There's no panic in the San Francisco 49ers locker room despite recent injuries and a disappointing Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Instead, there's a strong sense of urgency—something the team is well-acquainted with. The 49ers entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, and after falling just short last year, there's a renewed determination to finish the job.
"I think there's always urgency here," defensive end Nick Bosa said on Wednesday. "I think that's why we're always a good team, is because the standard is high. And right when you're not living up to it, it's not panic. I wouldn't say it's panic, but it's definitely intense focus on getting back to it."
Last season's heartbreaking Super Bowl overtime loss served as motivation during the offseason, but with the 2024 campaign underway, the focus is now on the present. This week, that means bouncing back from a loss and preparing to face a division rival, the Los Angeles Rams.
"So, yeah, nothing changes," Bosa added. "I don't think thinking about the Super Bowl now helps anybody."
Linebacker Fred Warner echoed Bosa's sentiments, stressing that the team is focused on the immediate challenge rather than looking too far ahead.
"The urgency is urgency and wanting to win one game," Warner said. "That's my urgency. It's not about looking back or looking ahead. It's about what is the challenge that's presented to us right now? It's a divisional opponent in the Rams, who we always have battles with on the road. And so, what is it going to take to win one game?"
Bosa also praised Warner, noting that his teammate's elite level of play inspires the entire defense to elevate their performance.
"It kind of just makes us want to do better ourselves because you know if you do your job and get it turned back or whatever the situation is, he's going to be there," Bosa said. "So it's definitely motivation. If we could all play closer to how he's playing, then we'll be just all right."
Although Warner has been playing at an MVP-worthy level, the linebacker insists he's not yet satisfied with his own performance.
"I have yet to see anybody, especially myself, play a perfect game," Warner said. "There's plays I still do want back. It's about just taking it one play at a time out there. It's not gonna be perfect ever.
"We still had a chance to win the game (against the Vikings) at the end, especially defensively, to get off the field on that last drive. ... It's just taking it one play at a time and making sure you leave no doubt."
Warner added, "It's just about trying to play as hard as I can and making the plays for my teammates whenever they are there."