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Young 49ers defenders once again prove worthy of spotlight on MNF vs. Commanders
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- Young 49ers defenders once again prove worthy of spotlight on MNF vs. Commanders
Young 49ers defenders once again prove worthy of spotlight on MNF vs. Commanders originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers' young defensive lineman is a main reason the team was able to pull out a 23-17 win over the Washington Commanders on "Monday Night Football."
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While the 49ers have a plethora of savvy veterans, the defensive rookies and second-year players made an undeniable impact in the game.
Rookie Jaden Dugger led the team with 11 tackles — eight solo, while Gracen Halton registered a sack of Jayden Daniels, as did Romello Height, who split a sack with Keion White. Mykel Williams, in his second season, registered his first quarterback takedown after making his way back from an ACL injury.
"It felt good, it's been on my mind for about 10 or 11 months," Williams said of the play. "To be able to do it, first home game, second game back, it felt good."
The young group is close-knit, confident and their productivity is a result of their work ethic and focus. More tenured players, like Keion White, are appreciative of the youthful players' ability to lock in and contribute.
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"All the guys, they are really showing up and showing out this season," White said. "And the utmost respect for all of them because it's hard. They are doing better than me in my rookie year. So much respect, I am really proud of them."
Trent Williams is thankful for the youth movement in the locker room. The All-Pro enjoys their energy as well as their play on the field. The veteran lineman believes that without the contribution of the team's defensive rookies and young players, the 49ers would not be sitting at 6-0.
"We can't get where we want to go without the young guys," Williams said. "They make up a great deal of our success. I am super happy with what they did in the draft. We got a bunch of steals in the draft. Mello falling to the second round, I think to me is absurd. A guy who is as polished of a pass rusher as he is. Gracen in the fourth round, the front office did their job."
The group is not only mature but very close, which is reflected in the way they play on the field. From OTAs through training camp, the younger players have spent quite a bit of time together both on and off the field.
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"We are very close, we are bothers," Halton said. "That started the first day of OTAs. We got real close and going out there knowing you have a brother with the same mindset as you, you want to go make plays.
"I'm excited to see what they did tonight, especially Mello, he's been waiting for that moment, he's been getting around that quarterback but not quite. Today he sealed it off. I'm proud of him, that's my guy."
Halton wanting Height to finally register a sack speaks to how all the group wants is success for each other and wins for the team. Their selflessness and joy that they show on the field is an example of their bond.
And while they might be new to the league, most of the defensive line has played a lot of football. They understand the grind of a season. They are committed to doing what it takes to reach their goals. George Kittle respects their maturity.
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"I'm pumped for them," Kittle said. "It's a young D-line. I'm all for drafting older players because they understand the sense of urgency and they are all adults. They are all ready for the moment."
The group has a short week to recover and recoup before heading to Atlanta where Falcons running back Bijan Robinson will be another tough challenge in Week 7.
