TRANSCRIPTS: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers Postgame Quotes – 12/30/18
Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(Opening remarks)
“Great job by the team today coming away with the win – a big win that we needed. We looked at this as a playoff game. We know how difficult the (San Francisco) 49ers are to not only prepare for, but then go and compete against them. You could see, I thought we came out great from the start. Defensively, can’t say enough about just them getting a bunch of turnovers, especially early on in the game, allowing us to get control of it. Thought (QB) Jared (Goff) had a great command and poise. (RB) C.J. Anderson did another outstanding job – efficient runs, leveling things off. Defensively, (LB) Cory Littleton with a couple picks. You felt (DT) Aaron’s (Donald) presence again. (CB) Aqib Talib gets his hand in it, really helps us get on the board for that first touchdown of the day. It was a good team win. Great to be able to get that bye and get ourselves as healthy as possible. From an injury standpoint, (T Andrew) Whitworth had a little – I think he knocked knees with somebody else, so we’re hoping, really, that’s all that that’s going to be and we’ll get him back and ready to go. Then, (DB) Blake Countess is in the concussion protocol. We’ll have some more updates tomorrow.”
(On it being tough to win in the NFL and taking this moment to enjoy the results of the regular season)
“100 percent, yeah. You want to make sure that they enjoy the opportunity that they’ve earned. To be able to have some rest right now, have a couple weeks to get ourselves ready to go. This week will provide a great opportunity for us to look at ourselves, kind of try to get ahead on maybe the opponent that we anticipate playing in the divisional round. Really, we looked at this similar to the way we approached the Atlanta (Falcons) game last year. It was a wild card playoff game – you get to the division if you win the wild card and that’s where we’re at right now just based on the way these guys have played throughout the regular season. It’s very hard to win in this league. There’s too many good players, too many good coaches and can’t say enough about just how much you love this team, how much you love these guys, this coaching staff and it makes you want to work that much harder to capitalize on the opportunity that we have in front of us.”
(On having long, sustained drives in the second half offensively and being able to get back-to-back scoring drives)
“Thought it was big. Really, just to come out, especially that first drive – to get a couple explosives through the air off the play-action. I thought Jared threw perfect balls to (TE Tyler) Higbee and both (WR) Josh Reynolds to finish that drive out. Then, C.J. Anderson’s ability to just be so efficient – run through arm tackles, fall forward, allow you stay in those normal down-and-distances where you can really present the run-pass potential right there and you get some more regulated looks. I thought our guys capitalized on it. Then, we had a little bit longer drive – I want to say it was about 10 plays on the next, that ended up in the touchdown where he hit Josh Reynolds again. I thought Jared’s command was outstanding today because they did some good stuff too, especially in some of those known passing situations where they had a couple fire-zones that were difficult to kind of identify pre-snap. But, again, real credit to the players. I thought it was a total team effort today. Really happy for our football team.”
(On the performance of the defense the last four games and if he’s encouraged with them going into the playoffs)
“Absolutely, yeah. I think they’re taking the ball away too. Really, they did a great job today. Their ability to take the ball away was what allowed us to gain control of that early on. That’s been something that, I think, has been a formula for success, specifically earlier on this year. We took better care of the football today, which was a big point of emphasis for us. If you’re able to win those turnover battles, you’ve heard us say it over and over – other than the points, there’s no greater indicator of wins and losses in this league and that’s definitely a formula for success. But, I think we’re starting to find our identity and I think they’re peaking at the right time, which is exactly what you want.”
(On Anderson and how he’s been able to come in and be so effective)
“Well, I think it’s a credit to him, his preparation. Obviously, there’s 10 other guys that are doing a great job enabling him to be able to have that success. But, (Running Backs Coach) Skip Peete’s done a phenomenal job with him. I just think he’s got a great feel for the game. He’s one of the players that when you meet him, so cerebral, so smart and he’s got a great feel for the game. You could just see, there’s a couple runs where it’s real tight and he’s just got a feel for maybe the backside over-pursuing. He sticks his foot in the ground on a wide zone and he’s making some cuts in the backside ‘A’ and ‘B’ gaps. He’s just kind of got a natural feel for how to work edges on people, too. So, really efficient, really good football player and I’m sure glad he’s with us. He’s done an outstanding job these last couple weeks and he’s been a big-time contributor to these two wins.”
