The San Francisco 49ers remained focused and resilient while blocking the outside noise. They didn't make too much of the praise during their 5-0 start, and they certainly didn't listen to the criticism after three consecutive losses.
Internally, the team maintained unwavering belief in its potential to win it all this season.
"[We're] just keeping them blinders on and just staying focused, just trying to grow every week," defensive tackle Javon Hargrave said Tuesday morning on Bay Area radio station KNBR's "Murph and Mac" show.
The 49ers turned around the negative narrative surrounding the team with a dominant 34-3 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday and look to build upon that momentum in the second half of the season.
Hargrave, who recorded 1.5 sacks in Jacksonville, described the win as a collective effort, highlighting the team's hunger and determination coming off its bye week. The defensive tackle admits that it might have been his best game since joining the 49ers as a free agent this offseason, remaining optimistic that even better performances lie ahead.
Adding defensive end Chase Young likely played a role in the team's resurgence. Opposing offenses now have to stress over stopping the edge-rushing duo of Young and Nick Bosa, which could create opportunities for interior linemen like Hargrave and Arik Armstead.
"Chase is a great talent," Hargrave said. "Everybody knows about him in the league, so he just added another dimension to our team to help us get better. And we was a little fed up. We just felt it. That bye was a good time for us just to get away and kind of get our minds right. But when we got back in the building, everybody just felt it. It was just time.
"I think that's how it was from the first snap of the game to the last snap. Everybody was just hungry. I feel like that's going to be the mindset from here on out."
Hargrave is comforted by the abundance of talent in the defensive line room. He had several choices in free agency but opted to join the 49ers rather than shoulder the defensive front alone elsewhere.
"It's a great feeling because you know it's not all on your shoulders," Hargrave said. "You know you've got a lot of playmakers, so you go into every game confident, knowing we got a chance to win and dominate."
The 49ers defense finished Sunday's game with five sacks, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, holding the Jaguars to 221 total yards of offense. The statement win sends the rest of the league a clear message that the 49ers are back and should not be underestimated again.
You can listen to the entire interview with Hargrave below.
