49ers Lock In for Final Stretch with Eyes on Destiny: “Best in the World” Mentality Sets the Tone
SANTA CLARA - With four games left in the regular season and a playoff berth in reach, the 49ers are embracing the moment - and they’re doing it with a bold mantra echoing through the locker room: “Best. In.
The. World.”
That’s how defensive end Clelin Ferrell broke down the huddle at Thursday’s practice, and it wasn’t just a catchy line. It was a spark.
“It was a pretty cool reminder for all of us to hear that from Cle,” quarterback Brock Purdy said. “What we do is hard and it’s a challenge, but we love it and we’re up for it.
We’ve done this our whole life. We can’t take this for granted.”
Coming off a much-needed bye week, the 49ers (9-4) are rested and recharged as they prepare to host the Tennessee Titans (2-11) on Sunday - the first of three home games in their final four-match sprint toward the postseason.
Purdy, who’s quickly become one of the league’s most poised young leaders, echoed Ferrell’s energy. “We’ve got to seize the moment,” he said.
“It’s a great reminder by him for our whole team. A lot of guys took that and it sort of fired everyone up.”
Ferrell isn’t just talking - he’s backing it up. The veteran defensive end had two sacks in the 49ers’ last game before the bye, a road win in Cleveland.
Now healthy and vocal, he’s stepping into a leadership role that feels earned. After missing last year’s playoff run due to a knee injury, he’s making sure this team doesn’t miss its shot.
“The biggest thing is it’s a new season,” Ferrell said. “Four games left, that’s all we’re guaranteed. The best part about it is we get to write our own destiny - and we’ve got the pen.”
That “best in the world” mindset isn’t about guaranteeing a Super Bowl win. It’s about belief - in the grind, in the preparation, in the opportunity. Ferrell, who was part of last year’s squad that came within a game of the Lombardi Trophy, knows what it takes to make a run.
“A big point at this part of the year is get everybody on the train. Get ready,” he said.
“Whether you see it or not, we’re trying to get there. The biggest part is you have to have that belief, and if you get a chance to dress on Sunday, you’re one of the best in the world at what we do.”
That belief runs deep in the building. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh didn’t hesitate when asked about the team’s confidence: “Our locker room does that - it does believe it’s the best in the world, which I think it is.”
Right now, the 49ers are sitting in the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture, but the path to the top isn’t closed. With a three-game win streak and a favorable schedule, they still have a shot to climb all the way to the No. 1 seed. Saleh’s defense has been lights out lately, holding each of the last two opponents under 10 points - even if those offenses (Carolina and Cleveland) rank near the bottom of the league in scoring.
Fred Warner’s Eyes on the Prize
Linebacker Fred Warner, still recovering from a fractured right ankle, made an appearance Thursday at a Super Bowl panel hosted by the Bay Area Host Committee. And while he’s not suiting up just yet, his focus hasn’t shifted from the ultimate goal.
“You’re dang right I think about it, especially when I’m not out there,” Warner said. “When you’re in it as a player, of course, Coach Shanahan makes it a point to stay focused on every single week. We have the Tennessee Titans coming to town and it’s about winning one game.”
But stepping away from the field, even briefly, gives a player a different perspective.
“When you’re on the outside of it,” Warner added, “it’s like, ‘Hey man, we win four games, we have a chance to be the No. 1 seed and have the playoffs run through Santa Clara all the way to the Super Bowl.’ Ooh wee, I understand why fans get fired up.”
Purdy’s Toe Feels Right - and So Does His Game
Purdy revealed that a toe injury he suffered in Week 1 had been nagging him more than most realized. It affected his mechanics, his mobility, and even his confidence at times. But that seems to be in the rearview mirror.
“I just focus on playing ball,” Purdy said. “In that case (at Cleveland), escaping and not getting caught. On keepers, I’m busting my butt to get to the edge just like I have in the past.”
He’s now three games into his return after missing eight, and the bye week gave him a chance to reset both physically and mentally.
“This whole year has really been about my toe and getting healthy and feeling like myself again,” he added. “Having a week to rest up and getting a couple practices under my belt, it feels good.
I feel fresh. But I’m still playing with a chip on my shoulder.”
McCaffrey Limited with Illness, but Expected to Go
Christian McCaffrey was limited at practice Thursday due to an illness, but there’s no panic in Santa Clara. The do-it-all back has been the heartbeat of the offense, leading the team in both rushing (849 yards, 8 TDs) and receiving (806 yards, 5 TDs).
“He’ll be all right,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said on KNBR 680-AM, brushing off concerns about McCaffrey’s availability for Sunday.
Injury Updates: Gross-Matos Returns, Others Still Out
There was some good news on the injury front: defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos returned to practice for the first time in two months, participating in individual drills. The team now has a three-week window to activate him from injured reserve.
Still sidelined were defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle), linebackers Tatum Bethune (ankle), Nick Martin (concussion), and Eric Kendricks (calf; practice squad).
Brent Jones to Be Honored
This weekend isn’t just about the Titans matchup. On Saturday night, former tight end Brent Jones will be inducted into the Edward J.
DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame. Jones, a three-time Super Bowl champ and one of the most reliable targets of the franchise’s golden era, played 143 games with the Niners - still the most ever by a tight end in team history.
He’ll be honored during Sunday’s game, a fitting tribute as the current squad tries to write its own championship chapter.
Bottom Line: The 49ers aren’t just talking about finishing strong - they’re preparing to do it with purpose. With leaders like Ferrell setting the tone, Warner keeping the big picture in mind, and Purdy rounding into form, this team is locked in for a December push. The message is clear: they believe they’re the best in the world - now it’s about proving it, one game at a time.