https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/173816-transcripts-shanahan-brock-purdy-bengals
In a recent press conference, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the team’s current challenges and the need for improvement as they head into their bye week and approach the NFL trade deadline.
After a strong start to the season with a 5-0 record, the 49ers have faced a three-game losing streak, causing concern among fans and analysts alike.
Last season, the 49ers were 3-4, but after trading for Christian McCaffrey, they won 10 straight games and made it to the NFC Championship. This year, Coach Shanahan doesn’t think another trade can save them from their current struggles.
Shanahan expressed his belief that the solutions to the team’s current problems are already within their own roster and coaching staff. He acknowledged that they have talented players and coaches but emphasized that it is his responsibility to get the team performing at its best.
The coach noted the importance of self-reflection during the bye week, with their next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 12, 2023.
The recent loss to the Cincinnati Bengals marked the 49ers’ first three-game losing streak since the 2021 season. During their early-season dominance, the team was able to overcome mistakes with significant leads.
However, in their recent losses, they have been outscored, outgained, and have struggled with turnovers and big plays on defense.
One notable issue has been the increase in turnovers, particularly from quarterback Brock Purdy, who threw five interceptions in the last three games. Tight end George Kittle highlighted the importance of improving ball security and regaining their ability to run the football effectively.
On the defensive side, the 49ers, known for their strong defense in recent years, have faced surprising challenges. As the schedule toughened and they encountered more formidable quarterbacks, the defense struggled, allowing more passing yards and higher QBR ratings to opposing quarterbacks.
Coach Shanahan made it clear that the responsibility for the team’s recent performance falls on both the offense and defense, and he called for improvement across the board.
The upcoming break will allow some key players to recover from injuries, but the team faces a tough stretch of games after the bye week against Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Seattle again.
Shanahan believes that the team needs to channel their frustration and come back with a stronger focus, acknowledging that their current performance “hasn’t been enough” and that they need to find ways to get back on track.