San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and quarterback Mac Jones addressed reporters following Thursday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Here's everything they said.
Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh
What did you see from both LB Tatum Bethune and LB Dee Winters during Sunday's game?
"I thought they did a good job. They were running around hitting. Obviously there was a couple plays we wish we could have had back. But overall, for Tatum, I think he did a nice job and I think it'll be even better this week after having an entire week of practice."
Tatum was saying it's important for him to be himself and not try to be LB Fred Warner. What's Tatum's leadership style like?
"I think comparing people is always dangerous, right? Or trying to find parallels. Fred's his own man. Just like when Fred took over, God, when was it, in 2018? He was after having a string of [former 49ers LB] NaVorro Bowman and [former 49ers LB] Patrick Willis, it's Tatum's opportunity to go run the defense and run the show. Tatum just needs to be Tatum. He doesn't have to make any plays that are spectacular. He just needs to make his play. As he gets reps and he gets comfortable, a lot of people have got to remember, he's only in his second year, you can really call him a rookie because he didn't get much playing time last year. He's just got to bank these reps, see the game, and again, the more he gets reps, the more he sees, the faster he will get."
With how close you are to Fred, and the fact that he's never hurt, has never been that guy, how has this one hit you?
"For Fred, he's a Hall of Famer first ballot, period. He still has so many more years left in the tank. For this season to end the way it did, just shameful. But at the same time, I know if we all know Fred, he's probably gunning to see if he can make it back for a playoff run. So, he's in great spirits. Surgery went great. He's going to be around the building, I'm sure he'll be here the entire time, but I hurt more for Fred than anything else."
I have a few questions. One about Fred. How challenging is it to make sure that the defense doesn't drop off with someone like him not out there? Then the other, Tatum Bethune, what is it that you saw in him that solidified him in your mind as the next man up to field this position in Fred's absence?
"First off, with Tatum, Fred didn't practice throughout OTAs, so he had a lot of banked reps with the ones throughout OTAs which is actually a benefit at this point. But, Tatum's made of the right stuff. He works the right way, he communicates the right way, he does things the right way, he's very confident in his ability. I've said this to a million people as it pertains to drop off, I dare any of you to go to Tatum and say, 'well, you're a backup.' Tatum doesn't see that. His teammates don't see that. Every player in that locker room believes that they can start and they can play at a high level. They just need an opportunity to do so. This is now Tatum's opportunity and the growth that he'll experience between now and game 17 is going to be significant. I can promise that. I'm excited to see him grow throughout this process."
What makes someone a good fit to play middle linebacker in your defense?
"Their ability to communicate. We've kind of narrowed it down. Back when I first got in the League, the SAM backer was like 240, long and set the edge. The WILL linebacker was kind of small and fast, and the MIKE linebacker was kind of in between. I believe it was 2019 when we shifted the profile to just, they're all the same guy. Whoever speaks and communicates the best is the MIKE linebacker. So, in this case, Tatum is next up."
You guys have made some clutch plays on defense to finish off some wins, but are you racking your brain trying to figure out how to get more production out of the pass rush and the secondary?
"We're always, it's been obviously frustrating because I feel like we've had our opportunities to get some hands on some footballs and get some interceptions. It feels like one of those years. But, they come in bunches. As far as the pass rush and coverages are concerned, we're always trying to find ways to do it. Thought we did a good job for the most part against Tampa. You know, we had the third-and-14, and [Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB] Baker's [Mayfield] been doing it to everybody getting out of the pocket. We picked up a sack. But to answer your question, we're always trying to find ways for sure."
Going back to Tampa, can you explain what happened on the play where you didn't have the right defense end in?
"Yeah. From a communication standpoint, between special teams and getting guys out on the field, like I said, shameful that it happened that way from a communication standpoint. So, I'm always going to beat myself up off that because that starts with me."
Your young defenders played really well. I thought in the second half there were some busts. How do you get them to play loose and fast, that all gas, no breaks but then still leaving attention to the details so you don't have those busts?
"The speed at which you want them to play is go. I don't care. Go fast. If you're going to make a mistake, go fast doing it. The detail comes with reps. So, with these young guys, the last thing you want to do is cripple them. The beauty of them is that they're explosive, they're fast, they're hungry and it's a race to be the first of the ball. So, you don't want to pull back on that. To answer the first part, it is full-go, 100-percent. You just stay on the details and just keep coaching it and coaching it and coaching it. Eventually, all the little things that are happening from a mistake standpoint that cost you, whether they cost you touchdowns or explosive plays like a couple did in the in the game, you trust that if they just keep the mindset, keep that full-speed mentality and stay attention to details, eventually those will cancel out."
I have a follow up to the rookies. A lot has been expected of them this whole time. Do you have to caution them in some ways to not press when guys like Fred and DL Nick Bosa are gone to try not to do too much and kind of keep on their path?
"I don't think they know any better. They're just going out there and playing the game as best they can. A lot of times they're just playing off of pure physical ability. There's a lot of things happening mentally that they're still unaware of. I can get into a whole dissertation as to why the second-year slump happens, because now they think they know and they lock themselves up and they forget why they were so good as rookies. They're just out there playing. So, like I said, there are going to be mistakes. They're going to gain some scars, but as long as they're getting those scars at a hundred miles an hour, you trust that eventually they'll learn and maintain their speed while executing at a very high level."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about S Jason Pinnock and the difference in snaps in Week 6 versus the weeks prior. He mentioned that S Ji'Ayir Brown kind of earned that role. What did you see each week from Ji'Ayir when he was taking more snaps in special teams that helped him to thrust himself back into that position?
"Ji'Ayir has been consistent. To be clear, that spot's not dead. The one thing I'll say is that [S] Malik [Mustapha] is starting. As we continue to build up his rep count to get him to where he needs to be from a conditioning standpoint, although he's conditioned. But, as Malik transitions into getting every single snap, that is the one common denominator in that he'll be starting. On the other side, Tig has done a really nice job throughout training camp and throughout the first three weeks of the season, giving himself the ability to step in there and earn the trust of his teammates and his coaches. Now he's got an opportunity to shut the door at that free safety spot. It's nothing against [S Marques] Sigle or Pinnock, they've both done a really nice job. It's just giving him an opportunity and eventually as we develop that group, we'll find the right combination of guys to compete well."
Beyond the obvious talent of the running backs, what has made the Atlanta ground game so successful?
"Yeah, their O-Line is arguably one of the better ones in football. Very talented group. I think they're very well coached. They're doing a really nice job creating issues in the run game, creating lanes and creating space. The backs, obviously both of them are outstanding. They're different style runners, but they're both outstanding. They do a great job scheming it up. So all-encompassing, the receivers block, their O-Line is pretty damn good and their backs are special. Then you've got to respect the quarterback because he is able to off-play action pass, make you pay, and the receivers can make you pay in the pass game. So, they've done a really good job building it. They've done a great job coaching it and the players are doing an outstanding job executing it."
Does Atlanta Falcons TE Charlie Woerner stick out to you as a blocking tight end?
"He's doing a lot. He kind of feels like, I don't want to say exactly the same as [FB Kyle Juszczyk] Juice, but he does a lot for them. Whether it's in the backfield as an extra running back to allow [Atlanta Falcons RB] Bijan [Robinson] to be a receiver in third down, whether it's a lead fullback, whether it's getting out on pass routes, whatever it is, whatever there is that they're asking him to do, he does it and he does that at pretty high level. So, he's been impressive."
What does it take to defend a guy like Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London and the quick game? It seems like they're going to him in the quick game. Why is that so hard to defend?
"He's such a big body. He's a massive man with great length, strong at the catchpoint and just strong overall. At the catchpoint, his hands are strong. So, he's a difficult matchup."
Fred Warner's leadership obviously is very strong. Part of it was speaking after the game to the team. Does that carry over and does it linger? Does it continue on even in his absence?
"Yeah, because I think he'll be around the locker room. I texted him the other day. I was like, 'you ain't dead. You can still hang out and grab a cup of coffee and shoot the shit.' But no, he's Fred and Fred's special. Like I said, it's unfortunate, but it's someone else's time. It's their opportunity and really looking forward to seeing all these guys grow in their roles."
Your special teams will have a lot to do with it, but is there an opportunity for LB Nick Martin now that there's a spot?
"Yeah. Nick has had a great week of practice so far. It's only been two days. Hopefully he finishes it off strong tomorrow, but I thought today was outstanding without looking at the tape. Flashed in one-on-ones, flashed on special teams and he flashed in on team defense. So again, continue to grow, continue to find ways to get better and see if he can carve out a role for himself."
Offensive Coordinator Klay Kubiak
What are your impressions of WR Kendrick Bourne and the strides he's made since he's been here this year?
