Charvarius Ward defends Steve Wilks’ zero-blitz call in 49ers-Vikings

SANTA CLARA — Cornerback Charvarius Ward got off to a great start against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. On the third play of the game he tore the football away from Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison for an interception. Late in the first half, things appeared to be getting even better for Ward. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins intended a pass for Addison that Ward was in the perfect spot to intercept. But Addison did the same thing to Ward that Ward had already done to him. "He got his get-back," Ward said of Addison. Ward said he was "kinda, sorta" already thinking about getting his hands on the football and returning it for a touchdown. But Addison, a rookie, ended up with the football and stayed on his feet en route to an improbable 60-yard touchdown. "The kid made a good play," Ward said. "That's all I can say. He made a good-ass play. I thought I had it. And next thing you know, he had it and he's running into the end zone." The play was controversial because of the aggressiveness with which 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks opted for the closing seconds of the first half. The 49ers went with a seven-man pressure, known as a zero blitz, with no defender...