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When
Drake Jackson stepped up to the podium after Wednesday's practice, there was something different about the San Francisco 49ers' second-year defensive end. He was bulkier, thanks to a lot of offseason work.
"
Drake has been here all summer, working out—all spring, rather—doing the things that he needs to do to improve his game," defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said earlier this month. "He's gained a lot of weight. He's in there with [defensive line coach Kris] Kocurek, and I'm just excited to see exactly what he's going to do and how he's going to progress in his second year."
What are Jackson's expectations for his sophomore campaign?
"Just go out and play and just make something happen," the defensive lineman told reporters. "Help the team as much as I can. And that's just coming in each and every day with a focused mindset and just doing what our coach tells us to do, stacking a day, and whatever happens, happens."
Jackson broke down his offseason efforts and what changes he had to implement to improve his chances of NFL success.
"Really, just focusing in on my body, just lifting, trying to get big, and focusing on my mental as well because I know last year, everything's kind of like a blur for me," Jackson said. "So just really settling down and being key to all my details and things of that sort."
Jackson said he fell in love with being at the 49ers facility for countless hours. He worked hard to put on the muscle, something he wasn't as dedicated to last season. Jackson confirmed that he'd gained about 13 pounds since last season, hoping it will add more power to his pass-rushing skills.
"I've been working, and I'm still going," Jackson said.
Jackson has been achieving some personal-best numbers in the weight room. He revealed lifting 415 pounds during squat reps and benched 315.
"Now I'm in a three-plate club," Jackson shared. "That's a big thing. Well, for me, because my dad used to always make fun of me because he could do three plates, and I couldn't; only was two plates. So now I'm in the three-plate club, so I'm happy about that. And the four-plate club for squat."
The increased bulk was necessary. Jackson admits that he wore down toward the end of his rookie year.
"I feel like I didn't have enough," he shared. "So I just come out and keep working and try to have what I need for the rest of the season. ... I just made sure I hit those areas in the offseason where I was failing or not doing the best job at the end of the season."
Jackson was inactive for six of the 49ers' final eight games last season, including each of the team's three playoff contests. That was eye-opening.
"I say it kind of helped me, in a way, because instead of me being mad or sad from being taken out of the game, I figured out things that I needed to do to help myself, to better myself further on," he said.
Jackson notices the difference compared to his rookie campaign. He feels stronger and has noticed an improvement in how he moves. Jackson could look no further than his teammate,
Nick Bosa, to learn how much work has to put in to be among the best defenders in the NFL.
"It's an eye-opener, for sure," Jackson said. "Seeing a guy who can consistently just be Bosa every day, it's definitely an eye-opener. It makes you want to get your stuff together because you see him together all day, so it's like you just want to be right there with him, helping."
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Thursday night was a fun one at Levi's Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 30-12 victory over the visiting New York Giants. It was a night that saw wide receiver Deebo Samuel declare himself as officially out of "awful" mode, running back Christian McCaffrey reach milestones, wide receiver Ronnie Bell create some lasting memories, and -- of all things -- Andrew Luck making a return to an NFL field (in full Civil War costume) to take part in a game of trivia.
Let's recap all that and more in this version of 49ers Notebook.
Not awful anymore
Back in June, Deebo Samuel caught some attention with his honest description of his 2022 performance
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 3-0 on the season after a 30-12 Week 3 win over the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Below are several statistics and notes from Thursday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
With The Win...
San Francisco has started the regular season 3-0 for the first time since 2019 and the 9th time in franchise history.
The 49ers have won back-to-back regular season games against the New York Giants [W, 36-9 at NYG (9/27/20)].
San Francisco has won their home opener for the second-consecutive season.
The Niners improved to 22-21 against the Giants,
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after the team's 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. He provided injury updates from the game.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was in and out of the game due to a left shoulder injury. A reporter asked if the coach was concerned that the injury could be serious.
"I wouldn't think so," Shanahan responded. "I mean, I know he was hurting a little bit, but he was able to play through it, so I think I'll be all right."
The coach mentioned two other players in his post-game injury report.
"[CB Ambry] Thomas, he had a knee," Shanahan said. "He was in and out. After that, [CB Deommodore
The San Francisco 49ers are starting off 2-0 after a 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams on the road, where they pulled away in the second half to secure a victory.
The two sides were engaged in a feisty battle throughout the first half, entering halftime with a 17-17 tie, but the 49ers delivered a strong second half performance to pull away for a comfortable win.
Here are three quick takeaways from San Francisco's 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Kyle Shanahan cooking
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