(On how well the special teams has been)
“(Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel) ‘Bones’ is one of the best. He does such a great job. Those guys have consistently produced year-in and year-out, really. What else can you say other than that consistency is that truest measurement of performance. (P) Johnny Hekker has been outstanding. Getting (K) Greg Zuerlein back, healthy over, now, the last handful of weeks – he’s been phenomenal. Jake McQuaide is such a consistent long snapper. But, that core group of guys. Then, just the way that everybody else competes for each other. The type of system, but then also, the type of ownership that ‘Bones’ gets these guys to take, with regards to how we’ve got to contribute to winning a football game as a team. He’s a great football coach and one of those guys you feel so lucky to work with. I love him and really, can’t say enough good things about him.”
(On how much better he feels this team is positioned going into the playoffs compared to last year)
“I think we’ve had that experience and you always use that as a chance to learn from. I think we’re better positioned just based on getting a chance to get some rest now and maybe get ahead with the preparation. But, we’ve got to come out, be ready to go whenever our game is going to be in the divisional round. Not sure who it’s going to be that we play, but obviously, it’s going to give us a chance to get healthy No. 1. You always use those experiences, whether it’s regular season, playoff games – to be able to try to get better, I think, with some of our young players specifically at the key spots a lot of the games that we played in not only this year, but last year and even going back to the playoff atmosphere against Atlanta will serve us well. Say, we’ve been in this type of setting. There’s nothing quite like the playoffs, but I think that Atlanta game will serve us well as we move forward as a team.”
(On how Littleton has developed over the years to get to the point he is at today)
“He was a great player as a rookie – made a big impact for ‘Bones’. He did a great job last year. Continuing to do such a phenomenal job – whether it’s blocking punts, being a big-time contributor, capitalizing where he was one of those guys that you create some packages just to get him on the field on defense. Then this year, really stepping into a role where you leave a big void from a (Former Rams LB) Alec Ogletree, who was a great football player for this organization for a long time. You just can’t say enough about the command that he’s taking. I think (Assistant Head/Linebackers Coach) Joe Barry and (Assistant Linebackers Coach) Chris Shula have done a great job getting him up to speed. He’s a playmaker. Certain guys just have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He’s got such great athleticism, whether it’s as a blitzer. Obviously, you see him make some picks today and then he can cover, he can run. He’s a guy that you win with players like Cory Littleton. I think just his improvement over the last couple years is a real credit to his preparation, but then getting the opportunities and maximizing them.”
(On T Joseph Noteboom coming in for Whitworth and if it was as seamless as it seemed)
“Yeah, Whitworth’s a great football player and he’s done a great job mentoring (T) Joe (Noteboom). I think there’s really not a better one that you can learn from to be able to step in and fill a void that’s left by one of our big-time leaders, who’s also been so productive for us. But, Joe did a great job. From the looks of it, you could see the athleticism. It was a great job by (WR) Brandin (Cooks) pushing up and then Joe being able to make the key block at the point of attack. I think it’s a credit to Andrew’s leadership, also to (Run Game Coordinator) Coach (Aaron) Kromer’s guidance. Really, (C) Brian Allen stepped in and did a nice job as well when we got (C John) Sullivan out of the game. So, those are two young linemen that we’re really looking forward to seeing these guys progress. I think based on the room in that offensive line – that group of men – that they see how they do it week-in and week-out, day-in and day-out. I think it really is a valuable experience for rookies like that to get to see what it looks like to do it right and then when they get their opportunities, they’ve done a great job.”
Rams QB Jared Goff – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On the performance by the defense and LB Cory Littleton)
“They did a great job getting us up early, in short fields. We were able to get up early, 14-0, and then (LB) Cory (Littleton) had the pick-six, obviously and kept that momentum going defensively. I thought they played really well. They did a good job and started the game off for us.”
(On how much getting takeaways from the defense helps)
“It’s huge. We started inside the 10 (yard line) or on the 13 (yard line) I think on the second one. To be able to get up 14 (points) and just start off – I think 11 minutes left in the first quarter we were up 14-0. To have that is just huge.”
