Alfred Collins, CJ West basking in each other’s success as hard work pays off

SANTA CLARA — Alfred Colins and CJ West still have long journeys ahead of them, but the 49ers’ rookies enjoyed the moment in San Francisco’s win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. The defensive linemen both recorded their first NFL sacks in the prime-time victory with takedowns of 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers. “I kind of blacked out, but just very happy I was able to do that for my team,” Collins said after the game. “First of many. Just a testament to our hard work, my teammates, D-line pushing us, our coaches, everybody pushing us to be better. Obviously, all for them.”  On Wednesday, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh expressed excitement for the two defenders getting validation for their diligence and hard work. For first-year players entering the league, it can be a challenge to get up to speed after spending much of the prior offseason prepping for the NFL draft. “They’re doing a really nice job,” Saleh said. “It was awesome to see it, awesome for them to get the production because they’ve been working hard at it, but they’re still young....