When the 49ers were the top seed four years ago, they were in a similar situation, though they had far laxer bye-week procedures.
SANTA CLARA Although they have the week off, the 49ers are not going on vacation. They’re putting a lot of practice in.
The 49ers practice at full pace on Thursday and Friday; on Friday, they will even don pads. It’s been a long time since they’ve worn pads. They seem as though they are returning to boot camp.
And the reason for that is that last week’s starters hardly played. They’ve effectively had back-to-back bye weeks, so they’re well rested. They’re all set to move. They are therefore practicing as hard as they can without bringing down guys with tackles.
When the 49ers were the top seed four years ago, they were in a similar situation, though they had far laxer bye-week procedures.
George Kittle gave an explanation of their intense practice schedule this week on Thursday.
KITTLE: “We were coming off a game in Seattle that we had to win in 2019.” We were able to win because everyone played with great enthusiasm and focus. More jog-through material was presented the next week. It was undoubtedly a full-speed day, with guys competing and flying around. Kyle gave the order to keep honing the sword. When you’re on the football field, all you want to do is attempt to maximize every opportunity, improve slightly, and hone in on one thing: your initial stride, release, get-off, and back pedal. You just want to make sure you don’t lose a step anywhere. Thus, the day was successful. eager for tomorrow.”
FURTHER READING:
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most frightening and 1 being the least, these are the teams that the 49ers should be most afraid of in the playoffs this year.
Eagles rating: 2/10
They are now unable to defeat any team, let alone a strong one. They appear to be trying to fire their head coach, and they may be successful in doing so.
Buccaneers rating: 3/10
This season, the 49ers had already defeated them once, and it wasn’t a tight game.
Pittsburgh Steelers: five stars
In Week 1, the 49ers defeated the Steelers, but that was with quarterback Kenny Pickett. Mason Rudolph is the one now, and he’s been doing quite well lately. Even so, if he plays the 49ers, he will lose.
Dolphins: six (7) points
Though they are a talented club, they are soft because they frequently lose to superior opponents and are constantly hurting on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field. Additionally, Tua Tagovailoa, their quarterback, gave up on the 49ers during the previous season.
Cowboys: Sixth place, overall
They appear terrified by the 49ers, who they have already lost three straight games to. The previous game was a landslide.
Texans: seven out of ten
They always have a chance to win since they have a young, talented quarterback who is performing at a high level despite only being a rookie.
The Packers: seven points.
Jordan Love has thrown 20 touchdown passes and just one interception in the Packers’ last 8 games, but Green Bay is still probably a year away.
Lions: seven out of ten
The Lions’ offensive line is plenty of skill, but their head coach is impetuous and temperamental, which could cost them a close game.
Eight points for the Rams
They have a quarterback that is superior to the 49ers than any other club in the NFC.
Chiefs: a perfect ten
Despite their disappointing season, they still have the finest quarterback in football, a fantastic defense, and an excellent head coach.
Score for the Bills: 9/10
Josh Allen is uncontainable, thus no one wants to deal with him. He destroyed the 49ers the last time he played against them.
The Browns: a perfect ten
Myles Garrett is the only defensive end on their squad that is capable of regularly defeating Trent Williams. Additionally, they have the hot quarterback Joe Flacco, who won a Super Bowl.
The Ravens: ten stars
They are the only club that has defeated the 49ers this season, they have the best defense in the league, and they have the league’s MVP. That’s scary.
