SANTA CLARA – The personnel the 49ers offense will face Monday night is a challenge in itself.
But quarterback Brock Purdy and the rest of the 49ers offense will be tested in other ways against the Baltimore Ravens.
“You're going to get mixed up as the game goes on, so that tests all of your protections,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “But the hardest thing is how to get people to open up. When they have seven in coverage, they are very solid.”
The Ravens often have seven defensive players on the offensive line to create the appearance of a blitz attack. They try to disguise which players are rushing the passer and which are ducking into coverage.
And as Shanahan pointed out, the Ravens' defensive backs don't make it easy for receivers to take the lead.
“They definitely present challenges, and that’s why it’s such a big part of their game,” 49ers left tackle Trent Williams said. “It's really difficult for a team to get an overview of who's coming and who's not. They ensure that you retain your permission rights (to block).”
Purdy's candidacy for the title of NFL Most Valuable Player faces the biggest test of the season – and that includes the mental aspect.
“We have our plan and everything, and the first thing is we’re just going to continue to play our style of ball,” Purdy said. “Of course there are some things you have to be prepared for and take into account every game with your players and our goals.
“We’re going to play our way and we have to understand what we’re getting into with their defense.”
The Ravens enter Monday night tied for the lead in the NFL with 50 sacks, led by defensive tackle Justin Madubuike with 12 sacks. Baltimore's defense ranks first in points allowed and second in yards allowed.
Purdy will be challenged to identify where the Ravens are applying their pressure on passing plays from and where he can find the open receiver against the Ravens' tight coverage.
His ability to read defenses quickly and track his progress has allowed him to put together an MVP-like season. Purdy leads the NFL with a passer rating of 119.0 with 29 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He was sacked just 26 times in 14 games.
Purdy can't seem to be slowed down by defenses trying to mislead him with pre-snap looks before moving into passes or coverages designed to confuse him.
“It won’t be the first time he’s seen it and it definitely won’t be the last,” Williams said of Purdy. “From what I know, watching him play, I think he’s doing a pretty good job.”
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