(On treating this week like the Wild Card weekend last year and what it was like)
“Just a little bit more urgency, more intensity – treating it like that. Treating it like a playoff game which, in our case, it really was, getting us this week off now. Just having that urgency and that intensity that we did all week in practice. I thought we practiced really well.”
(On getting into a rhythm in the second half and if it was coming pretty well for the offense)
“Yeah, no doubt. We were able to move the ball well, especially in the second half there early. Just be able to settle in. I think the whole offense settled in, the run game settled in, I myself settled in and it felt good.”
(On if he feels confident getting ready for the playoffs now)
“Of course, yeah. You feel great – 13-3 and get the bye week. We’ll have a tough opponent in two weeks. We don’t know who it’ll be, but we’ll see. Yeah, we feel great coming off two good wins and being able to finish the season 6-0 (in the NFC West) – only team in the league that did that this year. That’s a good accomplishment for us and we feel good.”
(On how he finished personally)
“I feel good. I feel great. Again, for me, it’s about wins. Coming off two wins and playing well and being happy with how I played is good and I feel good.”
(On if it’s okay to enjoy going 13-3 and their accomplishments for a little bit)
“Yeah, we’ll enjoy tonight. I think definitely you’ll enjoy it tonight and understand how big of an accomplishment that is. Then, really quickly turn it around and get our sights set on whoever we have to play next and the road ahead of us. That’s going to be hopefully very exciting.”
(On the benefit of having a defense that can not only force turnovers, but also score points)
“Yeah, it’s huge. It’s huge. Anytime they do that it helps us a bunch. They’ve really gelled, I think, these last two weeks – being able to settle in and be themselves. You see them up front, how good they are in the secondary and the linebacker position. Just being able to settle in. Feel good about where they’re and I know they’re confident as well.”
(On what he learned from last year’s playoff experience that will help him this season)
“I think just understanding the opportunity is definitely part of it. I think just having more big-game experience, being on prime time a handful of times this year and then having that playoff game last year and having games that are extremely meaningful late in the season. I think that all carries over into the playoffs and into that mentality that you have to have throughout the week.”
(On how much of a luxury it has been to have RB C.J. Anderson performing the way he has over the past couple weeks)
“He’s done a great job. (RB) C.J. (Anderson) has been a great addition for us. I think it’s a testament to the O-line. They’ve done such a good job up front these last two weeks especially, making the holes for him and he’s hit them. He’s run, he’s done his thing and it’s been awesome. But, them up front – I’m sure he’d say the same thing – have been incredible and have opened those holes for him and protected well for me.”
(On how having so many big games this season has prepared the team for the playoffs)
“Big. Yeah, just like I was saying, I think that’s always big when you can get in those situations and get in those moments and feel that – whether it ends up good or bad. Just being able to experience it and feel it is important.”
(On T Andrew Whitworth leaving the game due to injury and how he thought T Joseph Noteboom performed in his absence)
“I thought (T) Joe (Noteboom) played well. It’s always scary when you see those guys go down, especially a guy like him who’s been playing for so long and is so important to us. But, I think he’s going to be okay and Joe played well.”
(On how much it helps on game day for players like Noteboom to get so many practice reps during the week)
“It helps a lot. Yeah, him and (C) Brian (Allen) – Brian stepped in for a handful of snaps against the (Chicago) Bears. Just having that experience with them in practice and being able to have some dialogue with them in practice and have some experience with Brian, obviously, just from taking snaps. It’s huge when that happens. You never want it to, but it helps.”
(On developing chemistry with WR Josh Reynolds and the entire receiving corps)
“(WR) Josh (Reynolds) played really well today. It was good to see, just him step up and continue to step up, continue to get better. As time goes on, I continue to get more and more on the same page with him and I feel so comfortable with all those guys.”
