DeMeco Ryans Says ‘It’s Not About Them, It’s About Us’ Heading Into Week 1 at Chicago
Sep 8, 2022, 4:34 PM | Updated: Sep 9, 2022, 7:52 am
HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 25: Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans of the San Francisco 49ers talks with the defense on the sideline during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on August 25, 2022 in Minneapolis, Texas. The Texans defeated the 49ers 17-7. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Great fundamentals. That’s what it’ll take to beat the new-look Chicago Bears this weekend, according to 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans Thursday.
The Windy City went under an extensive changing of the guard over the offseason, hiring a new head coach in Matt Eberflus, and a new general manager in Ryan Poles. But while their opponent’s coaching staff may look a little different, Ryans is focused on his team playing good, fundamental football.
“There is no telling like you can get many things, you got a new coordinator, new staff. So our guys just have to play their fundamentals, be sound, do a great job communicating, and go out and just play with great effort, great fundamentals. That’s what’s going to help us in this game,” Ryans said.
That’s been one of the key values of his defensive unit all preseason, staying disciplined and within themselves to go out there and execute at a high level each and every week.
“It’s not about them, as opposed to, it’s more so about us and how we handle ourselves on Sunday,” Ryans stated.
Bring on da Bears. #SFvsCHI pic.twitter.com/s6RaAqgPgu
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 8, 2022
Of course, every unit needs a leader and that person for the Red & Gold is linebacker Fred Warner, always making sure his ever-revolving defense is in-sync with one another.
“[To] have a veteran guy there in Fred who does a great job of running the show for our defense,” Ryans said. “So that’s one thing that I know Fred prides himself on is making sure all the guys are on the same page. So he’s done an excellent job of that.”
The defensive side of the ball has four of the six captains for the 49ers this season. One of them is All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa, an even-kneeled guy who never lets the moment get the better.
“He’s never too high, never to down, he’s consistent each and every day and that’s what allows him to to play at a high level. In the game, nothing is too big for Bosa. So he doesn’t have to change who he is just because it’s game-week, he’ll continue to, you know, make plays and dominate just by being Bosa,” Ryans explained.
A player primed for a potential DPOY-caliber year, the 49ers will need all of Bosa if they want to make a deep title run come the new year.
To watch the full press conference, click here.
