Two players were claimed off of waivers by the San Francisco 49ers last week. The first was defensive lineman Sheldon Day, who was claimed off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars last Monday. Two days later, the 49ers claimed defensive end Cassius Marsh from the New England Patriots.
Both players were active and took defensive snaps during Sunday's 24-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Both faced the tedious task of chasing Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson around the football field for three-plus hours.
Despite the additions to the defensive line, the 49ers were unable to generate pressure against the Seahawks. Wilson was only under pressure during nine of his 39 dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
"It makes you more determined to get him," Day said of chasing after Wilson. "You pin your ears back a little bit more and try to put more effort into it."
The week of preparation to go against Wilson and the Seattle offense was a whirlwind to Day, who played 30 snaps on Sunday. He can't remember much from it but knows he enjoyed chasing after the Seahawks quarterback.
"It's pretty fun chasing him around," Day said. "It's like a cat-and-mouse game. You just keep on going until you get it."
Marsh is just thankful for the opportunity to play. He was in on 27 snaps on Sunday.
"I just came in prepared to play," Marsh said. "I wanted to play that much. I don't want to come off the field. I'm that type of player."
Both Day and Marsh come from similar defensive schemes like that of the 49ers. Marsh was traded from Seattle to New England on September 2.
"It's a pretty similar defense," Marsh said of the 49ers. "Call-wise, the linguistics are a little bit different. I could definitely be better, a couple mistakes out there, but it was a pretty easy transition for me."
Marsh has faced Wilson on the practice field during his time with the Seahawks, which makes him admire the quarterback's athleticism even more.
"Russell is probably the most elusive player in the league," Marsh said. "He makes the money he makes for a reason. He's proven, and he had a good game today. You've got to take your hat off to him. He's a great player."
While Marsh was excited to play against his former team, he was disappointed his new team could not come up with a victory.
"I was excited to be a part of the 49ers and go out there, play, learn to play with these guys," Marsh said. "I was ecstatic to go out there today. I'm really hurt that we didn't get the win, but it's all part of the process. You've got to trust the process, come in tomorrow, get back to the grind and look forward to Chicago."
The 49ers will travel to Chicago to face the Bears at Soldier Field on December 3.
