Transcript: 49ers Head Coach Press Conference






What are your thoughts about the Eagles going into this week?

This week we are focused on the challenge the Eagles present, particularly with their dynamic quarterback, Jalen Hurts, and the explosive running back, Saquon Barkley. Hurts has been a dual-threat all season, capable of making big plays with both his arm and legs, and containing him will be a top priority for our defense. Barkley, on the other hand, is a game-changer who can break a run for a touchdown at any moment, so our defensive line and linebackers must be disciplined and aggressive.

The Eagles are battling fiercely for the top of their division, and they have shown they can compete with the best in the league. For us, there is nothing sweeter than the opportunity to play spoiler and disrupt their momentum. Our team has been preparing diligently, and we understand the importance of executing our game plan flawlessly. It's going to take a collective effort, with each player stepping up to meet the challenge. Our goal is to dominate the line of scrimmage, force turnovers, and make Hurts uncomfortable in the pocket. We are ready for a hard-fought game and are determined to come out on top.

Can you summarize what it was like playing against the Bills last week?

The loss against the Buffalo Bills last week was a tough pill to swallow. Despite our preparation, we struggled to contain their explosive offense and made costly mistakes that ultimately sealed our fate. One of the key issues was the continued problem with turnovers by our quarterback, Shadeur Sanders. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but the turnovers have been a recurring problem that we need to address urgently.

As a team, we must stay diligent and focused, approaching each new week with a fresh perspective. This week is an opportunity to learn from our mistakes, grow, and improve in all phases of the game. We will review the game tape, identify areas for improvement, and work tirelessly in practice to correct our errors. Our goal is to build on the positives and make the necessary adjustments to prevent the same mistakes from happening again.

Continued growth is essential, not just for Shadeur, but for the entire team. We need to be sharper on both sides of the ball, and everyone must elevate their game. This new week is a chance to turn the page, stay resilient, and show our true potential on the field.





Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Jalen Hurts?

Containing Jalen Hurts is going to be a monumental task for us this week. Hurts has the ability to play at an MVP caliber on any given day, making him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. Our defense needs to stay composed and maintain gap integrity, ensuring that we don't give him any easy running lanes. Hurts is as lethal with his legs as he is with his arm, so disciplined play and solid tackling will be critical.

One of our key strategies will be to force Hurts into mistakes and misreads. By applying consistent pressure and mixing up our coverages, we can create confusion and force him into making errant throws. Our secondary needs to be on high alert, ready to capitalize on any mistakes he makes.

Preventing big plays will be paramount. Hurts thrives on explosive plays that can change the momentum of the game in an instant. Our safeties and corners need to stay disciplined and ensure they don't get beaten deep. At the same time, our linebackers must be vigilant in covering his outlet receivers and monitoring his scrambling ability.

Every player on the defense has a role to play in containing Hurts, and it will require a collective effort. Communication and teamwork will be key, as will executing our game plan flawlessly. If we can limit Hurts' impact and keep him from making game-changing plays, we stand a much better chance of coming out on top.


What is the status of George Kittle and when is he set to return?

Losing George Kittle to a torn labrum for four weeks is a significant blow to our team. It’s particularly frustrating that we lost him late in the game during meaningless reps in a blowout. Kittle is not only a key offensive weapon but also a leader on and off the field. His absence will be felt, but we are optimistic about his return before the end of the season.

In the meantime, we are fortunate to have David Njoku ready to step in. Njoku brings a lot of talent and experience, and we have confidence in his ability to contribute effectively. However, we understand that replacing Kittle cannot be done by one person alone. It will require a collective effort from all our receivers and backs to step up and fill the void.

Every player on our offense will need to elevate their game. Our wide receivers need to be more precise in their routes, our running backs more effective in their runs and pass protection, and our offensive line more steadfast in their blocking. The chemistry and timing between Shadeur Sanders and his targets will be crucial.

We will use this challenge as an opportunity to grow as a team. Adversity often brings out the best in players, and we expect our squad to rise to the occasion. While Kittle's injury is a setback, it also opens the door for others to showcase their abilities and contribute to our success. Our focus remains on each game ahead, and we look forward to welcoming Kittle back as we make our push towards the postseason.