Similar criticisms surfaced after Sunday's big win against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan opted to keep his new star running back, Christian McCaffrey, on the field late in the game with the victory seemingly already in hand. The coach was asked about the comments during a Tuesday-morning KNBR interview on the Murph & Mac show, and he didn't sound too thrilled about the criticisms.
Shanahan said, "Yeah, I don't know what you guys..." before pausing to choose his words.
"Look at our Detroit game from Week 1 last year," Shanahan continued. "It was 41-17 with 1:58 left. And on the last play of the game, it was 41-33, and Detroit had the ball on the 20-yard line, going for a touchdown to send it into overtime.
"So to start sitting there, worrying about all of our guys and what's going on when it's a 17-point game with six minutes to go is not a good omen. That's not what you do to the football gods. You don't start worrying about the wrong stuff when there's plenty of time left in the game."
Of course, the Lions were still fighting in that Week 1 matchup last season. On Sunday, the Rams had seemingly given up toward the end, knowing a victory was out of reach.
"I was kind of surprised when they gave up a little early, I think when there was six or seven minutes left, and they ran the ball on third down," defensive end Nick Bosa told reporters after the game. "I was hoping for some more pass rushes there, but I guess they didn't have confidence in coming back."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Shanahan below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan defends Dre Greenlaw, says linebacker is remorseful
The San Francisco 49ers will be without starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw when they face quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders on Monday night. The NFL suspended Greenlaw for one game after he headbutted Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV on the... -
49ers' Christian McCaffrey eager to face brother Luke for first time
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is looking forward to facing his younger brother, Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, for the first time when the teams meet Monday night at Levi's Stadium. Although the brothers won't be on the field at the... -
49ers' Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo welcome second child
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and his wife, Olivia Culpo, welcomed their first child, Colette Annalise McCaffrey, last year. Now, Colette has a little brother. McCaffrey and Culpo announced the birth of their second child, a son named Roman... -
John Lynch reveals why the 49ers excel with late-round draft picks
The San Francisco 49ers have relied on young players more than expected in recent seasons, largely because injuries have reduced the roster's depth. Two defensive rookies, linebacker Jaden Dugger and defensive tackle Gracen Halton, have seen their roles grow, potentially...