SANTA CLARA — The 49ers' offense faced a challenge Monday night.
But quarterback Brock Purdy and the rest of the 49ers' offense will be tested in other ways against the Baltimore Ravens.
“They're going to shuffle throughout the game, so it challenges all of your defenses,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “But the hard thing is how to get people open. They're really good when they're seven in coverage.
The Ravens often have seven defensive players at the line of scrimmage to create the appearance of a blitz. Try to cover which players are rushing the passer and who are dropping into coverage.
And, as Shanahan pointed out, the Ravens' defensive backs can't get open as easily for receivers.
“They definitely challenge, and that's a big part of their game,” 49ers left tackle Trent Williams said. “It is very difficult to tell a team who is coming and who is not. They do a good job of making sure you keep (block) your qualified people.
Birdie's candidacy for NFL Most Valuable Player will face the biggest test of the season — and that includes the mental aspect.
“We have our plan and stuff, and we're going to continue to play our style of ball,” Purdy said. “Obviously, there are things you have to be prepared for and take into account every game with their players and what we're trying to do.
“We're going to play our ball game and understand what we're doing on their defense.”
The Ravens tied for the NFL lead with 50 sacks on Monday night, led by defensive tackle Justin Madupuik's 12 sacks. Baltimore's defense ranks first in points allowed and second in yards allowed.
Purdy will be challenged to identify where the Ravens send their pressure on pass plays and where to find the open receiver against the Ravens' tight coverage.
His ability to read defenses quickly and pass in his stride helped him put together an MVP-like season. Purdy leads the NFL with 29 touchdown passes and seven interceptions with a 119.0 passer rating. He has been dismissed only 26 times in 14 games.
Purdy doesn't seem to slow down with defenses trying to mislead him with pre-snap looks before spinning into pass rushes or coverages to confuse him.
“It won't be the first time he's seen it, and it certainly won't be the last,” Williams said of Purdy. “Based on my knowledge of watching him play, I think he's doing pretty well.”
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