After losing to the Minnesota Vikings, 22-17, on Monday, the San Francisco 49ers are on a two-game losing streak, and all of a sudden, people are concerned about their chances of winning the Super Bowl.
While some aren’t sure quarterback Brock Purdy is the long-term answer for them, the biggest concern has suddenly become their defense, something that was thought to be their biggest strength.
Near the end of the first half, the 49ers went with a questionable heavy blitz on Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, which left their secondary vulnerable and led to a touchdown for rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison.
Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said he takes full responsibility for the play, per Clayton Holloway.
#49ers DC Steve Wilks on the zero blitz call vs the Vikings on Monday night that allowed a 60-yard TD before the half: “I take full responsibility for that call. I have to a good job of putting the guys in better position.”
— Clayton Holloway (@HollowayNFLN) October 26, 2023
Although San Francisco had a number of miscues throughout the game, they were still in position to win for much of the night.
But when Purdy threw an interception with 34 seconds left, their chances of winning disappeared for good.
Wilks has replaced DeMeco Ryans as their defensive coordinator, and last season, with Ryans at the controls, the Niners’ defense was simply savage.
They led the NFL in both points and total yards given up, while star defensive end Nick Bosa recorded 18.5 sacks and won the Defensive Player of the Year award.
While their defense hasn’t been bad by any means this year, their secondary has had some occasional issues, and Bosa has just 2.5 sacks so far.
Their pass rush was missing in action on Monday, as Cousins picked them apart with one of the best games of his career, and now it’s back to the drawing board for the 49ers as they host Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday.
NEXT:
Insider Provides Update On Injured 49ers Star