San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke with reporters after Sunday's 20-17 Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Here is what they said.
Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan
Opening comments:
"Alright guys, injuries from the game: [LB] Tatum Bethune had a knee, didn't return, possible MCL, [CB] Renardo Green, finger, he returned, [WR Jacob] Cowing had a concussion, never returned, [FB Kyle Juszczyk] Juice cleared the protocol, he returned, [DL Nick] Bosa, hip/oblique, did not return. Go ahead."
Just coming off the field, how do you explain what happened today and just what are your thoughts about what transpired?
"I'm just extremely disappointed. I thought we had a chance to put them away a number of times throughout the game. I thought the penalties we had on a number of drives just killed us. I thought we had some good momentum and then had a penalty that kind of ended the drive on two big drives. That cost us points on both of them. Still should have put it away there on that last drive and had every opportunity to, and missed a couple opportunities to do that. And when we did that, we gave them a chance. I thought our defense played great all game until that last drive. But let them hang around, and when you let people hang around, that's what happens."
Your offensive possession before the very last one there, you had a 4th-and-sixth, I think, and then they called timeout and then it seemed like there was another stoppage of some sort. We didn't get an explanation, what happened there?
"Yeah, I thought they called two timeouts in a row, so I thought there was a penalty. They said that they didn't on the second one."
You talked about your defense playing well, but when Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith gets those two big runs at the end, is that a breakdown or is that just him making great plays?
"No, it's not a breakdown. It's just getting through the D-Line. Everyone was in coverage, one was verse zone, the first one. The next one, I believe, was versus man. No one was open in the rhythm of the play and you've got to keep him in the pocket and he broke through there. And especially on the touchdown run, guys in man-coverage had their backs to him and can't let him out the pocket there."
Assume Bosa's issue was the same thing he was dealing with all week and it just went?
"No, I think it was a different one."
Different?
"Yep."
This team has talked about, you've talked about second half surges, being better in the second half. Hasn't quite happened yet. How disappointing is that? Can you put your finger on why it's not happening?
"Yeah, it didn't happen because of what I just answered in this game. We had our opportunities to win this game. I'm not going to talk about the whole second half, the second half just started, of the season if that's what you mean. We won last week and lost this week. And thought we had every opportunity to win this game, and we didn't get it done. So we've got to make sure we find a way to win next week."
Are you saying that Bosa had a separate hip injury?
"Yep."
Is it the other hip?
"Yeah, the other one. Hip, oblique."
Even with RB Christian McCaffrey back, you haven't been able to get the running game too consistently. Is that just blocking there or what are you seeing on not being able to kind of pop one?
"I think we didn't break a big one today. I mean, last time versus them, I think we had a, one 74-yarder and one 38-yarder. Today, it was some solid running but no big ones. They did a good job not letting us get through their secondary, but when you don't get a big one, it's tough to get those yards."
What did you think of QB Brock Purdy today?
"Same as everyone. Did some good things and missed some things."
WR Jauan Jennings, obviously, had a pretty good game, fourth quarter. How much do guys miss TE George Kittle though? It seems like whenever he's out of the lineup, it really does affect the offense.
"Yeah, whenever you're missing good players, it's always a big deal. We went a little extra, we played [OL] Jaylon Moore a little bit at tight end today, something different to help with that. Thought [TE] Eric [Saubert] stepped it up and did good, especially showing up this morning sick and things like that. But yeah, it's, George is a great player, so always helps when he's out there."
Did Kittle have any kind of setback or was that just from the irritation?
"No, no setback. Just couldn't go. Would've been too risky."
What did you say to the team about this loss?
"Kind of exactly what I just said to you guys. We had every opportunity to run away with that and put it away. Thought the defense did a bunch of that, especially getting that turnover in the third quarter, felt real good about going in and scoring and we couldn't overcome the penalties. It happened on two of our drives that cost us points, I think. At the end of the second half, and also in the beginning of the third quarter, the other drive in the first half, the other punt. I know we had the turnover on that one drive in the first half. But it's, when you have opportunities to do it, and you hurt yourself with penalties and a few missed opportunities, you've got to finish it there at the end. Was disappointed because I thought the offense had every chance to do that and we didn't get it done there."
Bosa was having such a strong game up to the point of where he got hurt. How debilitating is it to look, for everybody to look and see their Defensive Player of the Year standing on the sidelines when the game's in the balance?
"We don't think about that in the moment. Just like his question with George, helps when Nick's out there, especially on the last drive and stuff. But thought we had a couple opportunities to get to him [QB Geno Smith]. I think we did get a sack or two on that last drive. But him getting those two scrambles killed us."
Purdy scrambled a lot in this game. Was he leaving the pocket prematurely or were guy's not getting open on those plays?
"He's been scrambling every game, all year. Sometimes it's because he has a lane, sometimes because someone's not open and there's, it's a different one to every single play. There's never just one narrative on when he scrambles."
