"We know we have to do better," defensive end Chase Young said this week in Las Vegas. "We have to do more. Can't have that. I can't have that. And everybody on the team knows that we can't have that. So, we're going to do our best to make sure it never happens again."
Acknowledging the issue, general manager John Lynch emphasized last week, "Effort's a non-negotiable. I mean, that's one of our core values, and I believe that in my heart of hearts."
He added, "It's been addressed, and I'd be real surprised if I saw [it during the Super Bowl]."
The 49ers will need to deliver their best defensive effort yet if they hope to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday. The unit must limit quarterback Patrick Mahomes' opportunities. Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice believes the defense will need to elevate its effort if the 49ers expect to hoist the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday night.
"I seriously believe that you win championships with defense," Rice told Sports Illustrated this week. "[DEs Nick] Bosa, Chase Young, that secondary, they got to go to work. ... They're going to have to play their best football game. But this is what you work for. Every day, getting up, even during training camp, preseason, going through that, regular season.
"Now, in the playoffs, you get an opportunity. One game. One game. They're going to have to play their best defense and put pressure on Patrick Mahomes to try to get him out of rhythm just a little bit."
Rice also praised Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs' hard-running second-year halfback, who could be a significant factor in the game.
"They're going to have to stop him, and they just can't let Patrick Mahomes run all over the place and get the ball to [TE] Travis Kelce and just make it into their own playground," Rice concluded.
The 49ers and Chiefs kick off from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. PT.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Steve Young: Brock Purdy needs extra support for 49ers to reach the Super Bowl
Surrounded by an abundance of talent, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy delivered a phenomenal, record-breaking 2023 season, throwing for 4,280 yards. However, his 2024 performance saw a dip, with 3,864 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 96.1 passer... -
Joe Montana: 49ers QB Brock Purdy needs to settle down
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, has already proven he can play at an elite level. In 2023, he set a franchise record with 4,280 passing yards, surpassing legends like Steve Young and Jeff Garcia. Another iconic name he topped?... -
49ers' Deebo Samuel officially declares who he's rooting for in Super Bowl LIX
Ever since the very moment Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs stamped their ticket to Super Bowl LIX to face the Philadelphia Eagles, it's been somewhat of a torturous experience for at least some 49ers fans in deciding on their respective rooting interest. In a... -
Many 49ers fans struggling to pick a side in Super Bowl LIX
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, champions of their respective conferences, are set to clash in Super Bowl LIX on February 9 in New Orleans. This matchup marks a rematch of their battle two years ago, and for the Chiefs, a chance to achieve something...