Rams RB C.J. Anderson – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On how he’s able to learn the system quickly and be effective)
“Take credit into a lot of things that I do – a lot a good teammates – (QB) Jared (Goff), (RB) Todd (Gurley II), ‘Sully’ (C John Sullivan),) ‘Whit’ (T Andrew Whitworth, ‘Rog’ (G Rodger Saffold), just everybody really. Everybody has been – even (Head) Coach (Sean) McVay, (Running Backs) Coach Skip (Peete) – everybody has done a good job, hands on. Coming in early in the morning, those things help. Then just try to be a pro, try to be an ultimate pro.”
(On feeling sore after last week’s game and how he thinks he will feel tomorrow)
“I don’t know we’ll see. I know I’ll get on a routine and I get a bye week. I’m probably still probably the freshest player in the National Football League right now. I should be fine (laughs).”
(On how he feels going into the playoffs)
“Ready to go. Feels good, it’s been two years since I’ve been back in the playoffs now after missing it for two years. Those things feel good, I’m just on the other side. It’s going to be physical. You’ve got to be detailed can’t turn the ball over, got to sustain drives. To see who we play here in two weeks, it’ll be fun.”
(On how he describes where he is today versus three weeks ago)
“Today, I’m doing fine. Three weeks ago, I was just moving out of my house and moving somewhere else. But today I’m doing fine, just trying to play football, just trying to help this team win.”
(On if he feels like he’s added an extra level to the team going into the playoffs)
“I just try to be myself. The cerebral guy I am and use my experience, the bunch of different game experience that I’ve had in my past and just try to be myself and help out in anyway that I can.”
(On if he believes the team seems playoff ready)
“Yeah, we’re ready to go. It will be good for a bye week for a bunch of these guys. Be good to get away from the game a little bit, get to watch who we’re going to play. Then when we come back, whoever our opponent is here, take care of home and we’ll see where we go from there.”
Rams WR Josh Reynolds – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On how he thinks ending the season with today’s win sets up the team going into the playoffs)
“A lot of confidence. The bye week is going to help a lot. Now we can even tighten up this game a little bit – go over the film, find what we did wrong and work from there.”
(On the offense being in rhythm especially after his first touchdown and if the entire offense felt that)
“For sure. The whole game, even after getting those short-yard possessions from the defense with the turnovers, the offense was definitely clicking. Staying on schedule on all the drives – first, second down, all of that. That’s what helped out a lot.”
(On how impressed he’s been by RB C.J. Anderson after just recently joining the team)
“(RB) C.J.’s (Anderson) my man. He does his thing. I like to see him out there. It’s awesome.”
Rams LB Cory Littleton – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On what it was like getting into the end zone today)
“One of the most exciting moments of my life. Something I’ve never done and I’ve been playing football for 16 years and I finally got a touchdown so it’s amazing.”
(On if he actually never did it in high school)
“High school, college, Pop Warner.”
(On how he felt the defense performed after allowing 32 points)
“I equate today giving up 32 points as a win. We have to win. That’s all that matters at the end of the day. Thirty-two points gave them a loss.”
(On what it means to be 13-3 and clinch a first round bye)
“Truly amazing. It’s something…the top teams who’ve won the Super Bowl the past five years have had a bye. Something we wanted to make sure that we got and we’ve done it.”
(On the most advantageous part of the bye)
“It gives everybody some time to rest. This football season was long as hell. It gives everybody a chance to recuperate, get right, and then once we figure out who we have to play, then we start getting ready.”
Rams CB Marcus Peters – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On what it was like for the defense to be flying around making plays)
“It’s just something that we needed to do. We needed to come out with energy and enthusiasm and we came out there and we did it early so we could get the job done.”
(On how he feels about the defense heading into the playoffs now)
“Like I felt at the beginning of the year. I felt like we have a talented group and we just have to put it together and I think we’ve been putting it together the last couple of weeks. We just need to keep rolling into the playoffs.”
(On how different it’s been with Aqib Talib back from injury)
“It hasn’t been different, it added an extra element to our game. Everything that we’ve been doing from the start of the season, it just pushed up an extra notch with him coming back so nothing was different, we’ve just been executing a lot more.”
(On clinching the bye in the first round of playoffs)
“I think we’re all just going to sit back. We have two possible opponents that we could be playing. We’re going to sit back and just watch these games upcoming and we’re going to prepare for ourselves to be ready to go. It’s time to get ready to play football.”
