The San Francisco 49ers are looking to rebound from February's disappointing loss in Super Bowl LIV. The only problem with losing the last game of the season is that you have to wait a long time to try to get back to winning.
The team may have to wait even longer if the season doesn't start on time amid concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 49ers feel their locker room can overcome the heartbreaking defeat. They don't believe this Niners team will suffer from the same slump that has plagued many Super Bowl losers before them. San Francisco is anxious to get back onto the football field and prove its doubters wrong.
Running back Raheem Mostert had a breakout season last year, coming on strong during the tail end of the season. That was highlighted by a 220-yard rushing performance in the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers.
Mostert recently spoke with team reporter Keiana Martin via video conference from his offseason home in Cleveland. The conversation actually took place last Thursday but was released via the 49ers' social media platforms this week.
During the conversation, Mostert was asked to identify one thing that stood out about the entire team in 2019.
"The chemistry," Mostert responded. "We had great chemistry..."
The running back paused to correct himself.
"We have great chemistry," he continued. "It started from three years ago when Kyle (Shanahan) and them came into the scene. We've just been building on from there.
"But we have great chemistry, and we can trust in each other that the man next to us is going to get the job done. It's one of those things where you have to have that bond and trust to accomplish goals in life. That's what we have."
The 49ers nearly emerged as Super Bowl champions, but a fourth-quarter collapse ended the season on a sour note.
"Unfortunately, we didn't get that win with the Super Bowl," Mostert said, "but we're moving past that now. We're ready for the next season.
"Kyle and John (Lynch) and everyone kept telling us, 'Hey look, it's not going to be the same team next year,' and one of the things that we always told each other is, 'Hey, look, it doesn't matter. Whoever is going to come in, they're going to understand this culture. They're going to understand what's going on, and we're going to fight this thing through, and get to where we want to get to, and ultimately win.'
"That's our biggest thing right now, is to get to that same dance, and win it this time."