I think you mentioned that Bosa was able to play through the hip injury last week. Clearly he wasn't able to play through today.
"No, it was a different hip injury. Yeah."
I know you said it was the other hip. My question is the seriousness of this hip injury. Do you think it would be similar to Kittle's situation, where he was able to kind of practice this week but didn't, wasn't able to go? Do you think it's the same for Bosa next week or you're not so sure right now?
"I hope so. I don't know anything but what I told you guys. It's hip/oblique and it's his other hip and he couldn't return to the game, which means it was bothering him. So, we'll see how he is tomorrow. Hopefully it's not too big of a deal. But that's all we really know right now."
One those two challenges, were they telling you upstairs that there was clear calls or was it borderline even when you threw the flag?
"No, you're not totally 100-percent sure. We felt pretty close to it. They wouldn't hurry up on both of them. I thought it was too big of a down to risk it. I still believe that they were out, but you can't totally tell what the camera angles. And when it does go that way and you can't fully see it with the angles, they're not going to overturn it."
49ers QB Brock Purdy
It kind of just seemed like the offense wasn't clicking out there today. Was there anything that Seattle was doing that they showed differently from the first time you guys played them?
"No. I think their scheme was pretty similar. It was just one of those games where you just couldn't hurt yourself. And I feel like we had just some mishaps with some penalties and we had opportunities where we're moving the ball and we just kept hurting ourselves. And so, operationally I feel like we've just got to be better and can't hurt ourselves. And once we have momentum we've got to keep running with it and we've got to finish drives."
You get the ball back with just under four minutes to go up four. What are you thinking there and how disappointing was it that you could not continue that drive?
"Yeah, it was obviously just stay on the field, try to move the chains, get them to use their timeouts and run out the clock. And we failed in that area. So, got to execute better, got to stay on the field, find a way and we didn't. We gave him a chance at the end and yeah that's what happened."
You had the throw to WR Deebo Samuel Sr. there, I think on second down and went high. Was it because the defender was cutting across? Can you explain what happened there?
"From what I can remember, yeah. It was more of I thought I was trying to just keep it away from a backer and then it sailed on me. Got to watch the film and see what happened."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was talking about giving you two play calls in the huddle and letting you choose at the line of scrimmage. I think I saw you make one can call in the game. Were you liking the first play call that he was giving you or was he just giving you one play?
"It just depends on the play. Sometimes we're already in the right look with what the defense is giving us so we're going to run the play. And so, that's just really how it went for this game. It wasn't I'm going to go into the game and I'm going to try to can and change all the plays as much as I can. They call the first play and it's the right look, we run it. That's just how it went."
I know you're always trying to win every game looking at just at one game, but you're 5-5 and you've got some teams ahead of you in the playoff race. You almost have to think you got to win out? How do you think about the big picture?
"Yeah, I think that's our mindset for sure is to win every single game and you've got to do it one at a time. You can't look too far ahead. Up next is Green Bay and we have to be all in on that and not look up. We just have to look down and do our jobs, get better as a unit and we've just got to find a way to win. It's the NFL, it's not easy and nothing's ever given to you."
Speaking of chunk plays, not a lot of big plays today. Was that because of the defense or what?
"I think they just did a good job with taking away our opportunities to go deep. They kept everything in front of them it felt like, from what I can remember. Obviously, I've got to go watch the film and see."
You're going to play with whoever you've got, but to not have the guy that you really rely on out there, TE George Kittle on third downs and for plays that you really need, that's a huge factor isn't it?
"For sure. When you've got an explosive tight end like George, he can block, run, catch the ball, do everything. A defense has to account for him. We love our tight ends here, but George is definitely extraordinary and what he brings to the table. Obviously we'd love to get him healthy and get him back."
Did you have a sense on Thursday that you wouldn't have him?
"I really didn't know. He was out at practice and we were throwing a couple routes and stuff, so we were just hoping that come game time he'd be healthy and feel good. So, he ended up not playing today."
You said nothing ever comes easy. Obviously it didn't in the past, but with some of those mistakes, penalties and things like that you have in the past been able to overcome them. Does it feel like the margin for error is slimmer this year? If so, how has that been kind of showing up?
"It's the NFL. You never want to put yourself in a hole. The guys across the other side of the ball, they're the best in the world at what they do. And so, anytime you have some kind of holding, false start or something that can hinder you it's never a good thing. And so, obviously yeah, in the years past we can put that behind us and play the next play. That's the same for right now. But we've just got to look at the film, be real with ourselves and just try to limit those kinds of things because just because we had success the last couple years doesn't mean the next play or just because something bad happens to us we're just magically going to make up for it. We've got to have the chip on our shoulder to go take it every single play and down and game. We've just got to get back to that mindset."
What was Kyle's message to the team in the locker room after the game?
"We just ran through the game, and we had plenty of opportunities to win that game, take it over and we failed at it. He obviously took ownership for himself as well and we all did in the locker room. We're all not satisfied with how we played. But he said, next game is up. We've got to watch the film, get better from this and focus on Green Bay."
