K'Waun Williams' name has to be near the top of the list when it comes to underrated San Francisco 49ers defenders. He was among Pro Football Focus' highest-graded defenders during Sunday's game between the 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. The cornerback's 74.7 overall grade from the outing is a personal season-high.
Despite this past weekend's disappointing loss, Williams remains optimistic about the 49ers' playoff hopes. Five games remain on the schedule, and the defensive back has complete faith in his teammates and San Francisco's chances of ending the season strong.
How does Williams remain positive about the team's outlook given the injuries that have plagued the roster this season?
"Just the belief in our roster, having the next man step up," Williams told 95.7 The Game's Damon Bruce and Ray Ratto on Wednesday. "Guys went down, linebackers went down, Fred [Warner] went down last week, and we had guys like Azeez [Al-Shaair] step up. [Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles] came in and did a good job. Our D-line is playing phenomenal. D.J. Jones and those guys have been hunting up front.
"So for us, we believe in our work throughout the week and our process. None of our guys fall short in the confidence category, and we just go out there and try to execute. It doesn't matter who's out there. We've still got full faith that they can go out there and execute our plan."
Every member of the 49ers secondary has missed some time this season. Emmanuel Moseley is the latest defensive back to sustain an injury. According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, Moseley will miss "several weeks" due to a high-ankle sprain. A calf injury forced Williams to miss time earlier in the season.
The experience in the secondary has helped the group overcome the loss of personnel.
"Our room is full of knowledge and full of vets," Williams explained. "I feel like everybody has a key, a part of our defense, whether it's Jimmie Ward being our leader, our eraser back there, whether it's [Jaquiski Tartt]—he's seen a lot of football. He can get us lined up correctly. Just anybody out there. [Moseley], he's developing into a fine young corner.
"So, we're just confident in our guys, and it doesn't matter who's out there. We still have to execute in terms of communication and getting guys on the same page. We never really feel any kind of way about injuries. It happens. It's football. We've still got to go out and do it."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Williams below.
