After playing together in San Francisco for three seasons, Kyle Juszcyk and Richard Sherman are both very familiar with the inner workings of the current 49ers regime.
Juszczyk joined his former teammate on the “Richard Sherman Podcast,” where the two discussed in detail the 49ers’ red-hot start to the season.
Sherman asked Juszczyk what the difference was with Kyle Shanahan this season, pointing out that the 49ers coach looked “happier and healthier” than in years past.
“Yes, and that doesn’t mean everything was easy and he’s not worried,” Juszczyk said. “Kyle is Kyle, and he will always be tough on us. He definitely expects a lot from us. He even said that, with the team we have, the culture we’ve built, the leadership and just that. “We have the great experience that we have. Like there are just a few little things you don’t have to worry about so much.
“For example, when a team starts talking about playoffs and seedings and stuff like that, and it’s so early in the year, sometimes you can get a little worried and ask, ‘Do these guys understand what it takes to win an entire NFL to survive the season?’“ ?’“
After reaching back-to-back NFC Championship games, this 49ers roster is littered with players who now have extensive playoff experience and know firsthand what it takes to be successful in the postseason.
Juszczyk talked about how valuable that perspective was for a team that appears to be on the fast track to a top seed in the NFC playoffs.
“But with this team we all went through it,” explained Juszczyk. “I don’t think we’re being too hasty. We’re definitely fixated on what’s happening right now, but we’re also aware that what’s happening now really impacts the future when it comes to sowing. And seeding is huge when you’re trying to get into this dance, that first round bye is no joke. It’s a serious advantage and that’s something we’re trying to get.”
The 49ers have throttled their opponents by an average margin of 19.8 points per game this season.
They’ve had a double-digit lead in the second half of all five games this season, with a questionable decision by Rams coach Sean McVay being the only thing that stopped them from gaining a double-digit lead to victory in every game they’ve played achieve.
Shanahan and the 49ers still have a lot of time to worry about, but so far everything has gone smoothly.
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