If you guys had won, that third-down conversion to WR Jauan Jennings where he ran through about four guys, it would've been pretty significant. What did you see from your vantage point and is that kind of reflective of just his tenacity and desire?
"That's just who he is. You give him a chance and an opportunity, he'll make the most of it. He's going to fight for every yard and he's one of the toughest guys on the field. He inspires all of us, just the way he plays and the energy that he brings. And you saw that the whole stadium fed off that after that. Love playing with him, love going to war with that guy and we've just got to continue to get better together."
49ers DL Nick Bosa
You were moving a little gingerly, how did you emerge from this game?
"Not great. That's why I had to stop playing."
Did it happen on that second step?
"It did. I guess I was compensating after pushing through last week. Then the same thing happened to my other oblique. So I'll see what I'm feeling like tomorrow."
You guys have said it's not panic time and you're now 5-5 now. How do you see the big picture?
"It's kind of hard to think about the big picture right now, but we have a lot of games left and all we've got to do is get in the dance. I definitely still have confidence."
What's your concern level that you're going to have to miss some time?
"It's definitely there. I don't know. I've got to see."
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey
What would you say the mood of that locker room was after the game?
"Not great. I think, definitely a tough loss, but just like any week, you got to correct the mistakes, get back to it. We got a big one this week."
What was the thing about this game that kind of stands out in your mind about the opportunities that got away?
"I think we'll check the tape and see. I don't like making big statements right after the game, so we'll check the tape and see. I think it's important from my perspective, I just have to look at myself and see what I can correct and do it."
It been an issue with the Niners kind of closing games. A few of the guys in the locker room said that you guys just kind of got to figure it out. You've been able to kind of watch a few games, but then also play in a couple too. What do you think is the issue with closing out games with this team from what you've been able to see?
"I think each game has its own lens and they're all different. This game, I think I have to make a better read on one of those runs and maybe close it out there. So, from my perspective that's what I got to do. It'd be great to not give them the ball back at the end there and be able to ice it. I think everybody can look in the mirror and look at themselves and find a few things to work on and get better at to help close games out."
Did you feel like yourself in these first two games back?
"I can be a lot better. I feel like I can be a lot better. To miss time with an injury is always tough, it's not an excuse, but I know I can be a lot better. I feel it. It's coming. I just got to get rolling."
How do you merge out of these two games physically? How do you feel?
"Physically, I feel good. It's just getting everything back to normal."
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall
Ricky, what was the message after the game?
"We made a lot of mistakes. We shot ourselves in the foot a few times. We killed some drives with some penalties so we just have to clean those up and continue drives."
Does the offense feel some of aggravation when the defense goes out there and allows 13 up until that final drive?
"Yes, as an offense we always want to go out there and score every time we touch grass. That just gets frustrating when we don't do that and then it puts a lot more pressure on the defense at the end right there when they're having a really good game."
Can going down the road for some tough games galvanize this group when you're not playing what you feel is your best football?
"Yes, for sure. Going on the road is a little bit more difficult going into those environments, but we know what is at stake as a unit. We know what we have to do and what our job is. We just have to go out there and stack these Ws."
49ers LB Fred Warner
What happened on that last drive?
"We just couldn't get a stop. [Seattle Seahawks QB] Geno [Smith], kudos to him using his legs to extend the drive and ultimately get in the end zone. We've got to find a way, and we didn't."
What's the frustration level that you've now blown these leads in the fourth quarter to your divisional opponents and how much confidence do you have that you can fix that?
"It's just infuriating honestly, but I'm always going to have all of the confidence in the world in everybody that we have in our building. All the answers are in here. It's just about doing it."
You said 'infuriating'. Is it also puzzling? You guys have a pedigree, to keep losing games like this doesn't seem like you?
"Yeah, it's not like us, but that's just what we've shown this year. So I guess until we stop doing that, then that's who we are."
What was your view of the touchdown run at the end in particular? What was the breakdown on that play?
"We're in man coverage, so that means it's going to be hard for us to get to him if he escapes because everybody has got their back turned to him. We've got to be better."
49ers T Trent Williams
Trent, just how frustrating is it when the defense has the game that it does and the offense is unable to score?
"We have to be better. We have to execute better. We have to put more than 17 points on the board if we want to win a divisional game."
Where were the mistakes that you saw today?
"I don't know. I was playing football, so there is something that we have to look at in the film."
What was tough about that last stretch before they scored?
"I don't know, I don't play defense. You have to ask them."
How do you explain the penalties for you guys today?
"Sloppy. Just not on the details, just uncharacteristic. We shot ourselves in the foot."
49ers CB Isaac Yiadom
Is it too simplistic to say DL Nick Bosa left and that was the difference in the game?
"I didn't realize that Bosa left, so I can't really speak on that, but we have to finish games no matter who is out there."
