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Richard Sherman knows what it's like to reach the top of the NFL mountain with his teammates. For this young San Francisco 49ers squad, that feeling is unknown. In fact, most of them have become accustomed to losing.
That isn't the case this season.
The 49ers are seeing all of their hard work over the past few seasons finally pay off. The team is 5-0 and tasting success for the first time under this regime — or the last few regimes. It always knew success would come. Now, it has to work just as hard to ensure that success isn't taken away.
The success of the 49ers defense has surprised many outside of the team's locker room. The unit set single-season NFL records last year. Unfortunately, they weren't marks worth bragging about. They were for the fewest interceptions (2) and fewest takeaways (7) in a single season.
It seems the 49ers' bolstered pass rush has helped this defense reach its potential — finally.
"They have been told they're not good," defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told reporters on Thursday. "They have been told that they shouldn't be here. They have been told that they should all be cut. We have all been told that we should be fired. So, don't forget what it's like to be on the other side of the fence, and don't think that just because you're being patted on the back that you are going to continue to have success.
"We got to this point because we've been working our butts off through adversity, through all the trials and tribulations that go with losing. Don't forget what it took to get here and don't forget what it's going to take to keep it.
"So, their mindsets are all in the right spot. They are absolutely grinding. They're focused, and they are excited to get out there on Sunday."
Outside of the locker room, the expectations surrounding the 2019 49ers are soaring. People are talking playoffs, division crowns, and maybe more.
Maybe, much more.
It comes with the 5-0 territory.
Inside the locker room, no one is focused on anything beyond Sunday. It's a one-game-at-a-time mentality.
"The results always come if you work hard," Sherman said on Thursday. "But being focused on the process is how you win championships; it's how you get over the hump. It's being focused on the task at hand, the process, and not the result, not the end goal.
"You sit there, and you focus on one game at a time. You make that a championship game that week. The next thing you know, you've played 19 championship games. And then you look up, and the season's over, and they have confetti coming down.
"Until then, you keep your eyes down. You stay focused on the prize, or you stay focused on getting better. [...] Any time you start sitting back and are like, 'Man, we're doing something special,' you get distracted, and that's when you get hit in the mouth."
Sherman believes the 49ers defense is comprised of unselfish players, and that's what a championship defense looks like.
"It's an essential part of (a) great defense, is being unselfish," Sherman added. "Selfish people can't play great defense because you're worried about (your)self. Great defense is worried about the whole. One person does not make a great defense in this league. It takes 11.
"It takes D-ends knowing at times, you're going to have to drop into coverage. At times, you're going to just have to take on double teams all day and night. It's going to take corners to know sometimes you're going to come up, and you're going to have to stop the run. [...] It takes linebackers being able to cover.
"It just takes so many people stepping out of their comfort zones, and out of their elements, and sacrificing for others."
No opponent is being overlooked. Not even the 1-5 Washington Redskins, whom the 49ers face on Sunday at FedExField, because as quickly has success has come, it can disappear even faster.
Just when you thought the San Francisco 49ers and Tom Brady storylines had concluded, the future Hall of Fame quarterback drops another tidbit that sparks discussion. During an episode of "DeepCut with VicBlends," the host asked Brady what he would do if the NFL came calling once again.
VicBlends inquired if Brady would consider returning to the football field if a playoff-bound team like the 49ers needed him.
"I'm not opposed to it," Brady said, per Jordan Mendoza of USA Today. "I don't know if they're gonna let me if I become an owner an NFL team. I don't know, I'm always gonna be in good shape, always be able to
According to Sports Illustrated contributor Noah Strackbein, who writes for "All Steelers" on the network, there's a level of confidence within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization that they can strike a deal for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk—and at a bargain rate.
"According to a team source, the Steelers and 49ers trade talks are real," Strackbein wrote. "While nothing is imminent, they 'would be surprised if it didn't happen.' But it all comes down to compensation, and Pittsburgh isn't willing to budge much on price."
While it seems unlikely that the 49ers would part ways with Aiyuk for anything less than a first-round draft
It's evident that the San Francisco 49ers engaged in long-term financial planning. Much discussion has centered around the feasibility of the team committing significant financial resources to two wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Some skeptics question the wisdom of such heavy investment in a single position, especially considering that the 49ers handed Samuel a substantial three-year extension merely two years ago.
Adding complexity to this debate is the impending contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, positioning him to become the highest-paid player on the team. He will likely even become one of the NFL's highest-paid players. Where he ranks in average salary will depend upon whether he can replicate the stellar performance of his Pro Bowl 2023
George Kittle recently spoke with ESPN during the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, where he joined other NFL stars for the golfing event. Of course, the conversation shifted toward football, with Laura Rutledge asking Kittle to reflect on the team's 2023 season, its Super Bowl defeat, and the motivation it provides for the upcoming season.
The tight end believes San Francisco maintained a competitive roster this offseason and is gearing up for another run at a championship. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good health and continual improvement for a successful upcoming season.
"Brock Purdy is a fantastic quarterback, and he's only going to get better because he's young," Kittle said. "And we were fortunate enough to be able to keep our entire
