The San Francisco 49ers expect to see an improved Richard Sherman out on the football field this season. The veteran corner was the team's most reliable defensive back last season — his first with San Francisco. Sherman battled through injuries and still started 14 games.
"I'm feeling great," Sherman said earlier this month. "I'm feeling really good. I've had a great offseason just training, pushing my body, and getting my muscles stronger. Obviously, this year I won't have the nagging heel, and I'm another year removed from the Achilles."
The singular goal for this 49ers team is to live up to its potential. Injuries devastated the roster last year, and four total wins were the result.
Sherman told Tyler Dunne of Bleacher Report that he plans to play four more seasons. After that, Canton awaits. In between, he would like to help the 49ers win another Super Bowl.
"Winning. Winning. More winning," Sherman said of his goals over the next few years. "More rings. I can help this team win another championship."
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk says the 49ers are hungry for a Super Bowl after winning just 10 games over the past two seasons. He believes the team is headed in the right direction and the offseason additions will only make the roster more competitive.
"There's a fire in peoples' stomachs of, 'No more bulls--t. We need to do this now,'" Juszczyk told Dunne.
Linebacker Fred Warner feels the same way as the team's fullback. Are the 49ers in the discussion to be a championship contender? Are they a Super Bowl team?
"My opinion: I think it is," Warner said. "If you're content with just winning the division, that's great, but the goal is that Lombardi. So people around this building have been talking about the 'Quest for Six.'"
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo believes that should be the mindset no matter what. Otherwise, what is the point of playing?
"If you don't have that on your mind, you have no chance of getting there," Garoppolo said.
Garoppolo isn't alone in that mindset.
"If you don't believe you're going to win it, why play?" Sherman asked. "What the f--k is the point of playing if you don't think you're going to win it? Like, there's no point. Why go out there if, 'How do you think you guys will do?' 'Oh, I think we'll be middle of the road.' Like, what the f--k are you going to play for in the middle of the road?"
Dunne also spoke with general manager John Lynch, wide receiver Dante Pettis, and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas.
Click here to read Dunne's lengthy feature on the 49ers at Bleacher Report