Though it wasn’t necessarily a surprise to anybody in the locker room on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium, the fact that the Vikings earned a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers was a shocker to a lot of people.

There were a number of standouts for the Vikings, including veteran quarterback Sam Darnold on offense, hometown linebacker Blake Cashman on defense and rookie kicker Will Reichard on special teams. The full list of contributors for the Vikings is much more expansive when breaking down the game as a whole.

Here are five takeaways from the Vikings’ win over the 49ers:

1. The duality of Sam Darnold was on display

In the shadow of his own goal post, Darnold launched a pass into double coverage and somehow connected with Justin Jefferson deep downfield. It went for a 97-yard touchdown as Jefferson weaved his way through the open field before finishing in the end zone. The arm strength that Darnold showcased on that particular throw was incredible. It was on display late in the game, as well, when he delivered a perfect ball to speedy receiver Jalen Nailor down the seam. That part of his game is undeniable. That said, Darnold also threw a costly interception to 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner that kept things interesting. Asked about that decision postgame, Darnold admitted he probably should’ve been more careful with the ball.

2. Kevin O’Connell stayed aggressive

After watching Darnold throw an interception at a key moment, head coach Kevin O’Connell went right back to him shortly before halftime. That’s a testament to the trust that O’Connell has in Darnold, regardless of circumstance. Fittingly, Darnold rewarded O’Connell for his faith, leading the Vikings into field-goal range. The drive was impressive as Darnold made a couple of nice throws and capped it off with an 18-yard scramble to put Will Reichard in good position for a field goal.

3. This defense for the Vikings is legit

There were thoughts that the Vikings might have the talent to be a top 10 defense heading into this season. Maybe that was an undersell. Never mind that it’s still a pretty small sample size. It sure looks like defensive coordinator Brian Flores has a very good group on his hands. The splash plays spoke for themselves.  Whether it was edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and safety Harrison Smith combining for a big stop at the goal line, safety Josh Metellus coming up with an important interception, or the constant pressure being applied to 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, the Vikings got exactly what they needed from the defense.

4. Justin Jefferson is good and so is Jalen Nailor

With Jordan Addison out with an ankle injury, Jefferson and Nailor were the primary pass catchers for the Vikings. Both played extremely important roles. The biggest play from Jefferson was the 97-yard TD. The biggest play from Nailor was a 26-yard reception down the seam that helped put the game on ice. Whenever the Vikings get fully healthy, they are going to be hard to defend with Jefferson, Addison and Nailor lining up across the formation. Plus, star tight end T.J. Hockenson is also going to get healthy at some point, and that adds another weapon.

5. C.J. Ham got things started on special teams

In need of a splash play early, the Vikings got it from veteran fullback C.J. Ham. Maybe the most respected player in the locker room, Ham busted through the trenches and blocked a punt that was recovered by safety Jay Ward. It was redemption for Ham this weekend after an uncharacteristic fumble by him last weekend.

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