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49ers preseason: 5 takeaways from San Francisco’s loss to Vikings

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers passes the ball under pressure by Jaleel Johnson #94 of the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers passes the ball under pressure by Jaleel Johnson #94 of the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball under pressure by Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball under pressure by Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 1: 49ers Pass Rush Flexed Its Muscle

One of the bigger questions facing the 49ers this offseason was how to address the pass rush. But the good news is it doesn’t seem to be as pressing an issue.

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This was the case Sunday against Minnesota, as edge rushers Elvis Dumervil, Arik Armstead and Aaron Lynch each made an impact during the game. Dumervil and Armstead each recorded a sack against the Vikings first-team offense.

And here’s what Pro Football Focus had to say about Dumervil’s efforts:

"Dumervil played just 14 snaps, with 13 of them coming on the rush. However, he was nearly unstoppable off the edge, as he racked up a sack and four pressures. His pass-rush productivity score of 33.3 was third-best among 4-3 defensive ends this week."

Additionally, Lynch had eight quarterback pressures on 19 rushes, per PFF.

Granted, the Vikings offensive line is still a work in progress. So take San Francisco’s efforts here with a grain of salt.

But still, it’s good to know the 49ers are capable of generating a pass rush, which should help their questionable secondary in coverage.

Next: 49ers preseason stock watch after loss to Vikings

Remember, secondaries are only as good as their pass rush allows.