Why 49ers DeForest Buckner needs to step up in divisional bout vs. Vikings
The 49ers welcome the Minnesota Vikings to town in the divisional round of the playoffs. The defensive line of San Francisco could play a huge part in the outcome of this matchup.
The San Francisco 49ers open up their 2020 postseason campaign with what might be the healthiest roster they have had all year after the first-round playoff bye week. Linebacker Kwon Alexander (pectoral) and defensive end Dee Ford (quad, hamstring) are both expected to give it a go despite missing much of the regular season with injuries.
The reinforcements could not have come at a better time, as the Niners face off against a dangerous Minnesota Vikings offense which, just a week ago, outplayed the Saints in New Orleans in the Wild Card round.
Vikings running back Dalvin Cook carried the load for 94 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in that game. Quarterback Kirk Cousins made some big-time throws, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Much like the 49ers offense, the Vikings are built around running the football. This puts the pressure on the Niners defensive line to win the battle at the line of scrimmage. The Vikings especially like to run the ball between the tackles, making the interior of the line the matchup to watch in this game.
The interior of the Vikings offensive line is the weaker part of their offense with neither the center nor the two guards receiving a Pro Football Focus grade above 65.7.
Expect the 49ers defense to attack the interior of the line with defensive tackle DeForest Buckner being the main catalyst.
Buckner has been a constant contributor all season but has often been overlooked because of guys like Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa stepping up and disrupting opposing offensive lines this year. Add Ford to the rotation, and the defensive line becomes arguably the best in the entire NFL.
Buckner can take over a game by stuffing the run at the line of scrimmage and by rushing the passer when left blocked one on one.
If the 49ers can limit the yardage gained in the run game, then they will have a great chance at putting their offense in a position to take an early lead. Minnesota becomes much less dangerous when it is forced to play from behind.
The Vikings do have a lot of weapons in the passing game, but if they are put in a position where they have to abandon the run game, then they will not be able to compete with San Francisco’s four-man pass rush and timely blitz packages.
This scenario is all dependent upon the 49ers defense being able to stop the run. Buckner must be aggressive at the line of scrimmage and not allow Cook to establish momentum when hitting the second line of defense.
The defensive game plan should be to make Cousins stand in the pocket and take hits in order to move the ball down the field.
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By neutralizing the Vikings run game, Minnesota will have no choice but to throw the ball to move down the field and score. Buckner will have a huge impact on making this game plan successful.
The 49ers and Vikings kick off the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 4:35 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium.