John Lynch on winning: “It’s a lot more than just moving the football and yards.”

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York, left, and general manager John Lynch stand on the field prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Sanchez)

John Lynch spoke on KNBR Friday afternoon. Here’s what he said:

Q: How has the bounce-back process been since losing to the Arizona Cardinals?

LYNCH: “The bounce back has been good, but that’s doesn’t make that loss any easier. That was frankly an embarrassing loss. It was a team we had on our turf, and I felt like we dictated the tempo, dictated the action in the game — 33 first downs to 10 speaks to that. But, one thing I’ve learned in my years, it’s a lot more than just moving the football and yards. Going into that game, there were certain things we had to be better at, and one of them was turnover ratio. That’s a stat that, as long as I have played this game, that probably translates to wins and losses more so than any other. We went out and did some things incredibly well — controlled the clock, controlled the ball. But, when you turn the ball over five times and don’t take it away, I think it’s like three percent of the time you win. And so, that has to be rectified, and it’s something we preach and emphasize each and every day. But, we obviously have to do a better job of it. Got to find a way to be able to do that to win games.”

Q: In fairness, the injury situation is ridiculous. How much do you want to lean on that as a legitimate reason why this season has gone the way it has, or do you say, ‘No, I have to win games even with a depleted roster.’

LYNCH: “There are some realities. It has been tough. It’s not only players — it’s some of our best players. That’s tough to overcome, particularly when you’re in Year 2 of remaking a roster, almost a complete overhaul. We knew coming in that we felt like the construct of our roster as we approached this season could compete with anyone. We knew we would struggle if we encountered injuries, because frankly we felt like we had more depth this year, but we knew we just weren’t equipped if we lost key people to be the team that we wanted to be. But, having said that, I think in each and every game, we have had opportunities to win. We’ve got a lot of football left. We’ve got enough good players out there to go compete and win football games, and we’ve got to do that. For a lot of young players, so many careers have been made in this league by getting a chance because somebody is injured. So, there is tremendous opportunity in that for the young players, as well as for us to get to observe and identify who people we want to work with for the rest of this season and going forward are.”

Q: Why didn’t you trade for Khalil Mack or Josh Gordon?

LYNCH: “On Khalil Mack, we made every effort to try to secure his services. He wasn’t a free agent. It was a trade scenario. We went in there, and we went in there hard. We did everything, and our offer was very similar to the one that ultimately won out. I don’t know what went into the Raiders’ mindset in terms of where they sent him, but that was one we knew we had a game changer. On the other situation, there was a lot that went into that. At some point, we chose to withdraw our interest.”

Q: Is C.J. Beathard fighting for his job every week, or is he the guy?

LYNCH: “We have a lot of faith in C.J. We really do. I think C.J. would be the first to tell you that he knows he has to protect the football a lot better. That’s the nature of that position. A lot of people factor into things, but one guy takes the credit or the blame. So, C.J. has to protect the football more. He knows that. I think C.J. has done a lot of good things. I think he’s a very talented player at that position. There are things he can work on. He has a great opportunity. It’s kind of his team right now. He has a great opportunity to go and play NFL football games. That’s the only way you get better, by both your successes and your failures. We like the way C.J. goes about it. Looking forward to watching him play against the Green Bay Packers.”

Q: What can you say to some of the fans who are frustrated with the defensive missed assignments and communication mishaps in the secondary that arguably cost you a game? What can you say about the under-performance back there?

LYNCH: “If you’re going to criticize the performance from last week, I think one play, the very first play of the game sticks out. That was a big mistake. Your job at that position is to not let the ball get over your head. That’s the nature of that position, though you better be able to move on. As a football team, the ultimate goal is to win the game, but you look past that point — did we turn the ball over in terms of going and getting the ball? No, and we have struggled to do that this year. We have to do better. But, the Cardinals were 2 of 12 on third down. There were a lot of good things in that game from our defense. There was a bad first play. And then, I wasn’t necessarily pleased, I think when you’ve gotten after someone and dominated a team defensively throughout the course of a game, you’ve got to finish it. And that last drive kind of bothered me, in terms of when you have that pride, when you start to become a really prideful and talented and good defense, you don’t let people drive it at the end, even though the game may be in people’s eyes over. I think there was a lot of good in between. We need to be better, and I think our group as we start to play together and develop more and more continuity will continue to play better football. There are things that we need to do better. Tackling has been at the top of that list, and that has been a week-to-week struggle. That’s a struggle that has been going on in the league, but we need to do it better, and we continue to work on that on a daily basis.”

