San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks expressed his pride in the team’s Week 10 performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Answering questions about coaching from the sideline, Wilks highlighted the positive interaction with players, emphasizing the clarity it brings for in-game communication. Despite being on the field, he dismissed any correlation between his presence and the team’s success, attributing it to the players’ talent and their refreshed state after a Bye week.
Wilks, discussing his coaching history, noted that he had been in the coaching booth in Carolina and on the field in Cleveland. He emphasized the advantage of direct communication with players, allowing him to engage with each position group and better plan the game’s progression. Reflecting on his recent sideline experience, Wilks acknowledged the difficulty of returning to the coaching booth after the team’s successful outing.
Regarding cornerback Ambry Thomas, Wilks praised his performance in preseason and highlighted his strengths, including excellent man-to-man technique, agility in directional changes, and physicality. Wilks explained the strategic decision to use Thomas outside, considering the weekly matchups. He commended Thomas for his contribution, especially in seizing the ball in plus territory.
Wilks anticipates a challenging matchup for Thomas against Tampa Bay in Week 11, particularly facing wide receiver Mike Evans. Describing Evans as one of the league’s best with versatility in running every route, Wilks emphasized the need to mix defensive strategies, including a combination of man and zone coverage, and physicality to counter Evans’ formidable skills.
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