It felt like there was a new man leading the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Kirk Cousins stepped up in primetime during the wild-card round against the New Orleans Saints in way he hadn’t done before.

But in the divisional round, Cousins flopped. The Vikings were a mess.

The San Francisco 49ers did what they’ve done all season. They worked the ball methodically with an efficient running game on offense, and erased their opponents’ best playmakers on defense. With a 27-10 win, Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers are headed to the NFC Championship Game against either the Green Bay Packers or the Seattle Seahawks.

Here are our takeaways from the game.

1. A healthy 49ers defense is unstoppable

We already knew this defense could likely get San Francisco to a Super Bowl. We already knew the unit was one of the best in the NFL. But they also reached new heights on Saturday. The 49ers finished as the No. 1 seed, but they didn’t peak too early. They’re still getting better, in part because defensive end Dee Ford, linebacker Kwon Alexander and strong safety Jaquiski Tartt returned from injury this week,.

San Francisco is now the Super Bowl favorite, because of their defense.

2. Kirk Cousins disappointed on Saturday, but he took a big step forward this offseason.

Cousins was the easy target for those looking for a lazy take: Oh, the quarterback folded under pressure — again.

Cousins’ stats weren’t pretty: He was 21 of 29 for 172 yards at 5.9 yards per pass for one touchdown and one interception. He also took six sacks. And frankly, the stats are flattering when compared to what he looked like on the field, particularly in the first three quarters. San Francisco had Cousins completely boxed in after they took away running back Dalvin Cook (nine carries, 18 yards).

But Cousins took a step forward this postseason. His performances against the Saints in the divisional round was praise-worthy. There aren’t many quarterbacks who would play well against that 49ers defense. Minnesota should feel better than ever about their investment in Cousins.

3. Stefon Diggs probably won’t be around to help Cousins on his upward trajectory.

It’s hard to imagine Diggs staying in Minnesota. He wanted out during the early part of the season, and he got five targets for two receptions, 57 yard and a touchdown in what may be his final game with the Vikings. Considering how this postseason ended, he may be ready to move on in 2020. He may remind the Vikings he wants a trade.

Adam Thielen may take an even bigger role for Minnesota next year. Diggs, meanwhile, would be a good fit in places like Indianapolis, Buffalo, Arizona and Oakland. They all have copious cap space and plenty of upside for Diggs to help them take a step forward. Diggs’ offseason could feel a bit like Odell Bekckham Jr.’s last year.

4. Jimmy Garoppolo’s run this offseason could feel something like Tom Brady’s in 2001.

When was the last time a quarterback won the Super Bowl in his first postseason? It was Tom Brady in 2001.

When Garoppolo tried a quarterback sneak on the goal line, it felt like a Brady impression. (Brady is famously effective at the sneak.) Even Garoppolo’s lead blocking efforts got the same amount of love as those from Brady earlier this year. But in a more meaningful way, Garoppolo is getting his footing as an NFL starter while supported by one of the NFL’s best defenses. The quarterback has managed the game, even if that has meant the 49ers aren’t asking much of him. That was the story surrounding Brady in 2001.

If Garoppolo pulls off a Super Bowl win, the run may feel a lot like Brady’s first title in New England.

5.  Kyle Shanahan is special

The last time we saw Shanahan in the playoffs, he was needlessly calling for passing plays against the Patriots in Super Bowl LI. The aggressive (and perhaps foolish) play-calling contributed to the Falcons’ historic collapse. Shanahan’s play-calling was so atrocious that some wondered whether the wunderkind deserved the 49ers’ head coaching job.

He’s come a long way since then. Shanahan is one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds. He’s the reason why so many of the San Francisco skill players have developed into standouts. He has proven himself as one of the elite NFL coaches.

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