This article has 67 Comments

  1. If they went hard after Mack Daddy and believed him to be a game changer, I gotta believe they’d like nothing better than to add a game changer via the draft in Nick Bosa.

    What’s with the incredulity regarding the Raiders decision to send him to Chicago? After Gruden lost the coin toss, did you really expect him to send you Big Mack? C’mon John!

    1. Razor do you think Gruden thought the Bears would have the higher draft pick then the Niners? Maybe that swayed the deal?

      1. Could be, Prime. Question for you; had Gruden won the toss, do you think he would have taken McGlinchey?

    2. I think Gruden looked at the Bears with Trubisky, and looked at the Niners with JG, and decided that if they got a second round pick from the Niners or Bears, the Bears pick would have been higher.
      .
      Then, of course, JG tore his ACL and MT threw 6 TDs.

    3. The Raiders were never going to trade a player of Mack’s caliber to the Niners… They never would have heard the end of it.

  2. I’m telling you all for the last time. If Kap returned under center for this 49ers squad, they would finish 9-7 and experience a wild card victory. I saw Kap training at CSU East Bay and he looked SHARP. I counted 85 push-ups and a 4.57 forty. I was watching tape on the 2012 49ers and I’m thinking KS should transform his offense to fit Kap, it would take considerable time but I could help him with the key concepts.

    I’m developing my 15 point plan for the MNF game as we speak. I watched a press conference of McCarthy when he was the OC of SF in 2005……the devil is in the details fellas, the details. Does anyone know JL or KS’s email? I think my knowledge is undervalued on this board.

    1. Would the real Seb please stand up…Yea, different avatar and he only writes with bullets points to start a paragragh.

      1. Is this TrollD? Nice Try. Changing your name to “John” won’t disguise you.

        Everyone knows the 49ers will read my comments, just letting know :p

        1. Sigh, another catfish. Just remember my avatar, they cannot steal that, I hope.
          .
          I do not need their email. Joan in accounting sends them my posts that she likes.;p

          1. Oh, and I actually think Kaep could sign, and play right away. That is, if KS is competent enough.
            .
            However, a 1-4 start would make a 9 win season almost impossible. If Kaep did sign and play, 7 wins would be good progress. Kaep may play well, but the overall injury picture dooms this team to a losing record.

            1. Hmmmm, you’re a clever catfish. I’ll give you that. My superior education at Berkeley never fails me though.

              I would like to reference my hero, Rubyard Kipling, if I may Catfish sebnynah? “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”

              Your words may try to fool the masses, ” If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it”, I can sleep well knowing where my heart lies.

              Colin would out play Rodgers on MNF, if they signed him tomorrow. I think that’s where we disagree, Colin could lead this team into any stadium and deliver an epic performance. You say he “may” play well?? You question Kaep?? HAHAHA, i’m sorry., you may need some cheese with that wine

              1. Seb the imposter, nice try. You’re such a tool. You’re sense of humor sucks too. “kaep could out play Rodgers if signed tomorrow” from a cold start HAHAHA. We all know this is a phony act trying your hardest to be a tool, a wantabe.Yor little play act mocking Seb is silly. You gave away when you said everyone knows the 49ers will read your comments.

            2. Sebbie, Sebbie, Sebbie……Wild and Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

              STILL Waiting for the stats from his last 3 years, Sebs!! The gauntlet is down, and Sebstrom has passed on it…………..Mighty Casey at the plate………………….

              Remember, Sebs–from those 3 yrs stats, you can make the argument for growth!!!!