"Kind of the same things we've been saying. He's real impressive, how much he's playing, given how short a time he has been here. He's been kind of forced into that role because of the injuries. He is just super competitive. He's making plays. It's not perfect. There's stuff he's got to clean up every week, but he's totally like bought in and he's just getting better. He's learning and he's competing and it's showing up on the field on Sunday. So, he has been a huge contributor for us and just really cool to see that and happy to see him keep getting better."
With Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's defense, you pretty much know what you're going to get. He's going to play a lot of man and he's going to bring a lot of pressure, that's what the numbers say. What does it look like when you watch it?
"Yeah, they play man, they definitely bring a lot of pressure, but then they have their shell coverages, and they mix it up. It's a really good defense. It's very sound. They're really athletic and young and they play with a lot of passion, and they make plays, and everything's tied together. And the reason why I think they're ranked number one or depending on which metric you use, they are up there and they're really good. It's a huge challenge for us. And we're getting ready for it, but it's going to be very challenging on Sunday for sure."
I know you're going into each week wanting to put points up on the board, but given the state of the defense losing two cornerstones in DL Nick Bosa and LB Fred Warner, is there any added emphasis or any added pressure to kind of score more and take more advantage of the redzone possessions?
"It's not added pressure. Yeah, we always want to score more. It doesn't matter what's going on in the defensive side of the ball, we got to do our job. I think if you start thinking about anything other than that, that's when you kind of get distracted from that goal. So, I think our goal is to continue to get better. We want to score more points. We want to be more efficient and keep believing in what the defense is doing and just play our game."
There's been a lack of explosive plays and the numbers would suggest that as well. What have you seen in terms of not being able to get those as often as you have in the past? How can you kind of get there?
"I think it's harder in general to get explosives in the league now, the way defenses play. I think it's such an emphasis on defensive football to just limit explosives. So that's a big part of it. Some of it is just luck. Some of it's just missing something here, missing something there. It's not something you've got to overcorrect or anything. You think those will come your way if you keep playing the right way. I truly feel that way. I think they'll come in the run game. I think they'll continue to come in the pass game if we keep playing the right way and getting better."
How has TE George Kittle looked so far this week? How can he be helpful in that regard?
"Kittle, he's looking good. It's great to have him back out there. He's been working back into practice. He's definitely one of our most explosive players. That definitely helps, to answer your question."
To the untrained eye, it looks almost like QB Mac Jones just hit the ground running for you guys, but do you see him making progress every week and getting better still?
"Yeah, I do. It's really cool. And he didn't get to practice a lot last week and this week, you see more progress because he's practicing and even he owned that last week. He needs to practice. He needs to keep getting those reps. He gets better every week, in my opinion. He gets more comfortable with kind of our operation, our offense. He gets more confident. So, it's cool to see a player ascend that way and just continue to grow."
WR Jordan Watkins had a good camp for you guys and then had a couple big injuries and he's working his way back. How much would you like to introduce him into your offense from scrimmage?
"Definitely we'd love to. He just got back this week, we got to kind of see where he's at physically and work him back in. It's a slow progression and we would love to get him out there on the field and contributing for us. And he's a guy we really liked in the offseason. We liked how much he got better, the setbacks happened, but he's got to continue to push himself, kind of where [WR] Ricky [Pearsall] was last year, where you kind of got to grow and you got to keep pushing yourself and practicing hard and eventually your time will come."
Similar with RB Jordan James, what does he need to do to kind of get himself into the mix?
"It's the same. You got to keep working. Jordan's been stacking some really good weeks here. He had the injuries in camp, but this past month he's had really good practices and he's the guy who's going to be ready to go when his number's called. I mean how things shake out on game day with the numbers and how many backs we dress, that's things he can't control, but his time will come. I feel that. And he's practicing really well and when his time does come, I'm excited about him."
Having Kittle, he's obviously a great all-around player, but maybe you get a better appreciation when you don't have him. What would you say is the trait that you really do appreciate most about his game?
"I think you mentioned the explosiveness. I think that's one thing when the ball's in his hands, his ability to separate from guys. George accounts for a lot of explosive plays in our offense just because of his athletic ability, but just how good he is in the run and pass game. He's not a guy that fits into a box. He does both equally very well, which means you don't have to take him off the field, you don't have to adjust what you're calling because he's in the game. He can protect, he can block the run game and he's an elite, passing game guy. So, you definitely miss that, you miss a tool like that when he is not out there and when he's out there. We really appreciate it."
Both QB Brock Purdy and Mac wear the wristband with the play sheet on it and what are kind of the pros and cons of doing that? Why do you guys like to go that way?
