The San Francisco 49ers improved to 6-4 after defeating the Arizona Cardinals 38-10 on Monday Night Football in Mexico City. What will the 49ers have to do to continue to stay "Red Hot"? Let's discuss three accomplishments and three motivational factors the 49ers could use to stay "Red Hot."
First, the 49ers currently sit in first place in the NFC West and are 4-0 in the division. Their chances of securing a playoff spot increased significantly. The 49ers must use this first motivational factor to remain "Red Hot." Looking ahead, the 49ers have two more divisional games left, the most important of which is the Thursday Night Football matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Week 15.
The 49ers know they control their destiny. "Win the division, secure a spot" is the mantra that may be making its way around the 49ers locker room. The 49ers have scored 120 points against NFC West teams so far, averaging 30 points per game. This proves that head coach Kyle Shanahan means business when playing against his divisional counterparts.
Shanahan reached a personal achievement with Monday night's victory. He now owns a record of 49-48 (including the playoffs) as a head coach. The stigma about Shanahan was that he wasn't winning games like the other coaches in the NFC West. Pete Carroll, the longest-tenured coach, owns a record of 169-118-1, including the playoffs. Kliff Kingsbury is 28-32-1, including the playoffs. Shanahan's best bud, Sean McVay, owns a record of 65-36, including the playoffs.
Not only has Shanahan been added to the list of winning football coaches, but he also hasn't been outcoached in a single NFC West matchup this season. Shanahan is Mossing the NFC West in 2022, and what motivational factors are more significant than going undefeated in, and standing atop of, the division?
The 49ers as a franchise accomplished a milestone on Monday night as well. The 49ers and the Steelers were tied for the most victories on Monday Night Football, but with the victory over Arizona last night, San Francisco now stands alone as the winningest franchise on Monday Night Football.
San Francisco is not only breaking records but also setting records not to be broken. This motivational factor accomplished on Monday is not only a good motivational tool for the team now, but for teams of the future as well. When future players walk through the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr 49ers Hall Of Fame and see another milestone set by the 2022 team, it could draw more and more players to want to be a part of the legacy.
The 49ers continue to trend up and have a lot of football to be played. The team is on a three-game win streak, and their next three opponents, the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will have to go through the "Red Hot" 49ers at Levi's Stadium. San Francisco is playing some of the best complimentary football in the NFL, and with the offense now scoring points, it makes the 49ers the most dangerous team in football.