              Sebs………are you……….no, cant be………YOUR RUNNING AWAY FROM THE CHALLENGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

              1. Saw, just post them. You probably know them by heart.
                .
                I will just counter them by pointing out that Kaep had SB talent in the first 2 years, but Baalke dismantled that team in those last 3 years, so Kaep struggled, and was injured.
                .
                Even with those stats in the last 3 years, Kaep still had an 88.9 QBR, has set playoff records, and has an impressive 4-2 road playoff record.

              2. Shanahan explained early on why he would not adapt his offense to suite a player like Kaep. His philosophy is to have interchangable players. If you adapt the offense to a player like Kaep what do you do it he gets injured? You have no one to replace them. That is his bottom line philosophy and he has had success with his offense so why should he change it for short term wins at the expense of long term success.

                Seb– Do you even pay attention to what other people say? It appears that you are perspective centric.

              3. Will, the hate against Kaep is palpable. They cannot stand him, and they diss him every way they can think.
                .
                He is being blackballed, and they do not want him to ever play again.
                .
                The hypocrisy is glaring, to assert that QBs with way worse QBRs, have a job, but a SB QB who owns playoff records is inferior to them.
                .
                KS tried the same thing last year. He blithely stated that he was happy with Hoyer, but BH pulled a Gabbert and benched himself. I knew he was content to lose, when KS refused to play JG for several weeks. Then JG had that 5 game win streak, and forced KS to sign him long term. Now, JG tore his ACL, and KS is back to playing a sub par QB.
                .
                Posters who say Kaep is not a good scheme fit are just grasping at straws for any excuse to justify not signing Kaep. KS is essentially admitting he is not competent enough to coach Kaep. If CJB keeps losing, expect me to keep bringing up the fact that KS and JL would rather lose without Kaep, than win with him. The fact that they gave Savage a tryout, but not Kaep, just proves my point.
                .
                Do I pay attention to what posters say? Only when their posts and perspectives are not clouded by hate.

            3. Like the sap from a willow tree, so does Sebs bitterness seep from every pore and orifice…………….

              THIS……….is why I question if you really are a “love-god”. Lots of people from Berzerkly pretend to be overflowing-like Niagara Falls overflowing-with LooOOOovve and tolerance……..

    1. Absolutely on both, but it will not surprise if Thomas and Lawrence get slapped with the franchise tag.

        1. Thomas doesn’t want to be in Seattle. I think he’s gone. Sherman might be able to entice him to come to SF, but I suspect his interest lies “deep in the heart of Texas.”

            1. I think after Thomas gave the middle finger to the Seahawk sideline as he was being carted off, that bridge was burned and disintegrated. That’s not even mentioning the fact he was skipping practices during the week.

    2. Thomas is a loser. After he flipped off the Seattle sideline, I’m not sure I want him on my team. On top of that, he’s a Cowboys fan boy and wants to return to Texas.

  3. Yes, and yes. Would you accept $2 billion in cash on a pallet in the middle of the night?

  4. Grant is there a reason why the new pole question wont allow me to vote.

    Okay it is now.

  5. That’s tough to overcome, particularly when you’re in Year 2 of remaking a roster, almost a complete overhaul.

    Thank you Mr.Lynch for reiterating to all those impatient fans what exactly is happening.

      1. Yeah that happens in a rebuild. Pretty sure it will happen again, maybe as soon as Monday night.
        See many knowledgeable fans thought this. Others who believed the hype are sorely mistaken now. In any event the Niners are in a rebuild and this will come with many defeats and some surprising wins. It’s all part of it and that’s what will make the next 2-3 years so enjoyable!

        1. “See many knowledgeable fans thought this.”

          Yeah, that’s why some of us were leery of the meaningless wins at the end of last season.

          I’m sure that Shanahan and Lynch appreciate your support.

        2. This team will have my support till the day I die.
          And winning is never meaningless. Knowledgeable fans know this!

        3. Yesterday I ran into my neighbor & fellow Old Time – Niner Faithful whom I hadn’t seen in weeks. We chatted, made small talk, but neither one of us wanted to bring up the subject of the 49ers. Before I walked back towards my house I said “Did you notice we never once brought up the 49ers?” to which he responded, “Man, I’ve never seen anything like it. How could one team have so many injuries this early in the season? Maybe we need to take a long look at what we are doing about strength and conditioning?”