"Yeah, it's definitely not some, we don't do it in the offseason. We don't wear the wristband because we want guys getting used to hearing calls and then being able to paint a picture in their head of what we're calling and whether it's the formation, protection, run game, whatever. We want guys to just get comfortable with the verbiage. When you get into the season, you start to talk about a lot more, checks and our cans system. You start to talk about more motions and different formations and getting guys lined up in a certain spot and the wristband kind of takes care of that. So I guess what I'm saying is the verbiage picks up once you get in season and the wristband can be necessary for that, especially for [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] to call a play that's very verbose and then the quarterback to have to call it again, it just takes time. So, for us to just tell them, look at the wristband, look at this number, it saves us time and it can get everyone kind of in the right spot. So, I think it's just a necessary thing. I think a lot of people are using it now."
It's kind of to set a base in the offseason and then you can build off that?
"Totally. In the offseason we want guys listening and learning and you hear it, and you recall it, and you can communicate it in the huddle. We still do that, not every play we have is wristband. Kyle's still calling a lot of plays to the quarterback, but in the offseason we want to train him to hear and then to be able to regurgitate it back to the offense."
TE Jake Tonges has had a great couple weeks here. Did you see that potential in him this summer and what has been the key for him outside of opportunity to kind of unlock what he's been able to do?
"Yeah, we've always been excited about Jake and what he has been able to do in the pass game. In the offseason, we really like those skill sets. We needed him to grow in the run game. And when George went out and he kind of stepped into that pass game role, we loved how he's producing, but it's been cool to see him grow as a complete player. What I would attribute that to, I think he's a guy who's taken advantage of every moment out there and he gets better from it. The moment's not too big for him, he steps up when we need him to, and the more he is out there, the better he gets. We're real happy with where he is at. So, he's a big contributor for us."
Do you feel the chemistry between Mac Jones and Bourne right away at practice? Do you see it now when you watch film and the plays?
"Yeah, you could tell just their relationship, they're real comfortable with each other, but it took K.B. a little bit to kind of get caught up to speed just because he was so new to our offense coming, being away for so long. But you can tell those guys are, they're locked in together and they have a great relationship."
QB Mac Jones
Can we assume from you practicing and throwing today that the oblique is feeling a lot better than it was a week ago?
"Yeah, just being out there at practice and working through it and taking it day-by-day. But definitely felt like I needed to practice regardless of how it felt and get the timing and everything down, so we feel good about it during the game."
What's it been like having TE George Kittle back this week?
"Good. George is awesome. Obviously, haven't gotten a lot of reps with him, but we have in a way too, just from me watching, being a fan from afar. He's just great energy in the huddle and he's just George. You guys know him really well. He's not going to change whether it's practice or game day, so you know what you're going to get. I'm excited see where he is at."
People here who were here when WR Kendrick Bourne was here the first time have talked about what a different guy he is. Same type of energy and humor, but he's more mature. Did you see any of that transformation in New England or is this kind of the guy you've always known?
"I feel like I've heard and seen it all. So, with K.B., I obviously watched him here. I didn't know him that well when he was in San Francisco, but I came in as a rookie and we were in OTAs or whatever, and it was COVID, but we were throwing on some practice field and K.B. just comes out and he's got his chains on and he's just smiling and laughing. I'm like, this guy is pretty crazy, but he is just a great guy and worked really hard. He's just gone through such a reformation, through his journey with Christ and everything too. And I just really lean on him as a good friend of mine and really just love the guy and he's one of my best friends. So really just happy we got to reconnect here, and we really want to keep going. We're not satisfied with anything and we want to keep building and don't be complacent and work every day and earn it."
From a distance, it looks like you pretty much hit the ground running here in terms of being able to perform right away, but do you feel that you're still ascending?
"Yeah, absolutely. Every day you're growing, you're learning. In this system it's a lot. Every game plan's different and I try to take it day-by-day and each week's a new week for me, for everybody. And I go out there with a clean slate and know that I have to earn it every day at practice. And we've had two good days and practice execution becomes game reality. So, I understand that. Me being out there practicing is important and everybody too, everyone's dealing with stuff. But definitely feel like each week is a challenge, especially this week. I think Atlanta's kind of off to like a historic start here on their defense. They're really, really good. So, we have to be ready to play."
How much of an emphasis going into this week is it that like, 'we have to score some points, we have to get some points on the board'?
