It's been a difficult season for San Francisco 49ers pass rusher Dee Ford. He's spent a lot of time off the field due to injuries and watched his defensive teammates battle without him.
Ford, who joined NBC Sports' post-game show, missed five of the 49ers' final six regular-season games. He was only in on four snaps during the one game in which he played in that stretch.
Ford, who struggled with a hamstring injury, returned for San Francisco's playoff run and helped his team beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-10 on Saturday.
"It's been a tough six weeks for me," Ford said. "Really, a tough year, but my teammates have been great. My coaches have been great, training staff has been great, so we was able to get me out, and that's what happens. Got the job done. That's what it's all about."
One player who appreciated having Ford back was the rookie defensive end who lines up opposite him, Nick Bosa.
"I told Dee, 'I wish I could scare people with my presence like you do,'" Bosa said after the game. "I mean, when a guard sees Dee Ford on them, their mind is racing, they're thinking about what he's about to do, whatever it is. Just having his presence and his pass-rush ability, his knowledge and communication, he's a true vet. It's nice to have him out there."
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was asked about the impact of having Ford in the game.
"Dee's speed off the edge is one of a kind," Buckner responded. "It really opens up more opportunity for the guys in the inside, also for Nick on the opposite side. They can't pick and choose every time on where they want to slide the protection or who they want to double. They have to change it up. It's very challenging when you have four guys that can rush the passer."
Now, the 49ers shift their focus to the NFC Championship Game and await the winner of Sunday's matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
Ford and the 49ers feel like they have a lot more to accomplish. They are one win away from the team's seventh Super Bowl appearance and a shot at the organization's sixth Lombardi Trophy.
"We're going to enjoy it, but we're still hungry," Ford added. "We want to finish the job. We don't want to get too excited. One level up, that's what I'm going to say all week, especially for myself. I feel like I have another gear, and more plays to be made out there, so we're going to get it done."