It\u2019s a popular proclamation in training camp from any team that considers itself a contender.<\/p>\n
Not so with 49ers\u2019 tackle Trent Williams.<\/p>\n
Call it common sense or a veteran\u2019s perspective, but Williams doesn\u2019t feel the need to be talking about a game on Feb. 8 at Levi\u2019s Stadium with the Seattle Seahawks on the horizon on Sept. 7 and the start of the regular season.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t really approach it like that,\u201d the 11-time Pro Bowler said Thursday. \u201cWe\u2019ve got our own set of challenges. I don\u2019t look at it as being anything or bust. We want to be successful, we have the talent to be successful, and there\u2019s no greater motivator than the Super Bowl being right here in your backyard.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis team, for us to maximize our potential, we\u2019ve got to focus on one week at a time. The Super Bowl shouldn\u2019t be on the forefront of anybody\u2019s mind. It should be having the best regular season we can possibly have, getting to a playoff game, and then going from there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams, 37, practiced all three days this week in the heat and has taken a lot of training camp reps \u2014 especially of late. And Williams has the kind of influence where all he has to do is say the word, and he can be a spectator instead of a participant.<\/p>\n
Last season, Williams missed all of training camp awaiting a contract extension. The fact that he stepped in and started the season anyway, Williams feels, is a testament to his 14 years of experience. He wouldn\u2019t want to do it again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m one of those guys that likes to work,\u201d Williams said. \u201cI like to be coached. I wouldn\u2019t recommend missing training camp. You need it. It\u2019s the only buffer you\u2019ve got before the regular season.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for the myriad 49ers injuries, Williams isn\u2019t spending a lot of time worrying about them because none of them have been season-ending, and most players are expected back either for Week 1 in Seattle or not long afterward.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes a toll when you hear a guy\u2019s out for the year,\u201d Williams said. \u201cBut the little dings and stuff like that, you want guys to take a little time off. You want everyone to come in as healthy as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams, limited to 10 games last season with an ankle\/heel injury, hasn\u2019t been the only veteran who has ramped up his snap count on recent days. Running back Christian McCaffrey looked at his rushing\/receiving best on Thursday and had a big day on Wednesday as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cY\u2019all got eyes like I do,\u201d Williams said. \u201cChristian looks fantastic. He looks like Offensive Player of the Year Christian. To see him out there, a hundred percent healthy, treating every play like it\u2019s his last, it really motivates the guys when you\u2019ve got a generational talent that brings it to work and practice every day.\u201d<\/p>\n