-19 for 90 yards.
For more on the 49ers, make sure to check out Niners Nation. For the Vikings side of things, head over to The Daily Norseman.
