Jimmie Ward isn't too sure who might be listening. Pete Carroll, is that you breathing on the line? The safety was unwilling to offer up any details on what the San Francisco 49ers are planning to do in the secondary this season.
Chris Biderman attempted to pry some details about the plan, noting that he noticed Ward often playing man-to-man close to the line of scrimmage on third downs in the Super Bowl. The Sacramento Bee beat writer inquired whether or not that is something opposing offenses might see more in 2020.
"I just feel like if I tell you more details about that, I'm kind of giving away the game plan," a cautious Ward responded. "I don't want other teams to hear it, how they're going to use me. I don't know, but it's going to be interesting.
"Just make sure you watch that first game because I could be anywhere. Could be playing safety, could be man coverage, could be blitzing, could be playing zone. Who knows? We'll see, first game."
Tony Oden to Chris Biderman: Dude!? Shhhhh.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 11, 2020
The 49ers enter the new season with much of the same group in the secondary. That has allowed the defensive backs to focus on building chemistry with their new secondary coach, Tony Oden, who replaces Joe Woods.
"He's more aggressive," Ward said of Oden. "But he's really fundamentally sound too. I like his energy so far."
Added Ward: "Since we've been back, I feel like we've just been working on chemistry and all our defensive checks. I just feel like it's going to play a big role in this upcoming season."