Briana Jeannel
As the San Francisco 49ers enter the final stretch of the regular season, defensive linemanClelin Ferrellhas emerged as one of the team's most impactful midseason additions. Since rejoining the 49ers in October, Ferrell has brought energy, production, and leadership to a young defensive line, and his Week 14 performance in Cleveland was one of his most dominant outings yet.
"Cle, first of all, the humility," president of football operations and general manager John Lynch said on NBC Sports Bay Area's '49ers Talk.' "He was a top five pick in the draft and then to agree to come to our practice squad because he loves football so much and loved his time here so much. And that was our avenue at the time with our roster situation to get him going.
"Cle had 4.0 sacks and he's been close on a number of other ones and that's been a boost for us. I couldn't have predicted that was going to happen, but it's been huge for us. He's playing some really good football. It's not just sacks. Sometimes guys will have sacks and they're kind of empty hollow numbers. Nine tackles at the D-line. That's kind of unheard of, so he's playing really productive football."
In the team's last contest against the Browns, Ferrell recorded 2.0 sacks, a team-high in tackles, and several momentum-shifting plays in the 49ers win over Cleveland. When he looks back at the tape, Ferrell points to something simple: his mindset.
"It's really just that want-to," Ferrell said. "Each week you try to carry something into the game. QBBrock Purdysaid earlier in the week, 'They remember November,' and we're trying to play our best ball after Thanksgiving. I was just in that mode. This is the time of year where it really, really matters."
Fans from Ohio to California saw Ferrell's emotion after each big play against Cleveland, as he topped off each sack with his signature celebration.
"Coach Kris (Kocurek) doesn't say it outright, but there's a showmanship to the game," Ferrell said. "Anytime you bring charisma and get the fans involved, that's what I love doing. Then everybody starts doing the fishing celebration. It's fun, man."
'This Is Really Family'
When the 49ers brought Ferrell back into the building, he instantly felt at home.
"It's the people," Ferrell said. "Seeing TEGeorge Kittle, having my locker right next to RBChristian McCaffrey, it felt like the same group I first came here with. The goal is still the same. I'm just glad to be back part of it."
Now one of the more experienced voices in the defensive line room, Ferrell has embraced the chance to mentor a young D-line.
"You don't have to be afraid to be great," he said. "Going the extra mile, doing the extra work, those little things take you a long way. One day you'll look up and be grateful you did it."
Keys to Slowing Tennessee
The 49ers face a physical Tennessee Titans team in Week 15, and Ferrell said the challenge starts where most matchups begin, the run game.
"It always starts with stopping the run," Ferrell said. "Tennessee is known for being physical. That's the first question we'll have to answer. Who's going to be more physical? After that, it's players on players, and who can make plays."
As for slowing down a Titans offense that has shown explosiveness behind rookie quarterback Cam Ward?
"We've got a talented group ourselves," he said. "We'll let the chips fall where they may on Sunday."
To the Theaters
Ferrell's secret to sacks is a bit uncommon. The defensive lineman has one of the mostunique pregame rituals: a trip to the movie theater, complete with popcorn, nachos, candy, and a large, mixed-flavor ICEE, as a final reset before gameday.
"Either Friday or Saturday, I'm pulling up to the cinema. Popcorn, nachos, hot dog, the whole deal."
Before facing the Titans this week, on his watch list is the Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor thriller, "One Battle After Another."
"I want to be on edge heading into Sunday," he joked.
December Football
As the 49ers prepare for a crucial stretch of December football, Ferrell says the team's defensive identity comes down to one thing.
"We'll meet you at the ball," Ferrell said.
"That's the biggest thing. It's going to be about how we finish, and we're going to meet you at the ball."
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