Rams DT Aaron Donald – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On the best thing about clinching a bye)
“A little bit of everything. That’s going to help us with the film, the rest, and all that is going to add up and help us at the end of the day.”
(On if he feels this team is where they need to be for the playoffs)
“It’s a good start going into the playoffs but there’s always room for improvement, so we have to watch the film and still try and correct things but we played strong today.”
(On he thinks the defense needs to improve stopping the run)
“Yeah, they got on us a little bit. But it happens. Like I said, we just have to watch the film and see what happened.”
(On if generating takeaways was an emphasis this week)
“That’s every week. I feel like we started off early, getting a lot of pressure on him and making him uncomfortable. He was just throwing the ball up and guys would come back to it and make the plays. That’s what it’s about. From up front, to the middle, to the guys in the back all playing together and making plays.”
Rams DT Ndamukong Suh – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On how it feels to be 13-3 and clinch a first round bye)
“It’s a great situation. First time I’ve been in that situation, so I’m going to soak it in and get ready for the playoffs. Obviously, we have a first round bye so it’s a good situation.”
(On the best thing is about the bye)
“When I’ve played in the playoffs, it’s one and done. So obviously most teams, they have to play and kind of go balls to the walls, and then prepare for the next team. We’re resting at home, being able to game plan for the team we’re playing and see where we’ll go from there.”
(On if he thinks this defense is where it needs to be heading into the postseason)
“I think we’re moving in the right direction. I can’t say fully just because I’m looking at rushing yards and things of that nature. Teams have been successful.”
49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(Opening remarks)
“Injuries: (49ers RB Jeff) Wilson (Jr.) – shoulder, did not return; (49ers OL) Laken (Tomlinson) – knee, didn’t return; (49ers RB Alfred) Morris – shoulder, no return; and (49ers NB) K’Waun (Williams) was ribs.”
(On if he has any sense of 49ers OL Laken Tomlinson’s knee injury)
“Yeah, they can’t confirm for sure. There’s still a chance, so we’re hoping not for an ACL, but definitely a possibility.”
(On if he has an overall thought on his team’s 4-12 season)
“Not yet. We just finished this game. Obviously, we weren’t happy with our record. I was happy with some of the things we fought through and got better at, but we’ll be looking at that over the next month.”
(On how gratifying it was that 49ers TE George Kittle got the record for single-season receiving yards by a tight end)
“It was. It was huge. We were hoping that it would work out that way. The way the game went, I didn’t think it would go that way, but at the end he made a few big plays. I was real happy that the defense did stop them at the end there to give us a chance to go for it. We told them, ‘As soon as he gets it, we’re done,’ so it was pretty cool that he turned it into a touchdown. That’s what he’s been doing all year, so he’s done a hell of a job.”
(On if he was taking time outs at the end of the game with the purpose of letting 49ers TE George Kittle get the record)
“Yeah, totally. We had a pretty good idea the game was over, and we would have got people out of there, try to be as healthy as possible. But the whole team and us wanted to get that for (49ers TE George) Kittle.”
(On if he felt like he owed 49ers TE George Kittle one after he failed to earn the single-game receiving yards record against the Broncos)
“A little bit. I definitely did. He’s let me know about it. So has his mom and dad, so we tried to make it up to him.”
(On if he had to say anything to 49ers QB Nick Mullens about his three interceptions in the first half)
“Not really. He knows what he was doing wrong. They made a couple good plays. I know they’re all ones he’d want to have back. That was a disappointing thing about the game, not just Nick – those are on everybody, also the fumble. Starting that game off with four turnovers, the same way we did the last time versus them doesn’t give yourself much of a chance to play.”
(On if Mullens remained composed on the sideline)
“Yeah, Nick doesn’t change. That’s what I’ve said from the beginning in terms of he’s a machine. He doesn’t change. He gets down on himself but that doesn’t affect his play. He comes back, he’s competitive, and he never stops letting it rip.”