          Neither one of us even thought for one second to blame Kyle Shanahan’s coaching style, gameplanning, or play calling.

          The conversation ended with both of us agreeing that it was really impossible to evaluate where the 49ers are at in terms of the rebuild, nor was it possible to assign ShanaLynch a grade in terms of their progress through their first 1.3 seasons at the helm.

          “I guess an INC grade would be appropriate” I said as I walked away, to which he replied “Maybe there is a silver lining in all of this …. a chance to draft a difference maker for a pass rusher.”

          Amen!

          1. 49reasons,
            All these injuries cannot be due to coincidence. Perhaps the team is using some kind of stealth PED to get an edge. Could this be why the team is more prone to injury.

      2. I’m not sure why anyone takes you seriously after you spoke in absolutes about the 2019 draft class, like you’re Nostradamus or something. Then the best was when you compared the Carson Wentz led Eagles against the CJ Beathard led 49ers. You clearly don’t like optimistic fans or homers, I can understand that. They can be annoying. You’re just on the other side of the spectrum, the pessimistic fan or “closet fan of another team” type fan.

        Already declaring every draft pick in the last two years is “wasted draft capital” except two players? That’s not even being objective, you just have a clear bias/grudge against the organization or people within the organization. Grant has an obvious grudge against Shanahan because he’s answered some of his questions with disdain. I wonder what the 49ers or Lynch/Shanahan did to you lmao.

        1. Prime, you are the best. And by the way, I haven’t said a thing about the “2019 draft class.” ?

        2. If KS answers questions with disdain, then he is being petty, mean and vindictive.
          .
          He needs to read what BW said about dealing with the press.

          1. Sebs———

            Puh-leaase dont go into your “hate-mongering” slop again!!!!!!!!!!!! Walsh pretty much hated the press.
            Only your arrogance would make you believe nobody else has read his books, seen his press conferences.

            1. BW tolerated the press, and knew their job was to create dissension and be critical. He also knew that 2-14 coaches would get hyper critical comments. Even as a SB winning coach, he expected static, with every word parsed and every act questioned.
              .
              He also was a true professional, and answered every question. He was a master at deflection, using humor to distract, and keep it light. I never saw him treat a journalist with disdain. He knew that champions did not do that.

  6. There is one common thread to the 49es since Shanahan took the helm. Self destruction. Look at the games they have lost and look at the reasons for the loss and it always boils down to blunders on both sides of the ball. First and goal and they false start. Third and 25 and they give up the first down. Fumbles, interceptions, pass interference, defensive holding resulting in a first down, defensive off sides on 4th and short when everyone knows the ball is not going to be hiked and on and on and on.

    They don’t physically lose many games. They beat themselves. How do you lose a game where you make 30 first downs, control the ball 41 minutes to 19, hold the opponents offense to 10 first downs and lose?? You fumble 3 times and throw two picks. Losers find ways to lose. Shanahan is a gross failure as a leader if he thinks his football team is disciplined..

    1. Don—-I see how they lost as a positive. If they were a long established veteran team, those sort of loses would be a problem. But from a total rebuild that is not only playing a lot of rookies, second year second and third stringers who on offense are learning a complex system, these are certainly fixable with time and experience. They are not over matched physically which would require replacing them. All they really need to do is fill in some weakness’s, get more depth and get more experience. All of those things are possible to accomplish this and next season.

      1. The oldest team in the NFL is Arizona, one of the three worst teams in the league. The second youngest team in the NFL? The Rams.. Certainly experience is helpful but the best teams in the NFL hands down are the well coached ones. Coaches who create a culture of execution.

  7. My question for Lynch: Who do you report to? Who is your boss?

    I failed mention after the Cards debacle, the stadium was half full at best. No other team has such poor attendance – not even Bills, Browns , Lions .

  8. They’re rebuilding, first of all, so the excitement from fans will be marginal. The injuries to McKinnon and Jimmy sucked the air out of the building, any excitement from fans were destroyed.

