Purdy and the 49ers’ offense will be put to the test against the Ravens’ defense.
Purdy and the 49ers’ offense will have a significant test against the Ravens’ defense, according to NBC Sports Bay Area.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The personnel that the 49ers’ offense will face on Monday night presents a challenge in and of itself.
However, quarterback Brock Purdy and the rest of the 49ers offense will have further challenges against the Baltimore Ravens.
“They’ll mix it up throughout the game, so it challenges all of your protections,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “However, the most difficult aspect is getting people to open up.” They’re really safe when they have seven people covering them.”
The Ravens frequently use seven defensive players at the line of scrimmage to simulate a blitz. They try to conceal who is rushing the passer and who is dropping into coverage.
And, as Shanahan noted, the Ravens’ defensive backs make it difficult for receivers to get open.
“They definitely present challenges, and that’s why it’s such a big part of their game,” said 49ers left tackle Trent Williams. “It’s quite difficult for a team to predict who will arrive and who will not. They do an excellent job of convincing you to keep your eligibles in (to block).”
Purdy’s bid for NFL Most Valuable Player will face its toughest test of the season, which includes a trip to the Super Bowl.
“We have our plan and stuff, and going into it we’re just going to continue to play our style of ball,” Purdy said in a statement. “Obviously, there are some things that you have to be prepared for and take into account with their players and what we’re trying to accomplish.”
“We’re going to play our way of ball and we have to understand what we’re getting into with their defense.”
The Ravens are tied for the NFL lead in sacks with 50, topped by defensive tackle Justin Madubuike’s 12 sacks. Baltimore’s defense is first in terms of points allowed and second in terms of yards allowed.
Purdy will have to figure out where the Ravens are directing their pressure on pass plays and where to find the ball.
His ability to swiftly assess the defense and proceed through his progression has allowed him to have an MVP-type season. Purdy has the highest passer rating in the NFL at 119.0, with 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In 14 games, he has only been sacked 26 times.
Purdy does not appear to be slowed down by defenses who try to confuse him with pre-snap looks before switching to pass rushes or coverage designed to confound him.
“It won’t be the first time he’s seen it, and it definitely won’t be the last,” Purdy added. “From my knowledge of watching him play, I think he does a pretty good job of it.”