(On the season that 49ers OL Laken Tomlinson had)
“(OL) Laken (Tomlinson)’s been great all year. We got him a week before the season our first year here. He didn’t start our first game and then I think he started all 15 games after that. He’s gotten better each week. He came in this offseason, took a huge step forward. He’s stayed healthy for us all year. He’s been a very good player. Hoping for good news on him, but if not, I know he’ll do his rehab and be ready at sometime next year. He’s a huge part of what we do.”
(On if substituting CB Greg Mabin for CB Richard Sherman was just to see what Mabin could do)
“Yeah, a little bit. (CB Richard Sherman) had a little Achilles soreness and stuff with the situation, especially when we got to the second half. I know he would have liked to play longer, but we wanted to be smart with that and also give the other guys a little more chance out there.”
(On if he would have been shocked to hear that 49ers TE George Kittle would have had a year like this when the season started)
“Yeah, it would be a shock. He’s good enough to, but it’s hard to get one guy that stuff when you spread it around and we spread it around a ton this year, so that makes more sense to me there. We’ll see how next year goes, but he can have a much better year next year and not do that stuff. Stats don’t always tell that, but he had an unbelievable year.”
(On potentially dealing with 49ers TE George Kittle’s parents again next year)
“I know. The pressure is going to get on, I know. Got to be able to handle that though.”
(On if he thinks that high expectations played a factor in the team starting the season so slowly)
“I don’t think so. It just has to do with playing as good as you can. I don’t think we played as well as we can at the beginning and then we went into some tough injuries and stuff, which makes it harder. I think we found our groove a little bit more as the year went. We’ve got to find a way to start off playing as good as we can. In terms of ending last year, I don’t think that affects much, just like I don’t think this does. You take stuff from wins and losses, you try to get better, not worse. We better make sure we come back next year we ready to go and turn this around.”
49ers QB Nick Mullens – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On how aware he was of the record for TE George Kittle throughout the game)
“We were very aware. I’m so happy for him, man. He deserves every bit of it. The things that he’s been able to do for himself, for the team, for the organization in the short two years he’s been here is incredible. I think he has a big impact off the field as much as he does on the field. So, I can’t speak – he deserves every bit of credit that he gets. Very talented player, great teammate, yards after the catch. His skills – you’ve seen it all year – he’s done a great job. So, it’s a really big deal for us to get him that record, and he deserves every bit of credit.”
(On the last play before TE George Kittle broke the record today)
“Yeah, so he was 9-yards away. The first one, we were like, alright, let’s throw the hitch, let’s let him catch it, get up the field. Pre-snap, they threw a backer out there so, like, alright, they’re not going to let him get the record. But, we’re like, screw it, we’re throwing it to him. So, he got eight yards. So, we’re like, alright, now two yards, this guy deserves the record, we’re throwing the freaking ball. So, then he caught it and finished his season with a touchdown. So, it’s a storybook finish for (TE) George (Kittle) and we’re really excited to be working with him.”
(On who is giving him and his team the information about how many more yards George Kittle needed to break the record)
“Just the people whose job that was. So, I guess the coaches or the staff.”
(On if he was fearful the Rams would do anything they could to make sure George Kittle didn’t break the record)
“A little bit. But, I was trying to get George what he deserved.”
(On what it was like to see George Kittle break the tackle and run down the field)
“Yeah, it was awesome. He only needed a couple, but I’m not surprised that he caught a short pass and took it the distance. That’s where he’s made his money this year. So, it was awesome, it was exciting. I’m glad we could finish with a touchdown and finish strong. Obviously, the start wasn’t what we wanted. But, to finish the way we did shows the toughness and the grit of this team.”
(On what it has been like throwing to Kittle the second half of the season with defenses starting to zero in on him more)
“Yeah, and they still haven’t been able to stop him. They definitely do. They know where he’s at at all times. Man coverage – a lot of times you’ll see them put an extra guy towards that way. And, he’s earned that respect. He’s earned that respect around the league and around our team for sure and he deserves that respect because he earned it.”
(On his thoughts on the team’s quarterback situation)
“No Sir.”
(On if he felt the Rams knew they were trying to get the ball to TE George Kittle)
“I’m not sure if they did or not. They were obviously trying to finish the game like we were and play every play their hardest. So, I’m not exactly sure.”
