San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer hands the ball off to running back Carlos Hyde, left, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

By: Joe Lami

For the first time this preseason, the 49ers first string offense looked alive as they dominated most of the first half in Sunday night’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Quarterback, Brian Hoyer got going early connecting on a huge deep ball to Marquise Goodwin for a 46-yard touchdown. Hoyer finished the first half passing 12 of 17 for 176 yards and two scores.

Pierre Garcon was also noticeable for the first time wearing red and gold, catching six passes for 64 yards.

Carlos Hyde and Matt Brieda saw most of the carries among the first stringers, as Hyde carried the ball seven times for only 19 yards, but more importantly was a weapon out of the backfield, catching three passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Brieda also saw seven carries and led the 49ers in rushing yards with 29 yards.

However, leading the night out of the backfield was Raheem Mostert, who scored two touchdowns, both in the second half. Mostert turned a 3rd and 23 in the third quarter for an 87-yard touchdown, as C.J. Beathard hit him on the screen. He also ran in the 49ers final score of the game with 7:48 remaining from four yards out.

The 49ers backfield has impressed all preseason long, making debate on how many running backs the team should try and carry on the 53-man roster. At this point, Hyde and Brieda are locks and Mostert’s performance on Sunday night put him over the top for the roster. Now the decision will come with Joe Williams, who finished the 4th quarter with 16 yards on seven carries.

Despite the strong start to the game, the 49ers fell apart in the fourth quarter, allowing two touchdowns in the final six minutes of the game. Terrell Newby ran in the final score with no time remaining on the clock to cut the San Francisco lead to 31-30.

Minnesota decided to go for two and was successful on the conversion on a quarterback sneak from Taylor Heinicke for the victory.

On the defensive side of the ball, San Francisco fell apart as the game progressed, but once again the key figures had huge games. Rueben Foster led the way with eight tackles, including one for loss, as he continues to show why he was such a steal in the draft.

Sunday night’s game showed the biggest jump in the 49ers ability so far through the preseason and coming in week three gives little hope for the improvement of this team.

San Francisco closes out their preseason schedule at home on Thursday against the LA Chargers and is going to be vital for guys still vying for a spot on the 53-man and practice squad roster.