MINNEAPOLIS — Sam Darnold threw the football from the "n" of "Vikings" in the west end zone to Justin Jefferson at the top of the Norseman's braid, outside the left 20-yard line marker and back to the right pylon of the east end zone. Touchdown.

The duo made that one look easy, but it took a prolonged and gritty effort to win 23-17 Sunday over the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The 97-yard score is the second-longest play in Vikings history (behind Gus Frerotte's 99-yarder to Bernard Berrian in 2008). It capped what was officially a 98-yard drive for Minnesota's first touchdown of the game one week after Minnesota drove 99 yards in a win at the New York Giants.

Jefferson added a 15-yard reception on Minnesota's final possession of the first half to set up the second field goal of the day by Will Reichard.

It was Jefferson's 400^th career reception, tying him with Ahmad Rashad for eighth in franchise history all-time. He totaled 133 yards in the first half, going past 6,000 for his career and tied a record set by Lance Alworth in the 1960s for fewest games (62) to reach 6,000 receiving yards.

Minnesota scored its second touchdown even faster: one play, 10 yards, 0:04 time of possession.

Darnold connected with Jalen Nailor for the second consecutive week. The score made it 20-7 with 6:49 remaining in the third quarter.

It followed a wacky interception that went from Brock Purdy's hand to Blake Cashman, Joshua Metellus, Camryn Bynum and back to Metellus, who returned his third career interception 12 yards.

Unfortunately, Jefferson suffered a quadriceps injury while blocking on a run play late in the third quarter.

Here are four more observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings, followed by a scoring summary:

1. Relentless Defense

The Vikings defense forced a three-and-punt to start the game with Minnesota native Blake Cashman being involved on the first two tackles of the game and recording a pass breakup on the third.

Cashman led all players with 13 tackles and three passes defensed. He also recorded a sack of Purdy.

Minnesota finished with five sacks on the day for the second consecutive week and created pressure consistently.

Pat Jones II recorded two sacks for the second consecutive week. Newcomers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard also recorded sacks.

Minnesota totaled eight tackles for loss against a Niners team that was without Christian McCaffrey, who was placed on Injured Reserve on Saturday.

2. A drive to survive

The Vikings offense needed to do its defense a solid and extend a drive. Darnold and multiple players delivered in the fourth quarter while Jefferson was sidelined.

Darnold converted a third-and-7 with an 11-yard pass to Brandon Powell, a third-and-8 with a 26-yard connection with Nailor and a third-and-2 with a 5-yard pass to Powell.

Ty Chandler added an 11-yard run during the drive that ended with a 27-yard field goal by Reichard.

Minnesota ran 14 plays to travel 62 yards and keep the ball for 6:46.

3. It was an INT but instead a fumble recovery

It looked like Jihad Ward had finally recorded his first interception in his 104^th NFL game.

The outside linebacker who moves throughout Minnesota's defense plucked a pass from the air, but officials reviewed the play and determined it was a fumble recovery instead of an interception.

4. Punt block and recovery

In a game filled with splash plays, C.J. Ham and Theo Jackson combined for the first major moment of the game.

Ham blocked Mitch Wishnowsky's second punt of the day. The strike of the football was so pure it resonated throughout U.S. Bank Stadium.

Jackson scooped up the football and returned it 15 yards to the San Francisco 24.

The big play on special teams set up a 22-yard field goal by Reichard for a 3-0 lead with 4:45 left in the first quarter.

Minnesota never trailed San Francisco and extended a home winning streak against the 49ers to eight games.