5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers – Week 7
By Chris Schad
4. The Vikings will blitz on over 60 percent of their snaps
The offensive line has long been a stalwart of the 49ers’ success but has dropped off in 2023. According to PFF’s offensive line rankings, San Francisco’s offensive line ranks 16th in the league and is coming off a week where they allowed Brock Purdy to get pressured on 13 of his 30 dropbacks.
Mix in an ankle injury to Trent Williams, who is doubtful for Monday’s game, and the 49ers front could be ripe for the picking – if only the Vikings had pass rushers.
Marcus Davenport aggravated his ankle injury in the win over the Bears and could need surgery to repair the issue. While Danielle Hunter currently leads the NFL with eight sacks, the Vikings' overall pressure rate decreases considerably when Davenport is out of the lineup.
This could mean more blitzes for the Vikings, which falls right into Purdy’s wheelhouse. Purdy ranks ninth with a 101.6 passer rating when blitzed and is fourth overall with an 89.9 passer rating under pressure this season.
While some of those numbers have to do with what’s around him, it’s clear that Purdy is not afraid of extra attackers, which could lead to more success for the Niners offense on Monday night.