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SANTA CLARA – General manager John Lynch knows what a Super Bowl-winning defense looks like, and the 49ers didn’t consistently exemplify that in their victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game last Sunday.
“Effort is non-negotiable,” Lynch said sternly on Friday. “That’s one of our core values. I believe that deep in my heart. We have four Hall of Famers who represent the defense I played with in Tampa and if you ask each of us who played on that defense what our calling card was and it starts with effort, that’s non-negotiable.”
In the second quarter of the NFC title game, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs outran several 49ers defenders for a 15-yard touchdown, extending Detroit’s lead to 14 points. While many players lunged at the ball carrier, he was barely touched as he crossed the goal line.
“Those things have been addressed,” Lynch said. “You have a game. I’d really be surprised if we saw that again. Sometimes that happens; There are excuses for it, but they are just that. They are excuses and that has to be non-negotiable. He plays with all your heart.”
The 49ers regrouped in the locker room at halftime and played well enough in the second half to earn a trip to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks made small adjustments but in the end his players came out with more intent.
“Collectively, as a team, I can tell you that as a defense it was unacceptable,” Wilks said of the first half. “We talked about it. “We have to make sure we play every down as if it is going to make a difference in the game.”
Lynch and Wilks are clearly on the same page regarding the defense not playing to its potential. They also know there will be no margin for error when they face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on February 11.
“Those aren’t plays we’re proud of; those players are proud,” Lynch said. “The problem has been solved and I would be very surprised if we saw it again.”
With Patrick Mahomes leading the way for the Chiefs, the 49ers defense has a difficult task ahead of it. Not only will they need to limit All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, but they also need to stop running back Isaiah Pacheco, who is also a threat at wide receiver.
Wilks believes enough has been said about the past and is looking to the future with a clean slate with players who understand they can’t take their foot off the gas in their final game of the season.
“You can see in those two plays in particular that they weren’t at our level,” Wilks said. “Those guys understand and know that and honestly, it was embarrassing.”
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