The San Francisco 49ers defense, once the team's strength, delivered a couple of underwhelming performances in the playoffs, prompting questions about their effort on specific plays.
"We know we have to do better," defensive end Chase Young said this week in Las Vegas. "We have to do more. Can't have that. I can't have that. And everybody on the team knows that we can't have that. So, we're going to do our best to make sure it never happens again."
Acknowledging the issue, general manager John Lynch emphasized last week, "Effort's a non-negotiable. I mean, that's one of our core values, and I believe that in my heart of hearts."
He added, "It's been addressed, and I'd be real surprised if I saw [it during the Super Bowl]."
The 49ers will need to deliver their best defensive effort yet if they hope to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday. The unit must limit quarterback Patrick Mahomes' opportunities. Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice believes the defense will need to elevate its effort if the 49ers expect to hoist the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday night.
"I seriously believe that you win championships with defense," Rice told Sports Illustrated this week. "[DEs Nick] Bosa, Chase Young, that secondary, they got to go to work. ... They're going to have to play their best football game. But this is what you work for. Every day, getting up, even during training camp, preseason, going through that, regular season.
"Now, in the playoffs, you get an opportunity. One game. One game. They're going to have to play their best defense and put pressure on Patrick Mahomes to try to get him out of rhythm just a little bit."
Rice also praised Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs' hard-running second-year halfback, who could be a significant factor in the game.
"They're going to have to stop him, and they just can't let Patrick Mahomes run all over the place and get the ball to [TE] Travis Kelce and just make it into their own playground," Rice concluded.
The 49ers and Chiefs kick off from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. PT.