George Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers’ playoff likelihood is practically gone. Their 12-6 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night time dropped the workforce to 6-8, making a postseason look unlikely. Regardless of the setback, one decided participant is refusing to offer in. Security Talanoa Hufanga, who has handled accidents all through the season, shared a heartfelt and motivational message along with his teammates after the loss.
With solely three video games left, the eye now turns to how the workforce will deal with adversity and end the season. It might be comprehensible for the workforce to surrender, figuring out their season is prone to finish by early January. Nevertheless, the 49ers now have an opportunity to showcase their character within the weeks forward.
George Kittle praising Talanoa Hufanga’s mindset
When requested in regards to the workforce’s strategy for the rest of the season, Kittle referenced Hufanga’s postgame speech as a information for transferring ahead.
“I am simply going to cite, my security [Talanoa] Hufanga. He broke the workforce down after the sport and he mentioned that his mindset and his perspective will likely be 100% effort on each single day, each observe, each single rep. That he’ll struggle till the wheels fall off as a result of he has been combating his wheels off to get again on the soccer discipline this yr.” Kittle remarked of Hufanga.
George Kittle recommended Hufanga for main by instance, even in powerful conditions.
“He has solely gotten so many reps and he is performed actually, actually good soccer for us. He mentioned that he is simply going to deliver it and he expects all people round him to additionally herald fiery vitality, deliver the fervour. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are. It doesn’t matter what proportion matter, what odds must occur for us to proceed enjoying later this yr. We simply must deal with this one sport, take these three days, get away and present up on Monday with nice intent and nice effort.”
Hufanga, activated from injured reserve earlier than final Sunday’s sport towards the Chicago Bears, has been restricted to only 4 video games this season because of accidents. Regardless of these obstacles, the security is embracing each alternative to play, win or lose.
The 49ers enjoying for nearly non-bearing video games
Sadly, not all gamers mirror Hufanga’s dedication. Veteran linebacker De’Vondre Campbell showcased the perspective the workforce hopes to keep away from. Upset about shedding his beginning function, Campbell refused to take the sector when referred to as upon and selected to go to the locker room as a substitute.
Associated San Francisco 49ers InformationArticle continues under
Though their probabilities of making the playoffs are extremely slim, the San Francisco 49ers now discover themselves in a scenario no workforce desires to face with simply three video games left within the season.
Nevertheless, the 49ers aren’t prepared to surrender simply but. Regardless of the comprehensible frustration following Thursday’s loss, head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasised that he would not need the workforce’s spirits to falter. He outlined his strategy to conserving them motivated for the ultimate stretch, even with nothing on the road.
When requested about the potential of shutting down some gamers for the rest of the season, Shanahan responded, “I do not know. I believe for those who’re wholesome it is best to play, and I believe momentum created within the subsequent few video games may very well be actually large for the offseason.”
The notion of carrying momentum into the offseason is a bit unclear, notably given the prolonged hole between seasons and the various adjustments groups typically face. Whereas it’s unsure if such momentum really exists, it is evident that the 49ers are decided to depart this powerful season behind and end on a optimistic notice.