You made a big play early on in the game with the interception. Talk me through that play, how did you see that?
"I tried to make a play on the ball a number of times throughout the game, of course. They got me on one with [Seattle Seahawks WR] DK [Metcalf] and [Seattle Seahawks QB] Geno [Smith] threw a great ball. But I took another chance on that play in the beginning of the third quarter and I was able to come down with one. Like I said, our offense got three points off of that so I think that for sure helped. At the end of the day, we have to find a way to close games. It's been happening too much. We have to emphasize being great in the fourth quarter. Go back, watch the film, and try to keep it going."
You mentioned the inability to close games. Does it ever creep in the back of your head that this feels kind of familiar?
"Not really. I still feel like we are a great team. I've been on 5-5 teams and sometimes it's like you're confidence isn't there, but I still feel like we are a great team. We know what we have to get fixed. We know the point of emphasis this week and that's exactly what we are going to do."
Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald
Opening Statement
"Man, obviously it was a great football game. It's a big time win for us as a team. We all knew that was a big game for obvious reasons. I'm just really proud of the guys sticking in there. I thought all the points of emphasis we made throughout the last couple of weeks trying to take the next step as a football team really showed up. So the challenge now is to keep stacking this thing and doing it one week at a time, one day at a time. That's been the message from when we showed up until now. It will always be that way. I'm proud of the guys. It was just a really exciting football game and to close it out at the end of the two-minute was big time."
How did your offense bounce back after the interception?
"After the pick, we talked about sticking with it. We talk about clearing the next room and just go clear the next room and rock and roll. After he threw the pick, we got the stop on defense and forced the field goal. We went right back down, scored the touchdown and really put us in position to go up two scores defensively. Those third downs would've been great to get a win on that and force them to kick a field goal. That two-minute drive, I mean, the poise, the play calling, the protection, all of that stuff is really important. And then for [QB] Geno [Smith] to close it out was pretty awesome."
How was Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith after that interception?
"You're going to be upset after throwing a pick, but it's just the same guy we always see. This guy's a massive, big-time competitor. So you just try to build him up and let him know we've got his back and he knows that. It's great because they're kind of happening within the flow of the progressions and I think Geno feels that late in the down that [Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba] is going to find a way to get open. So they're building a cool chemistry. We can keep the ball moving forward and converting on some of those big time medium range conversions."
How did you feel about the play of the inside linebackers today?
"We've made a big deal about the inside linebackers, but I mean as I've said, it's all 11 guys on defense. In order for those guys to do their jobs, we have to set edges up front. We have to play with knock back and stay alive, especially against the wide zone stuff. So it's a team shout out on playing good run defense and the inside backers need to make tackles. I think we made a ton of tackles with the inside backers today and that's great for us. It's a full defensive effort."
How have you been able to get the players to believe?
"I think our guys have believed. It's just been frustrating when you're not getting the results you want. I just feel like we've been steadfast in our message and what we're trying to do and the resolve in the locker room. We talk about 12 as one. That's what we're going to be and that's what the guys have done. You want better results, you want to win every game. When you don't and when you fall short, it gets frustrating. But our resolve has been there the whole way."
Can you talk about how the communication has evolved on the team since the beginning of the season?
"It feels like it did at the beginning of the season. We had a winning performance, good enough to win the football game. There's things we're going to be chasing as well like third down effectiveness, how well we're rushing the quarterback with four. Some of the communication as the drive starts to extend. Those are things we have to be really good at to take the next step as a defense. That's going to be our challenge. The communication, the preparation, all that stuff we're chasing on the front end Monday through Saturday into Sunday morning. I've gotten really good feedback from some of our leaders. That's encouraging when you feel you're on the right path and getting these guys ready to go. We'll keep doing that."
How would you say Seahawks T Abraham Lucas played?
"People have been taking shots at our offensive line, but I thought our guys played really well today. They protected Geno. I thought we really had a good protection plan. He had a little more plays than we wanted him to play, but he was right at his number going into that last drive, so he fought through it. That guy's an absolute warrior. Proud of him."
What was the reasoning behind not challenging the 4th down stop?
"They told me they had a replay assist from New York, so it didn't feel like it was. You'd just be banging your head against the wall at that point."
Did you guys emphasize tackling this week? It looked like players were flying around wall to wall.
"I think there were some really great open field tackles, but when you talk about tackling, you have to get guys to the football. If you eliminate space, it's easier to make tackles. Really, it's two different types of situations. When there's not massive vertical seams in your defense, it's a lot easier to make tackles. Our guys made the decision that they're going get to the football and play team defense. That's how we want to play, and that's how we played tonight."
Talk to me about the defense, and more specifically, the secondary?
"They did a lot of great things. The 49ers' offense does many things to consistently put stress on you. We played with energy and were ahead of the plays. It sets the tone."
When Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith took off on that last run, could you tell if it was open?
