49ers vs. Vikings 1st quarter thread: Protect Brock, pressure Sam

Brock Purdy’s first road start of the season comes against a team that can give any quarterback headaches. Brian Flores and the Minnesota Vikings felt like they were playing possum last week against the New York Giants as they sat back and played coverage.

But we know that’s not how Flores operates, and his true colors should come out today. The 49ers offensive line did an extraordinary job last week, as did the tight ends and running backs, keeping Purdy upright. Today will be a tougher challenge, but the results from a week ago were promising.

In the same vein, Sam Darnold performed above expectation last week, and he’s due for some regression. The question will be whether the 49ers can pressure him as often as the Giants did. That, and whether they can make Darnold uncomfortable, hold the ball, and make Darnold-esque decisions.

Early turnovers could be the deciding factor in this game.