We’ve yet to see the best of the San Francisco 49ers.
But we’re getting close.
That’s the assessment of 11-year veteran
Anquan Boldin, who is now lining up alongside promising fifth-year pro
Michael Crabtree
for the first time in his 49ers career. Both starting receivers
provided highlight-worthy plays in San Francisco’s 23-13 win over the
St. Louis Rams.
Read: 49ers Beat up on Rams Boldin said he believed that the 49ers, now boasting a healthy Crabtree, are just hitting their stride.
“I don’t think we’re playing at our top level,” the physical receiver
said after a nine-catch, 98-yard performance. “I don’t think we’ve
played our best football yet. I still think we have some things that we
have to clean up.”
Boldin, however, likes the development of San Francisco’s roster.
“I
do think we’re getting better each week,” he added. “Our communication
is getting a lot better, our confidence in one another is getting a lot
better. We’re not where we expect to be.”
It's not hard to see
why Boldin feels that way. Crabtree’s two-catch, 68-yard debut, is a
great sign for the 49ers as they chase Seattle in the NFC West. It also
comes at a perfect time with the Seahawks set to visit Candlestick Park
on Dec. 8.
Photo Gallery: 49ers vs. Rams The 49ers have momentum on their side with a current two-game win streak.
“It’s just by whatever means necessary,” Jim Harbaugh said. “We’re
gonna go to the next game prepared and know what the stakes are. Know
what the pressure is, what the task is. That’s life-giving energy to a
football player, to a team. And, we’re in a position we’re in and we
control our destiny."
Seattle’s win over the New Orleans on
“Monday Night Football” was likely viewed by many of the 49ers on their
day off. The divisional rival was also discussed heavily after Sunday’s
win over St. Louis.
“We definitely have to control our emotions because if we don’t they’ll get the best of us,” cautioned tight end
Vernon Davis after he literally jumped out of that sheet against the Rams.
“We don’t need that to happen and guys know that. We have a mature
team; guys know how to handle themselves and how to control their
emotions. With that being said, going forward we have to do everything
we can to help this team.”
San Francisco lost 29-3 to Seattle on
the road in Week 2. The “Sunday Night Football” matchup saw a
competitive first half, but the game got out of hand in the fourth
quarter with the 49ers committing a pair of turnovers in their own
territory.
Boldin said the key this for the rematch is to play physical, be tough, but don’t do anything foolish to hurt the team.
With
a reloaded roster, the veteran wideout believes the 49ers are built to
play in rugged late-season games like Sunday’s upcoming matchup with the
Seahawks.
“We have guys that are physical and hard-nosed,”
Boldin said. “Across the offensive line, our running backs run hard, our
receivers are tough, big guys outside. And defensively, they hit
anything that moves.” One of those hitters,
Donte Whitner, perhaps summed up the locker room’s feelings on the rivalry best.
“We’re very eager,” Whitner said. “We feel like we’ll be ready for the
test and it’s going to be a really, really big game and we’re looking
forward to it.”
Asked why he thought San Francisco would be
victorious at home for a third consecutive season against Seattle under
coach Harbaugh, Whitner said it all has to do with home cooking and
health.
“First and foremost we’re at home,” Whitner reasoned.
“We understand that it’s a different ballgame when we’re up there in
their arena. We understand that when they come here it’s a lot more
difficult for them.
“They don’t have the crowd noise behind
them to mess with our offense. On defense we feel like we can matchup
with them. All we have to do is stop the run and not allow the
quarterback to run around and beat us. So, that’s why I feel like we can
win.”
