Steve Wilks: “Unacceptable” was the lack of effort and pursuit against the Lions.
The 49ers had to give up 17 points in the first half before they could pull off a thrilling comeback victory against the Lions. The 49ers are also concerned about their defensive effort, which added to the team’s three-point halftime disadvantage.
Reporters questioned defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Friday on remarks made recently regarding difficulties with effort and pursuit on defense against Detroit by coach Kyle Shanahan and several defensive players.
Wilks stated, “I think you really have to ask them individually.” “As a defense, I can tell you collectively that it’s unacceptable, okay? We discussed that. I wish I could tell these men that this is what’s going to happen on play 27 and play 4. You are ignorant. Therefore, we must ensure that every down is played as though it will make a difference in the outcome of the game. And it was evident from those specific plays that they didn’t meet our standards. To be honest, it was embarrassing, and those guys are aware of that.
Given that quarterback Patrick Mahomes can make chicken salad when the play that’s called isn’t there, it won’t be any simpler versus the Chiefs.
Wilks remarked, “It’s different things that we have to do,” in reference to protecting the Chiefs. “First off, [Mahomes is] performing incredibly well, executing really long plays. We spoke during the entire week. There are two plays on a single down. After the ball breaks and he begins to scurry. He is hence extraordinary. The finest I’ve ever seen at just buying time, winning with his feet, and moving the ball down the field to its intended destination.
That’s what sets great quarterbacks apart from average ones. Right now, Mahomes is the greatest of them all because of his extraordinary ability to create something out of nothing.
Which means that for the 49ers in the Super Bowl, effort and pursuit are even more crucial. The Chiefs are much less likely to allow them to tie the score if they get off to a sluggish defensive start once more.
Lynch anticipates a stronger 49ers defense against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
SANTA CLARA: John Lynch, general manager, is aware of what makes a Super Bowl-winning defense, and the 49ers’ victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game last Sunday did not continuously display that.
“Effort is a non-negotiable,” Lynch declared on Friday with firmness. That is among our basic principles. That’s what I sincerely think. The defense I played on in Tampa is represented by four Hall of Famers, and if you ask any of the players on that unit what our calling card was, it would be effort—a non-negotiable.
Jahmyr Gibbs, the running back for the Lions, got past multiple 49ers defenders in the second quarter of the NFC championship game to extend Detroit’s advantage to 14 points. The ball carrier was hardly touched as he crossed the goal line, despite numerous players lunging at him.
“Those issues have been resolved,” Lynch declared. “This is your only game. If we witnessed that once more, I would be truly horrified. That happens occasionally; there are justifications for it, though. They must not be accepted as justifications. Play with all of your heart.
After regrouping in the locker room at halftime, the 49ers performed well enough in the second half to secure a ticket to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Even though defensive coordinator Steve Wilks made just minor changes, his players eventually showed greater purpose.
Regarding the first half, Wilks stated, “As a team, I can tell you as a defense, it was unacceptable.” “We discussed that. We must ensure that every down is played as though it will decide the outcome of the game.v
It’s obvious that Lynch and Wilks agree that the defense isn’t performing to its full potential. They also understand that when they play the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on February 11, there won’t be any room for error.
Lynch remarked, “Those aren’t plays that we are proud of; those players are.” “It has been addressed, and I would be very shocked if that resurfaced.”
The 49ers’ defense faces a difficult challenge in front of the Chiefs, who are led by Patrick Mahomes. They must contain All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce in addition to slowing down Isaiah Pacheco, the running back who poses a threat as a wide receiver.
Wilks feels that the past has been spoken enough and that the players now have a fresh perspective on the future, realizing that they must exert maximum effort in their last game of the season.
“It wasn’t up to our standard on those two specific plays,” Wilks remarked. “Those guys know and comprehend that, and to be really honest, it was embarrassing.”
