San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Friday revealed the harsh truth about the team's defense against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship.
Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan, linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa attributed the problems to chasing and effort. San Francisco fell 24-7 at halftime before making a thrilling comeback to win the game and advance to Super Bowl LVIII.
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San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on the sideline during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2024, in Santa Clara, California. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Wilks was asked what he attributed the problems to.
“Collectively, as a team, I can tell you that as a defense it's unacceptable,” Wilks said. “Okay. We talked about it. I wish I could tell these guys on play four, on play 27, this is what's going to happen.” … You do not know.
“So, we have to make sure we play every down like it's going to make a difference in the game. And you could see on those plays in particular that they weren't at our level. Those guys understand and they know. That and, honestly, it was embarrassing. “.
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San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with the defensive line on the sideline during the Cardinals game at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Shanahan pointed out some issues during the game earlier in the week.
“They were hoping someone else would make the tackle,” he said via ESPN. “Whenever you wait for someone else to make the tackle, bad things happen.”
Niners general manager John Lynch made it clear that the effort was “non-negotiable.” He said questions about on-field effort were addressed with the players.
Bosa ultimately got to Lions quarterback Jared Goff twice. The team also forced a Jahmyr Gibbs fumble, which was recovered by Arik Armstead.
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks coaches from the sideline during the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024, in Santa Clara, California. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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The defense will have its work cut out against the Chiefs next weekend.
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