Tackle Joe Staley admitted that his mind was elsewhere during his post-game press conference and apologized for not being able to answer the questions asked of him sufficiently. It was a frank admission and telling of how heartbreaking the loss was.
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who is scheduled to become a free agent, was less willing to endure questions from reporters — again, understandable.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn't look visibly upset while answering questions at his podium, but that wasn't the case after he left the media area and threw out an expletive or two, according to Mike Silver of NFL Network, before regrouping and saying, "I'm OK. We'll bounce back. We'll get it done."
Others are just eager to get back to work and find a way to return to the Super Bowl. One of those players is the 49ers tight end with the wrestler's mentality.
"Revenge tour, baby," George Kittle said after the game. "I was just sitting with Kwon (Alexander), and we were saying: 'The Legendary Revenge Tour of 2020.' It's coming, and I can't f------ wait."
"Legendary," of course, being the word adopted to describe the mentality of the fifth-year linebacker, Alexander. It spread to the rest of the team and became something of a battle cry this season.
Another player focused on working his way back to the Super Bowl rather than sinking into the disappointment from defeat is defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
"We're gonna make another run," Buckner insisted. "We've got to go back to the drawing board, have a strong offseason and put in a lot of work, but we've got it in us."
The 49ers will take some time to move past the Super Bowl loss. Then they will refocus on improving, both individually and as a team.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Sherman: Deebo Samuel trade could benefit George Kittle, other 49ers playmakers
Tight end George Kittle led the San Francisco 49ers last season with 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, marking his fourth career 1,000-yard season. Now, one former teammate, Richard Sherman, believes Kittle's role in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense could see a... -
Top TE prospect Tyler Warren talks glowingly of George Kittle, 49ers 'fun scheme'
The San Francisco 49ers have the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a spot that—if you've been keeping track of endless speculation—has the team likely taking one of several top offensive linemen or defensive linemen expected to be available there. A choice... -
John Lynch reveals where the 49ers stand on George Kittle's contract
George Kittle is eager to be a Niner for life, and the San Francisco 49ers share that sentiment. Earlier this month, the All-Pro tight end revealed that he believes discussions about a potential contract extension between the team and his agent have occurred. "Waiting on... -
49ers select cornerback in Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft
Longtime ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest mock draft, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to bolster their secondary with the No. 11 overall pick. Despite only two offensive linemen—LSU's Will Campbell and Ohio State's Josh Simmons—coming off the board...