    Stop thinking with your childish emotions and actually look up the numbers. They’re ranked 21st in attendance right now. That’s better than the Seahawks and the “diehard” raider fans who are ranked 30th.

      1. I’m predicting we get a late TD in garbage time. I think having a healthy slot WR will help the offense. I also think Goodwin will play.

        1. I predict the defense will hold them to under 30 points. Do not see the Niner offense scoring more than 30.
          .
          Maybe the Niners could win with a defensive TD.
          .
          They need to counter the crowd noise by running the no huddle, with quick snaps.
          .
          The Niners could win if they go bold, and do not settle for field goals.

  9. “But, when you turn the ball over five times and don’t take it away,”

    That’s the real problem. I’m not convinced that even if we didn’t commit a single turnover that we have the players to beat anybody EXCEPT the Cardinals. The defense has to find a way to start taking the ball away. There’s no way that these offensive clowns are going to make it without at least a turnover or two each game. If the defense can’t force any turnovers then we’ve locked the #1 pick up for sure.

  10. Detroit beat the Packers and Patriots and the Niners beat Detroit so by the rules of wishful thinking and by the proclamation of woes, the football gods see an upset in the making…

    1. I can see us screwing ourselves outta getting Bosa with meaningless wins just like we did with Garrett.

      1. Oh boy, are we back to ‘meaningless wins’ again. The Niners have been their own worst enemy all year, so yea why not.

      2. Razor—- I am like minded. It is my wish that the Niners play well, stay competitive, but lose close games for the rest of the season. That should help the draft position for next season. If you are not going to make the play offs and your have built in excuses like major injuries and emphasis on rebuilding why not take advantage of that. I am not saying they should tank on purpose, but piling up losses would be the best case scenario for the team for this season. This season could still be used as an extended preseason.

        Next season the team could come back healthy with a stronger than ever roster to surprise a lot of teams. Plus they would have built a sustainable roster to compete for years.

        1. Yep, my sentiments exactly. With the ultimate goal of securing Bosa. I don’t think it’s far fetched to consider Gruden is of like mind, and would love to get Bosa. If we’re able to pull it off, that would be two times in a row we got the player that Gruden coveted. I think it’s a strong speculation….

        2. Ah, the elegant tank.
          .
          I beg to differ. I want the Niners to do everything in their power to improve the roster. Even at QB. Then, they need to be competitive, and start the winning tradition, like the last 5 games last season. No matter what, the Niners are probably in the bottom 10, so their draft prospects are good.
          .
          My main disagreement about losing out is- That is not a good strategy to be able to attract good Free Agents. Good Free Agents want to go to a contender, and right now, the Niners will have to overpay to get decent FAs.
          .
          Talib and Suh went to the Rams because their playoff prospects were good. Mckinnon was a part time player who got top dollar, and is now injured.
          .
          I will also disagree with the posters who say there is a dearth of talent. This team does have talent. That D Line is manned with first rounders. Granted, the QB position could be upgraded, but the O line is stout, and there are many speedy playmakers. Sherman is playing like an all pro, and the defensive backfield, while in flux, does have speed and skills. Once they get more experience, and Witherspoon and Ward become backups, they could gel and become more cohesive. Hope to see the rookies contribute.
          .
          With better coaching, this team does have enough talent to be competitive, and if they upgrade the QB position, they could win. That is the recipe for success. Hate losing. Reject Tanking. Start winning.
          .
          I hope the Niners pick last every year.

  11. John Lynch on winning: “It’s a lot more than just moving the football and yards.”

    Yeah, start making good personnel decisions.

  12. One thing I notice the Niners are doing is controlling the message by controlling the messenger.
    .
    JL and KS sound good on KNBR with those hosts, and it is nice they are keeping it light, and divulging little.
    .
    However, JL would impress me more if he allowed Grant to interview him. Fire tempers steel, and I bet the sparks would fly.
    .
    JL apologized over the omission of Kaep in the Packer photos. He rectified the situation. Maybe JL needs to rectify his omission of a Grant interview. I bet it would be a must read.

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