49ers' defining habit could help them contain Jordan Love
Javon Hargrave caused a stir last week with his comments regarding the intensity of the San Francisco 49ers' practices compared to those of his former employers, the Philadelphia Eagles. In what was perceived by many as a shot at the Eagles, Hargrave highlighted the difference in practice habits between San Francisco and Philadelphia when speaking […]
Javon Hargrave caused a stir last week with his comments regarding the intensity of the San Francisco 49ers' practices compared to those of his former employers, the Philadelphia Eagles.
In what was perceived by many as a shot at the Eagles, Hargrave highlighted the difference in practice habits between San Francisco and Philadelphia when speaking on follow starting defensive tackle Arik Armstead's podcast.
“I can say, as far as practices, it’s more demanding," said Hargrave. "I think it’s more so like, how people call the Golden State culture and the Miami Heat. Over here, it’s the Miami Heat. Over there, it’s Golden State. It’s more chill, more relaxed.
"Over here, nah, it’s work—every day. You’re about to get it. I feel like Kyle [Shanahan] is like Pat Riley. You know what you’re getting over here. Everybody can’t make it over here, for sure."
The intensity of the 49ers' practices under Kyle Shanahan is well documented and has consistently translated to games over recent years.
Their head coach indicated during the first-round bye that San Francisco would have two "really hard" sessions, and he seemingly stayed true to his word. The 49ers' media availability after last Thursday's practice featured players from the offense and defense debating which side of the ball won the day after a very competitive session.
While those comments were all in good fun, the importance of the 49ers' intense practices having the desired results was laid bare as the Green Bay Packers confirmed themselves as San Francisco's opponents in the Divisional Round with a stunning rout of the second seed Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love enjoyed a remarkable playoff debut, finishing 16 of 21 for 272 yards and three touchdowns. He put up those numbers by demonstrating superb poise but also through his ability to consistently make outstanding off-schedule plays, delivering accurately downfield off his back foot and confounding the Cowboys by extending broken plays and turning them into huge gains.
His aptitude in the latter regard sent a clear message to the 49er defense. While San Francisco is a 10-point favorite to end Green Bay's surprise run, its defense will have to prepare to cover for long periods on scramble plays and chase Love around for longer than it might like to get the job done and help the Niners advance to the Divisional Round.
It is in those situations where the competitive and intense nature of practices against a markedly similar offense should pay dividends. The 49ers have spent two weeks preparing themselves to give that maximum effort in the games that matter most and the defense won't be deterred by the prospect of having to produce it in pursuit of Love.
The Dallas defense came out flat and never found an answer to Love and the Packers' potent young attack. San Francisco can't afford to have its top-five defense make a similar start, and the Niners' preparation over the last two weeks in which they have not had a meaningful game may prove to be the key in them avoiding falling into the same trap as the Cowboys.
49ers and Packers make playoff history with latest encounter
It’s a new record.