"[Seattle Seahawks OC Ryan] Grubb knew it before I did. He said it couple times. Once Smith broke through the line of scrimmage, you could sort of see that he has a chance to score. From there, I'm just thinking about how much time is left, so it worked out perfectly."
Geno Smith isn't typically known as a dual-threat quarterback. How do you feel about him running the football?
"When he has decided to do it, he is doing it at the right pace. It's not like we are running read-option 50 times a game, but when he does run, that's definitely a threat to defenses."
There were minor issues with snapping the football today with new starter Seattle Seahawks OL Olu Oluwatimi. What did you see there?
"I know we had the one snap that we mishandled, but it looked like Geno just missed it. The snap looked on target to me, but we'll figure out what went wrong there. We gave a game ball to the whole offensive line. [Oluwatimi] went into Wednesday not knowing he's starting. That says a lot about him and his preparation. He deserves a lot of credit."
How about Seattle Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight? What did you think of his performance?
"I can't critique any of this stuff right now, but as a defense, it was a winning performance. There is still room to grow, which is exciting. It's good football. It's some of our best football, but it is not our absolute best. I think [Knight] would be one to tell you that, as well. Hopefully, we'll keep growing."
What did you think about the penalties today?
"It's just about making smart and consistent decisions. Of course, you emphasize that during the week, and to an extent, you get what you emphasize. I think our players deserve a lot credit for making those smart decisions in critical moments. 'Do I let go? Am I holding? Can I get my hands inside?' Operation wise, I thought this game was cleaner. I think we had one false start on offense. We'll keep chasing it. You have to keep your foot on the gas."
What was your view of Geno Smith's interception?
"He just has to make a better decision in that moment. Considering where we were on the field, let's just punt the ball and play defense."
What happened with Seattle Seahawks CB Dee Williams?
"He has an ankle issue right now. I don't think it's broken or anything as I believe the X-ray said, but we'll see this week after we get it imaged."
What about the injury to Seattle Seahawks WR Laviska Shenault Jr.?
"[Shenault] has an oblique injury. I'm not sure on the extent yet. We'll get that image soon as well."
In the fourth quarter, what went into your decision making on that third and fourth down?
"I'll look at the second one that we didn't get on the fourth down. In real time, it felt like the sneak got there, but they got the assist. I thought that was a good place. I actually feel like our short-yardage game took a step forward this week. Still, we'll look at the play where we felt short and see what we need to do better."
Seahawks QB Geno Smith
I know it's one game, but what does this win mean to you?
"Shoot, like you said, it's just one game. I said it earlier in the week that division games are always going to feel like this. These are the most important games of your season. I think the way that we came out and we fought, collectively as a unit and as a team, it just spoke to our urgency. I thought the way that we practiced all week, I knew we were going to come out and play well and get the monkey off my back. I didn't feel it at all. There is no monkey on my back. I was telling [Seahawks WR] Tyler [Lockett] in the locker room, 'man, we already won.' You know what I'm saying? No matter what happens in this life, in this game, we're blessed. I know narratives kind of shape a lot of this, but the reality is, we won one game today against a division opponent, and now it's on to the next one."
What do you think allows you to kind of get past those moments?
"I just think [it's] perspective. I was out there smiling on that last drive, like when I walked on the field. I mean, I just kind of felt like angels in the outfield, like somebody's rubbing my shoulders the whole time. I just felt like there was no pressure. I think the perspective that I've gained over my career has allowed me to play that way. Whenever there is a moment or a mistake that's made, I never really get too down on myself and I also don't get too high when good things happen. I think as long as you stay even keeled throughout the process, things work out better that way."
What went into your decision to run it in for the touchdown to win the game?
"We've got to win. Just doing whatever it took to win the game. I felt like they were playing a lot of coverage there, rushing four and they were dropping back pretty deep. I felt like if I could escape that they were running some TE games from twist. I knew the contain wouldn't be great and if I could find a lane somewhere in there, I could get out there and make some plays with my legs. I got in there and made a few scramble throws as well. In those moments I just know to play with instinct and try to do the best thing."
The two minute offense, do you think that suits your play style?
"I think throughout the game, I've always had the ability to be a dual-threat [quarterback]. My main thing is to win from the neck up and then use my arm to beat guys, but whenever I can use my legs and I can be a threat that way, I think it just puts an extra pressure on the defense. They might not be paying attention to it. It's just doing the right thing at the right time."
What do you have to say in this moment?
"We won, we won the game. We knew how much was at stake, man. We were trying to turn our season around. We had a bye week and we got eight games ahead of us to put ourselves in positions that we want to be in. This is just a step in the right direction for us. I was very ecstatic and happy for that."
What are your thoughts about the interception you threw today?
"It feels great anytime you win. I made mistakes today. I made a mistake that cost us some points today. There's still always a learning process and a learning curve when you're playing this game, and it's never going to be perfect. The main thing, like I said last week, is you find ways to win and it just makes those things feel a little bit better."
