49ers’ Shanahan says Wilks ‘messed up’ on zero-blitz vs. Vikings

SANTA CLARA — There was no debate whether 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks' decision to call an all-out blitz late in the first half of San Francisco's loss in Minnesota on Monday right was a good risk to take. Coach Kyle Shanahan ended that discussion on Wednesday. "He knows he messed up on that call," Shanahan said of Wilks. The Minnesota Vikings faced a third-and-6 situation from their own 40-yard line with 16 seconds remaining in the first half. Wilks called for a blitz that brought seven pass-rushers at veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had just enough time to unload a pass toward rookie receiver Jordan Addison, against whom 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward had tight coverage. Ward was in line for the interception, as the ball actually got into his chest. But Addison stuck with it, and took the ball away from Ward. Then, Addison remained on his feet and ran the final 35 yards into the end zone for a touchdown. The play gave the Vikings a 16-7 lead at halftime. Shanahan explained his philosophy on calling all-out blitzes that take the safety out of the middle of the field. "I have no problem with zero blitzes, especially when people need a lot of yards," he said....