Brock Purdy hoping to silence ‘rocking’ Minnesota crowd after 2023 defeat

October 23rd, 2023: The last time the 49ers and Vikings played one another. And things not go to plan for Brock Purdy & Co.

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback struggled on Monday Night Football in Minnesota last season, throwing two interceptions. The Vikings’ blitz-first approach sped up Purdy, forcing him into uncharacteristic decisions and throwaways on routine plays. That game would end with a 22-17 defeat in Minneapolis, making it the seventh-straight contest the 49ers would drop to the Vikings on the road.

Now a year later, Brock Purdy is looking to end a streak that’s been in place since 1992: Win in Minnesota. And that starts by learning from last year’s blunders against Brian Flores’ defense.

“He does a lot of different looks and different things and makes you think that it’s going to be one thing and it can be that or go to something completely different. He does a good job with that,” Brock Purdy said Thursday. “I think one of the best in the league with just disguises in general. Last year we had obviously a whole game against him and got some really good looks from him and some tough situations that he puts you in, especially as a quarterback trying to make a decision and stuff. It was a good experience last year and there’s some things that I had to learn from. I had a year of film and stuff and this week of practice so we’re excited for it.

Purdy says Minnesota’s defensive scheme is an “outlier” in terms of pre-snap disguises.. Vikings will show what looks to be an aggressive blitz but actually drop eight, and so on. Key will be for Purdy to scan the coverage properly post-snap

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 12, 2024

It’s more than just a defense thought that troubles Purdy and the 49ers.

The young gunslinger has faced blitz-happy schemes in the past and had major success (New York Giants Week 3 of 2023 season), what strengthens this approach is the use of the home-field advantage. And Minnesota has a big one.

The Vikings play at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Alongside a ruckus atmosphere, the stadium is domed, keeping the crowd noise on top of you at all times. That makes it especially hard for Purdy to operate, often having to result to silent count in order to get plays off to his teammates.

“At the end especially, it was a tight game and everything and that place was rocking,” he stated. “For the most part, the whole game, they were like that. Some loyal fans that they’ve got in Minnesota. It’s a dome, so it just gets loud in there and they bring it. It’s an environment where you want to go in and try to obviously do your thing to put up points and score to create momentum and keep them away from being so loud. But, it’s a great environment to play in.”

All of the exterior circumstances shouldn’t factor too much to performance on the field. But in reality, it does, even for a battle-tested QB like Brock Purdy.

Going for calling to plays and checks at the line, to having to use a non-verbal count can disrupt everything. Add in the rapid crowd of SKOL fans and you have a recipe for disaster on the field.

“I think that’s definitely a component of the game. Being in the huddle, screaming the play, breaking, and then you’re not being able to hear guys and yell and make audibles. It’s all signals and like I said, we’re on silent cadence, which is a whole other dynamic from playing at home. And so, it’s totally different,” the 49ers QB explained.

“But there’s some good things that can come from it just in terms of the preparation and being ready for those moments and executing. Sometimes the best executed games are on the road with crazy environments because you have to be more in tune to the little things. So there’s pros and cons to it. But Minnesota’s one of those places where you have to be on top of your stuff or else you can get exposed.”

Now in Year 3 of the NFL, Purdy will look to flip the script on the Vikings in Round 2.

The Iowa State alum has shown significant improvement when playing a team for the second time. In every encore performance, Purdy has improved his completion percentage and his quarterback rating. On top of that, the Red & Gold will have two key playmakers back in the offensive fold.

Both left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Deebo Samuel missed last season’s trip to Minnesota due to injuries. Their combined absences resulted in a three-game skid for the 49ers, with the offense re-clicking as soon as both men returned.

Will Brock Purdy and the offense do the same against Minnesota in Week 2 remains to be seen. But given the tea leaves already planted, and Minnesota’s willingness to send extra pass rushers, the ingredients are there for a massive day at the office for the 49ers.

Brock Purdy can excel against the Vikings’ zone-heavy defense 👀

Purdy has been the most efficient QB in the NFL against zone coverage. Minnesota ranks 3rd in zone coverage rate, presenting opportunities for Purdy to capitalize on his success against those looks. pic.twitter.com/VpQYqx5Pt5

— PFF SF 49ers (@PFF_49ers) September 12, 2024

“I think [OL] Jaylon Moore jumped in and did a great job. So I’m not taking any credit away from him. He did a great job. But having Trent back in and just his dominance and force, you feel it. So to have him back will be great, Deebo as well. Having him going like full-speed and being able to do everything that he does, I’m really excited for. So I feel like for the most part everybody’s healthy, it feels good, and we’re excited to take on the challenge,” he said.

49ers Thursday Practice Report

Limited:

G Aaron Banks (finger, calf)

S Talanoa Hufanga (knee)

WR Jauan Jennings (ankle)

RB Christian McCaffrey (calf, achilles)

DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)

LB Dee Winters (ankle)

Brock Purdy & The San Francisco 49ers 2024 Schedule:

Regular Season

• Sunday, September 15th @ Minnesota Vikings – 10 am PDT
• Sunday, September 22nd – @ Los Angeles Rams – 1:25 pm PDT
• Sunday, September 29th vs. New England Patriots – 1:05 pm PDT
• Sunday, October 6th vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PDT
• Thursday, October 10th @ Seattle Seahawks – 5:15 pm PDT

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