Talk about how your offensive line played today.
"Oh, man. I thought they were the unsung heroes throughout the game. Like [Seahawks C] Olu [Oluwatimi] how much he's battled, right? He battled all throughout camp, didn't get the start and was asked to step in. A lot of guys would've taken the wrong approach, but throughout the entire process, he's had the right approach. I think that led to him stepping right in and playing a tremendous game. I thought he led the guys throughout the entire game. His communication was great. Then he played a great game if you watched the tape. I thought he did some tremendous things out there. For [OL Abraham] Abe [Lucas], knowing how much he battled back from injury, he's my locker mate, and talking to him every single day about how's he feeling, where his mindset is at. He was locked in the entire time. I knew when he steps on the field, he's a difference maker. He means a lot to this team, he means a lot to me as my right tackle. I was really happy to have him out there today."
Talk about your chemistry with WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba?
"Jaxon's such a special player. His confidence is growing and he can do so many great things out there. He's got such a feel for the game. He knows how to play and he's so young, but he's a professional in every sense of the word. I think as long as he continues to work the way that he does, he's got a tremendous future. I think he can be one of the best in this game. He's showing it, man. He's shown it, he's so tough. He blocks, he catches, and he runs after catch. He's a great teammate and I think he does all those things really well."
What can you say about your defense today?
"The week of practice kind of showed me what it was going to be. They were locked in communicating throughout the week of practice. When they come out and they play the way they did today, we deserve to win, they deserve to win. It's my job as the quarterback to make sure that happens. Like I said two weeks ago, I thought I did some things that hurt those guys and I just wanted to make up for it. I talked to Head Coach Mike MacDonald during the bye week and told him I was going to do everything in my power to make it right. Today was just a step in that direction, but we have a long way to go."
The 49ers came into this year as one of the Super Bowl favorites. What is possible for this team now?
"We get to determine that. I think that's the best part. We get to determine what our season's going to be. The 49ers are a great team. Hats off to them. Much respect to those guys, they have great players, but we do too. I think we just have to keep working and I think things will be alright."
The TD at the end, what did you see there?
"I felt like they were playing a Quarters coverage there. We had one of our vertical concepts on. I saw [San Francisco 49ers LB] Fred [Warner], he relayed it to the back. We had to back out empty. He relayed it to the back, they rushed forward, did a TE game. I saw the lane stepped in there, potential to maybe throw one, they plastered and I saw the pylon and got to it."
Scoring there and then throwing the ball into the tunnel, was that one of your more satisfying throws?
"That was probably my best throw of the day. I was just happy for the team and glad we got the win."
Have you uncorked that celebration before or was it just pure adrenaline?
"Pure adrenaline right there. Pure adrenaline."
Talk about the second half.
"I thought [Offensive Coordinator Ryan] Grubb did a tremendous job. He called a heck of a game. I thought the line did a great job. I thought a lot of our stretch runs were hitting pretty well early in the game and even in the second half. I thought the screen game really opened up a lot for us. I thought that drive, when we went to take the lead, we hit two or three screens on that drive and I thought the lineman getting downfield being able to block some guys downfield, all those things really led to us getting momentum. I thought that led to the victory."
Did you talk to WR DK Metcalf during the bye week? It looked like you were talking there, is that normal conversation?
"Yeah, it's just normal conversation."
Talk about what you've seen from the defense in the last two games and what that can mean to the offense.
"A great defense. I've seen that throughout practice and through our training camp OTAs they were really, really, really sound. We have so many playmakers on that side of the ball. So many young guys who are developing, some great veteran leadership, like [FS Jerrick] Reed, and all of the guys that are just pushing those guys to be the best that they can be. We have a great coordinator with [Head Coach] Mike [MacDonald] and AD [Defensive Coordinator Aden Durde] and that entire staff, I think they gel really well. I think our defense has the capability to be the best defensive in football. They're on their way to being that, they just have to continue to build. We all do."
In your experience, can an emotional win like this have a turnaround effect on the team?
"I think it definitely has a positive effect on your team. We're thinking about winning our division and everyone is pretty much right around the same record. That's why the next seven games are going to be that much bigger. They're going to feel like playoff games because we're fighting to get into the playoffs. We just have to continue to fight, continue to stick together. I think positive things will always happen for us.
Talk about that interception.
"Big Hank [DT Jonathan Hankins] man. Yeah, year 12, same draft class. He got his first pick, he got off the ground pretty good too. I didn't know he had hops like that. I saw the ball when it tipped up in the air, and I was like, "Man, somebody get it," and you see Big Hank just jump up and get it. I was happy for him."
Why do you guys have so much success on the road?
"I just think we band together. We band together well. Our fans travel well. We take our fans with us. You see the Seahawks flags flying throughout the stadium. I think when we're on the road, we know we only have each other. That's the type of team we have. We're so connected, so close together, and we always play for one another. Road games don't feel like road games."
