Vikings "crazy" defense befuddled 49ers offense in S.F. loss

[Auggie]

"Crazy" is the term S.F. QB Brock Purdy used to describe Minnesota's defense in the 49ers Week Two loss. Purdy said he was kept off balance partly by the Vikings blitzes as well as their "blitz-bluffing."

“You’ve got to find the open zones,” Head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “There are a lot of open zones, but it’s tough the way they slow you down with having the threat of zero (blitzes) throughout the game. Shanahan said Viking's defensive coordinator Brian Flores did a really good job of mixing it up, making it a challenge for Purdy to get into a rhythm.

First, on 4th-and-goal at the 2, the Vikings brought pressure, placing six defenders on the line, and no one touched tackle Jonah Williams, who forced Purdy to hurry a throw to well-covered wideout Jauan Jennings that was deflected.

“They had a zero blitz,” Purdy said. “And one guy came free, which, in our pass protection, that’s just how it is.”

On the 49ers’ next series, on 4th-and-2 from the Vikings’ 42, it appeared Minnesota would bring more heat. Before the snap, they again had six players at the line of scrimmage, with safety Joshua Metellus and Cashman standing up and showing blitz. At the snap, however, Metellus and Cashman dropped into coverage and Cashman stopped Purdy one yard shy of a first down after he scrambled once he couldn’t locate an open receiver.

Shanahan said Flores’ ability to disguise coverages and blitzes can slow down a QB’s ability to process, forcing them to hesitate post-snap because they don’t immediately recognize what they’re facing.

Link (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-game-review-kyle-shanahan-change-approach-19771102.php

Adding to the pass protection problem, All-Pro tackle Trent Williams displayed his contract holdout rustiness by helping to allow two sacks. He also had a false start penalty.

49ers loss is not directly attributable to the loss of RB Christian McCaffery, though he would have been an asset against this blitz/bluff-blitz defense. Future opponents would be expected to copy. Shanahan and the 49ers offense will have to find an answer.

[True Dough]

1. 49ers lost Deebo in that game as well

So no McCaffrey and now no Deebo. Aiyuk, who has been almost invisible in the first two weeks, is going to have to step it up.

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2024/09/49ers-wr-deebo-samuel-expected-to-miss-several-weeks

[Auggie]

3. Yeah. Jauan Jennings too.

I love this guy. He's a gamer. Good hands and tough to bring down. And he loves to inflict pain as a blocker.

Mason can't carry the rushing workload by himself. The link I posted mentioned some plays in which rookie RB Isaac Guerendo was involved. He did not run well. I think FB Kyle Juszczyk will get more runs and throws in Week 3.

[Best_man23]

2. Brian Flores may not have been ready to be a head coach when he was in Miami

But I'll give him this, he is one hell of a defensive coordinator. Belicheat taught him well.

[Auggie]

4. It was a smart game plan

It took advantage of Trent Williams rustiness on the line too. Plus right guard Dominick Puni is a rookie, though he played really well IMO. Vikings deserved this win.