(On if he thinks he needs to improve on taking care of the football)
“Yeah, that’s a good question. I mean obviously, you’re doing everything you can to protect the football. It’s frustrating and I think it’s part of the game. I think I could have taken an easier read on the third-and-long. You know, if it’s third-and-long, you don’t have to make the big play just check it down. It’s something that I can definitely learn from. Then the tipped ball to George, it was a one-on-one, I guess you can just say it was bad luck. It was a one-on-one, I held the safety tried to just give George a chance on the opportunity ball, the ball got tipped up and unfortunate interception. But yeah, you turn the ball over like that and games get out of hand quick. I mean, we experienced that today. It’s frustrating. We know that we can compete with any team on the field if we protect the football, but we didn’t do that today.”
(On staying out of the grasp of DL Aaron Donald)
“Yeah, I felt him a couple times. He’s a great player and very quick for his size. He causes a lot of problems for a lot of offenses. I think everybody has seen how good of a player he is and we felt him today. He did a good job. He plays with good energy and he’s fast. He uses his skillset well.”
49ers TE George Kittle – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On him breaking the record for most receiving yards by a tight end)
“It hasn’t really hit me yet, but it’s definitely exciting. It definitely wasn’t just me. You had three quarterbacks throwing me the ball, you had O-line, just ups and downs through out the whole year guys in and out. But that’s just a credit to our team to just keep pushing and grinding the whole year no matter what happens. Definitely would have enjoyed a win today, but this definitely makes it feel a little better.”
(On his recognition of how close he was from breaking the record)
“I did not know. My position coach and some of the other guys were giving me little updates here and there. I knew going into the last drive, I needed need nine yards, so make it 15 and I’ll just take it to the end zone.”
(On him trading his jersey with someone else)
“I refuse to. That’s mine, that one is mine. I actually hid that so no one can take it at all. I don’t want that Tom Brady thing happening when we got his jersey stolen, so yeah that’s mine.”
(On him surpassing past record holders)
“That means everything to me. Those are guys that I’ve looked up to. Those are guys I’ve watched their film countless hours just trying to take little tidbits from each of their games. The fact that Coach Shanahan gave me an opportunity to get that all season long, that is a lot of games. I appreciate everything and the fact that my name is on that list now with those guys, it means a lot. Like I said, it hasn’t hit me yet. I’m assuming it will in the next 10 or 15 minutes.”
49ers CB Richard Sherman – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018
(On 49ers TE George Kittle breaking NFL record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season)
“He deserved it man. He’s such a hardworking player. The last play was like a microcosm of who he is as a player and a person. It’s a five-yard gain for the record and he takes it – whatever it was – 40 yards, scores a touchdown. He just never stops playing.”
(On how aware the defense was of Kittle’s chase for the record)
“They were so aware. They were really aware. The coaches told them, ‘We’ve got to get this stop for him so he can get a chance at it.’ I think everybody was aware of it throughout most of the game. Obviously, it got out of hand kind of early and guys were just trying to get him the ball back.”
(On what this season has been like for him considering he’s predominately played on winning teams previously in his career)
“It’s been up and down. We’ve won some and we’ve dealt with the injury bug more than anything, but it’s been a good learning experience. It’s good learning for the young guys. Some guys got some valuable experience. It’s been good learning. Obviously, it’s unfortunate the way it played out, but next year we’ll have another chance at it.”
(On how close the team is to being the playoff race next year)
“Well, it’s hard to say. It’s hard to tell without your guys out there. Without (49ers QB) Jimmy ‘G’ (Garoppolo), you’ve got your franchise quarterback you lose, what? – three games into the season. You lose the running back you just paid no games into the season. Your starting receivers get banged up. You lose a safety a game almost every game all the way up until the tenth, eleventh game. I think it’ll be tough to know how good we’ll be till we have a consistent unit out there and show some continuity.”
(On if he’ll need to do further maintenance on his Achilles this offseason or just rest)
“You’ve got to rest to it, but you always need more maintenance to get it stronger. Obviously, I’ll have offseason to actually work out and get it stronger and work on my quick twitch. Do the things that I didn’t have time to do once we got into season. It’s constant, once you get to a certain age it’s constant body maintenance.”