Given the losses the last few weeks, did you feel those internally or was it just business as usual?
"It's just business as usual. It can be a turning point. It depends on how we do the rest of the way, but business as usual, it's one game. We have to get back. I'm ready to get back to the weight room and get ready for next week. You always have to win these division games and every opponent in this league, every opponent in our division is going to be tough. But we have the guys, we have the makeup of the team that can get this thing going down the stretch and it's going to take a lot of hard work and I'm prepared for it."
Seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime for you. What do you think about that?
"It's team ball. It takes everybody. It takes everybody to win. I get the stat, but without the guys around me it wouldn't be possible. Games are going to be close in this league and like I say, put the ball in my hands."
Seahawks TE AJ Barner
What was Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith like on that last drive?
We just saw him doing his thing. He commanded the offense. He was very calm. He knew what we had to do. He understood the situation and knew how many timeouts we had. Then, he made great plays."
You've obviously been playing for a long time. You know every game matters. How much can a win like that matter in terms of propelling you guys forward?
"Yes, it is a huge division win. It's a team that we haven't had too much success against in the past years. We want a better rivalry with these guys. As a rookie, I was just trying to step in and do my job, but I know these vets. It means a whole lot to them. It's just one win in the grand scheme of things, but it can help propel us forward."
Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV
First one with the Seahawks, how does it feel?
"Feels great. First, I want to give all thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for this team, for this win. I'm just so thankful to be a Seattle Seahawk. This year has been crazy for me. To get a win like that, against a good team like that, and to see how this team reacted and responded, I'm thankful I'm a Seahawk."
How do you feel about the way the defense played?
"This defense, I look to my left, I see [LB Tyrice] T Knight, I look behind me and I see [CB Devon Witherspoon] Spoon, I see those safeties, and I look in front and I see those dogs. We can go out there and play with anybody. We come out there and show what we are and play physically, be disciplined in the moments that we need to be, which really, at all moments, I think we can be something special."
Can you sense how big of a win this was for the team?
"I do. You know, heck, I was in LA. We couldn't beat them in the regular season either. So, for us to come down here in their spot, go out there and take a win from them, that's big for this team. That's big for what we have going forward. I'm going to keep saying, I'm excited about what we really can be when this thing gets rolling."
Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight
What went according to plan? When you guys looked back at the tape from week six and you decided what changes needed to be made, what went according to plan today?
"I can honestly say we still had the same game plan from the last time. We just know that there are a lot of guys trying to do too much. I just felt like everybody today just did their job and just trusted the guy beside them and everything played out."
Nothing felt like it was a panic, but was there a greater sense of urgency to force that punt that set up the game winning drive?
"Yeah, we knew we had to get the ball back to the offense. You know, once we didn't get that fourth down, the defense stayed confident. We would rather get back on the field. Simply put, we played well. We got the ball back for offense."
And how much confidence did you have that the offense was going to get the job done when they got the ball back?
"They trusted us to get the stop and we trusted them to go down the field. I feel like the trust, on both sides, was at a hundred percent."
Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett
What did you see from QB Geno Smith and just the offense, on the final drive?
"Just a lot of resilience. We were able to drive down about 90 yards in about two minutes and 45 or 50 seconds. That's big time. Being able to pick apart the defense every time they threw something at us. We had some big scrambling plays. In the two minute they are accounting for stopping all the route runners, but you always have to account for a quarterback that can be able to run on his feet. So big time runs by Geno especially at the end on their side of the field. That really helped us out."
Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba converted to third downs as well. What is it about him that makes him clutch in those situations?
"Just always being able to find that open void. I think that's the biggest thing because we got a quarterback that's going to be able to find you. So just being able to make sure we do our part, being able to make sure we stay open. We know he is going to keep the play alive."
What was the talk in the huddle in that final?
"I don't really think there was much talk at all. It was just that we are so used to being able to do two minute all the time to where it's almost like second nature. We understood how many timeouts we had. Luckily they threw the ball on that second down, which helped us out to where we save another timeout, us just being able to take advantage of the whole entire situation. Scoring when there's 13 seconds left on the clock, it's almost impossible for them to be able to get a chance to go all the way down there."
How much is it a weight off all of you, especially you as you've been here a couple years, finally to beat these guys?
"It's great for us to finally beat them. Obviously things weren't going our way. We talked about how we had them in the playoffs and then it was seven or eight penalties in a row. We talked about that before, but for us you just have to be able to keep climbing that mountain and that's all we can do."
Seahawks FS Julian Love
Can you tell me what changed defensively from the first half to the second half?
"Honestly, I think we played well in the first half. That [San Francisco 49ers] team is a team who always starts games fast. We negated that. We held them on drives. They scored that one touchdown and we went into halftime close in a close game. We knew that in the second half, we needed to take off. They're a first-half team. They like to get up early and we wanted to make it a full 60-minute fight. Yes, I think we kind of came in ready for this game. From here on out we're going to get gritty matchups. Today, I think both defenses started off the game playing very well. We had a couple of turnovers, but we got them behind the sticks and that helped us out early in the first quarter again. It was a gritty football game. I'm a defensive player so we love it that way."