"Yeah, that's our goal, right? I know everyone says that when that question's asked, but really sometimes that becomes a problem because you're thinking about the wrong things. I think you really want to focus on what your job is on each play. And obviously you want to score, but you have to focus on doing your part. And if you're always thinking about something else, this guy's out or we need to do this, then you're not focused on your job. So, I feel like we've done a good job trying to operate really well in practice this week and set the tempo and do all that stuff, but like you said, their offense over there is really good. Their defense is really good and they're playing complimentary football. Like I said, they're really good. So, we have to be ready to play."
How much confidence and trust do you have in Kendrick right now that he'll win and be where he needs to be when he needs to be?
"Yeah. A lot of the guys I have confidence in, and that's the only way you can run the system and you have to commit to every throw. And I know [quarterbacks coach] Mick Lombardi's talked to me about that a lot, and I feel like I've been doing that and I'm going to continue to do that. And like I said, the points will come as long as I operate the offense and commit to every throw and rip it."
Is it somewhat of a conscious decision for you to go back to a guy after maybe a play doesn't work out like Kendrick Bourne or WR Demarcus Robinson?
"Yeah, sadly, me and K.B. have had a few of those just in our careers and we have a lot of experience bouncing back from bad plays to be honest. So, I know what he needs to do and if I mess up, he's going to come up to me and be like, 'you got it this next play.' And like the other couple weeks when he had the drops, I was like, 'dude, just flush it and let's keep playing.' And same thing with D-Rob and everybody. I think they see that at practice, just the type of energy we need to play with. Football's not a perfect game, so there's going to be mistakes. And there's hopefully 60 to 70, sometimes 80 plays, so just because one play is bad don't let it affect you. I honestly felt like we did that well for the most part last game and just the end wasn't how we wanted to finish. So, everything in between was fine."
It seems like by the end of these last two games, you've not been moving wonderfully.
"Thank you. [Laughs] Do you want to race?"
Is this the most physically taxing or challenging stretch you've gone through in your football career?
"No. I think I started 18 games as a rookie or whatever, and played every game, played every snap. So, I'm going to be out there if I can and I know my team needs me, so I put a lot into it in the offseason and it's really just mental toughness. So yeah, I definitely want to move around a little better. I've been working on that and I've had a chance to practice this week, so I definitely feel like that'll help."
What does it take to be good at a quarterback sneak?
"Very loaded question. I don't want to give away all the secrets, but there's definitely multiple things and I've definitely studied it which is something I've been coached. It is an intricate play, but especially when you don't have like the tush push, there's different ways to do it when it's just you versus other people. So, everyone has their own philosophies. I don't know, I think it's cool that it's made a comeback in football like the past couple years. I do enjoy watching that play. I don't know, it's interesting."
Do you watch other quarterbacks do it and see how they do it? Los Angeles Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo was really good at it.
"Was he? Yeah, I think he learned from [former NFL QB] Tom [Brady] and stuff. Brady was really good at the sneak, so I don't know, there's a lot of tape out there. Yeah, the quarterback sneak, if you can get it, you get a new set of down, so it's great."
Is that something you can practice?
"Yeah, you can study it too. And each team I've been on, it's been different philosophies about it. And some teams don't care about the quarterback sneak, if you get it, they're like, great, now you have to go get 60 more yards. So, everyone has their philosophy, but I like quarterback sneak."
We had a question about the play sheet on the wrist. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak was saying that in the offseason he wants you to get a foundation where you don't wear it and then they add it. Is that new to you? Have you used it much throughout your career? Do you like it?
"Yeah, it is interesting. I've had to call plays without a wristband most of my career. So, you get the call in your helmet, and it comes out, as the coach is saying it and learn different ways to do that. And then obviously in the offseason, coming here with the long play calls, it really helped me visualize the plays and any quarterback, it was a challenge. I spent tons of hours on my phone recording and all that stuff. So, it's a battle every week. And you just have to read the play off once you get into the season, so it's not as hard, but the key is visualizing the play and seeing it and reading it. And sometimes the words are really small, so you have to like get down there and read it. But I think it's a really good system that they have here. Every team has a different system, so it's kind of a tough question to answer."
You just use voice memo and you spit plays out and then listen back to it?
"Yeah. A lot of guys do that too. So, it's kind of a thing in the NFL."
George Kittle said you have the mentality of a tight end. Is that a compliment?
"I think so, yeah. George is awesome, but I don't know if I can do what he does."
I think he meant the personality of one.
"Oh, there you go. I would say so."