MINNEAPOLIS - The San Francisco 49ers suffered a disappointing 22-17 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, as their defense faltered against Kirk Cousins and the Vikings' potent offense. With star linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa reflecting on the team's performance, the 49ers are left searching for answers on how to regain their dominant form.

The 49ers' defense, known for its formidable pass rush, failed to record a single sack despite the Vikings attempting 45 passes. It was a stark contrast to their previous games, where they had showcased their overpowering capabilities. Warner and Bosa took responsibility for the team's struggles and engaged in a deep discussion about how they can correct their course.

"We try to take as much of the brunt of failure, being who we are, the leaders that we try to be," Bosa explained. "We were just talking about that."

Warner believes that the 49ers' biggest issue lies in their inability to execute under pressure. Despite starting the season with an impressive 5-0 record, the team has struggled in their past two games, displaying a lack of mental toughness and an inability to overcome adversity. Warner emphasized the importance of winning in any form, even if it means grinding out ugly victories.

The 49ers' defense has been unable to elevate their game when facing challenging circumstances this season. Their success in the past has relied on stopping the run and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, the Vikings effectively neutralized their strategy, averaging over 6 yards per carry for most of the first half and allowing Cousins to excel with a 35-of-45 completion rate for 378 yards.

Both Bosa and Warner expressed frustration over the team's failure to deliver crucial stops and game-changing plays. The defensive linemen, including Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, and Randy Gregory, were unable to disrupt the Vikings' offensive rhythm. Bosa acknowledged the vulnerabilities created by Minnesota's chip blocks and slide protections, which kept him on his heels and limited his impact.

Cornerback Charvarius Ward also missed a critical opportunity when he let rookie Minnesota receiver Jordan Addison snatch away a potential interception. The turnover turned into a costly 60-yard touchdown, leaving the 49ers defense reeling.

The 49ers' defense now faces the challenge of regaining its identity and formulating a strategy to overcome their recent struggles. With crucial games ahead, the team must address their mental toughness and find a way to win in the face of adversity.

As the 49ers lick their wounds, they will be analyzing the film and making necessary adjustments in preparation for their upcoming matchups. The defensive unit will need to rediscover its dominance if the team hopes to regain its winning ways and reclaim their spot as one of the league's top defenses.

Despite this setback, the 49ers remain determined to bounce back and prove their resilience on the field. The journey to redemption starts with identifying and rectifying the issues that have plagued the team in recent weeks.