You guys helped stop the run game as well as the pass game too. You guys had some big plays including the interception. What did you guys talk about defensively when you went into the locker room and said, 'we gotta do something in the second quarter or second half?
"Yeah, it's just staying disciplined. I had a few bad plays, I have to stay more disciplined. In the first half, they tried to set up bootlegs, set up misdirection, you know, gimmicky stuff. So in the second half we had to be disciplined and just play ball. We felt great about the scheme. We also felt very good very good about playing these guys in one-on-one matchups. We felt great. That was just about playing disciplined football in the second half which we did."
Is there anything you guys would change, defensively, that happened in the second quarter or second half?
"Obviously there are a few plays we would take back. I would take back the touchdown but it's a full 60-minute fight. Plays are going to happen. They're going to make plays. We simply have to make more plays than the other team. We did that today."
Seahawks T Abraham Lucas
I know you practiced the last couple of weeks but did you have any sort of nerves, butterflies, or anxiety?
"Always. Always. I try to lessen it. As I've gotten further into my career, it's less adrenaline play and more of a cool, calm, collected type of stuff because you can feel the nerve and you kind of get used to it after a while."
You knew that you weren't going to play 100 percent of the snaps. Is that hard though, to find a rhythm when you know you're going every other series?
"For me, not really. My whole thing is just to stay loose and active. If I had been sitting around in between each drive, then yes, I probably would've had a little bit of a problem. But I knew the plan coming into it, so I was able to expect that and prepare for that mentally yesterday and the rest of this week."
What was said before you guys got on the field for that final drive?
"I don't remember, honestly. I can tell you for the last probably five or six plays I was breathing very heavy. It's been almost a year since I've played, right? When [Seattle Seahawks QB] Geno [Smith] took off and I knew he was going to score, I said thank you Jesus then turned and walked towards the sidelines. I needed to go get some oxygen."
When you have a defensive battle like this, how proud are you that the offense was methodical and stayed on the field?
"I'm more so looking kind of at the execution piece of it all. It was just a really grimy, sort of gritty game, but we knew it was going to be. San Francisco has a really good front. They have really good head rushers. Their style of play and how they get off the ball and try to get off the field is a tough kind of system to block. We knew that coming in so we wanted to try to set the tone as an offensive line."
Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Can you describe the feeling of this win?
"It's great. It's what the rivalry's about. Bringing it back, two tough teams and just grinding it out. A hard-nosed game and coming out with the win is a blessing. I give all glory to God. I'm thankful we came out with the win."
What's it like having WR DK Metcalf back in the lineup?
"It's definitely a relief. With 14 in the game, it changes the whole game and how the defense looks at your offense. It frees up a lot of other things. So, we're definitely a better team with DK out there and to have his leadership and for him to go out there and always play his heart out, we're always behind him."
What has Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb done to open up this offense?
"He takes it play by play. One, you can't get to a big play or a shot play without the first play. Just taking it step by step is something that he preaches and something that our offense believes in and has shown time after time. It's something that I feel like is built in our offense, when it's time to score, we need one. We're just going to take it one play at a time and that's what we stand on."
Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III
What was the feeling like on that last drive when you guys took over at your own 20?
"We just knew we had to go down and score [a touchdown]. A field goal wasn't going to get it, so we had to blow up and go score."
How tough was [Seattle Seahawks QB] Geno Smith throughout that drive? He's obviously done this before.
"Even just the whole game. We had some adversity with a pick and everything, but he was poised. Everybody was poised, and I want to give a shout out to the O-Line. They played lights out and also a shout out to [Seattle Seahawks C] Olu [Oluwatimi]. He came in and stepped up and played lights out as well."
In general, how big a win can this be for you guys?
"We've got to take it one win at a time, go back and watch film, clean some stuff up and get ready for next week."
What does it say about the resilience of your team to come in under these kind of circumstances and get this win?
"We've been going through a tough patch these last few weeks, but coach has been keeping us positive and everybody's been positive around the facility. We just know we've got to stay positive and keep grinding."
Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon
How about DL Jonathon Hankins' Interception?
"We need those tips and over throws we have to get those. We preach that every day in the defensive room, so shout out to Hank for sure.
How does the locker room feel after the win?
"It was long overdue. They beat us many times without us getting a W and today we came out and we got a W today. So it was long overdue."
How did you guys get it done?
"We played complimentary football. We never gave up even when things started to take a turn. We always have each other's backs out there. So I think being together, staying together as a football team, knowing it's only us, it's us against them. That got us through this. I don't really look for stats. I'm not a chaser of stats type of dude. I make the plays that come to me and then the ones that don't, I try to go over there and help my guys make the play as well. So I really don't pay attention to the stats and stuff."
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