Yeah, he is definitely willing to take more chances outside. It feels rare to see him throw into traffic across the middle. Brought it up yesterday and Niners fans seemed to be split on whether that was accurate or not. Obviously the closest games I watch him are against GB and we never have enough defenders near the ball to call it "traffic"
I've seen him throw to Boldin and Crabs over the middle, but never VD. I don't think he trusts VD to make a contested catch or fight for the ball. It's a shame because Vernon in the middle of the field is money.