San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive tackle CJ West tied teammate Alfred Collins for the top Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of the game, both posting career-high 91.7 marks. Each recorded their first NFL sack in the 49ers' 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts, marking the team's fifth straight victory and improving their record to 11-4.
After the game, West spoke with team reporter Briana Jeannel about what sacking veteran quarterback Philip Rivers meant to him.
"It means a lot because I put in so much hard work, and just to be able to show the world what I really can do, and to be able to sack a future Hall of Famer, it's just legendary," West said. "So, I really enjoy it, and it was a great opportunity."
RELATED 49ers vs. Colts PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The 49ers' defense spent the week preparing to limit the Colts' potent run game and challenge the 44-year-old Rivers, who was playing only his second game since 2020.
"Number 28, Jonathan Taylor over there, he's a great running back," West said. "So, the main focus was that (stopping the run), and number two was getting after Philip Rivers. Getting in his face, making him move around a lot, and that's what we did today, and that's how we were able to get this dub. A great team dub."
The 49ers had already secured a playoff berth after the Pittsburgh Steelers' win over the Detroit Lions. Now, the focus is on improving playoff seeding with a strong finish to the regular season, including upcoming matchups against the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium.
Jeannel asked West how impactful Monday night's win was for the 49ers' postseason goals.
"Oh, it's great," he responded. "It just gives the team even more motivation and shows the world that the 49ers aren't going anywhere. So, we're here to stay, and regardless of all the adversity we've been through, it doesn't matter—we're going to come out here and fight."
Comments