Emerging cover man Ahkello Witherspoon completely rejects the notion of losing for a high draft pick. In fact, he believes the 49ers need wins to confirm what’s being coached.
Witherspoon, a rookie, said that the younger players keep getting comfortable by winning.
“You come into road blocks when you go into games, and you believe your preparation was ample and you still lose,” Witherspoon said. “That’s what winning does, it encourages another level of growth, in two weeks I think we’ll be at another level as a group.”
In last week’s win over the Giants, Witherspoon said players wanted to play at a higher level.
“Yeah, we definitely came out and tried to hold ourselves to a higher standard,” he said. “That comes from making plays. Just try to be as dominant as you can.”
Defensive lineman Ronald Blair said he felt the team played better against the Giants because they were looser. Witherspoon didn’t necessarily agree.
“In terms of loose, I wouldn’t say that’s the right word, because it’s dangerous playing loose out there,” Witherspoon said. “I would say our week of preparation, we were out there comfortable and gap sound, coverage sound, and that kind of comes through preparation.”
Witherspoon has played solidly since his insertion into the starting lineup after the 49ers traded Rashard Robinson on Oct. 31. In three starts, Witherspoon’s made 16 tackles, an interception and defended two passes.