How 49ers safety Hufanga used injury downtime to improve his game

SANTA CLARA — Talanoa Hufanga earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors during the 2022 NFL season, but looking back at his play, the 49ers safety now believes his performance was not up to par. While working his way back from a season-ending ACL injury, Hufanga had unlimited time to pour over his own game film with a fine-tooth comb. Now, the defensive back sees his play very differently. "It's actually funny because I look back to my second year, All-Pro, Pro Bowl," Hufanga said Thursday in the 49ers' locker room. "But to me, it was really mediocre in a sense. I really like to look at it that way, and I've got to criticize myself to that standard. For myself, I've got to be better for this team, more communicative." "For myself, Ive got to be better for this team."Hufanga calls his 2022 All-Pro season "mediocre" pic.twitter.com/BJbBXwfbSg— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 19, 2024 During the offseason, Hufanga usually trains in San Diego with Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu. But this year, the safety chose to stay close to the team facility while going through his rehab process. When Hufanga couldn't work out physically, he focused on his mind. "It's...