49ers – Still in Gold Rush

Community support only grows as NFL playoffs draw closer

The 2022 season has not been easy for the San Francisco 49ers, as many players battle injuries and the team tackles new strategies. Fans need not fear, however, as serious strides are being made in the playoff rounds as the Niners hope to go all the way.

The 49ers, who went 13-4 in the regular season, are no strangers to success – but the glory of this year is unlike any before. The wins have been non-stop as they march ahead with a ten-game winning streak that had head coach Kyle Shanahan shouting, “GOLD RUSH!” Expectedly, the 49ers earned the division title, although they fell short of qualifying for a bye in the first round of playoffs.

Acquisitions like Christian McCaffrey have boosted the squad, and seventh-round draft pick Brock Purdy has surprisingly inspired an excellent run of form.

In the 2022 NFL draft, Purdy, 22, was selected dead last – a position often referred to as “Mr. Irrelevant.” The rookie came into the team as a third-string quarterback, but injuries to Trey Lance and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo allowed Purdy a chance to become “Mr. All That.”

Purdy sticks to his hometown roots to feed his sweet tooth: he visits Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos here in Santa Clara after every home game. Taking family and friends out has become a tradition since Purdy began his role as starting quarterback.

“It’s always cool when there’s an opportunity to exchange appreciation for craft and talent,” said Rocko’s owner Lori. “It’s really refreshing to know that performance athletes sneak in treats too and that Brock chooses to indulge with us at Rocko’s is just awesome.”

The hype does not end with a star rookie quarterback. Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk have continued to show their value and adapted synchronously within the new-era team. 

Credit is due to a defensive strategy overhaul that has made the Niners the best defense in the league. This year, defense has done remarkably well, ranking number one in turnover differential and interceptions.

“We literally have a meeting every week dedicated to turnovers,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said.

This season is the first under Shanahan that the 49ers were in the top ten for turnover differential, which has greatly boosted confidence and determination.

“When we win the turnover battle, we’re going to win the game,” said Juszczyk.

This ideology has brought electrifying security to the team's morale, but Niners players and fans alike stay wary heading into the postseason. Sunday, Jan. 22 will see a truer test of character when the Dallas Cowboys, who are also having a standout season, visit Levi’s Stadium. 

From there, the 49ers will hope that going wide and deep will deliver them gold – the one and only Vince Lombardi trophy.