George Kittle Explains the Mindset the Undefeated 49ers Have This Year

One of the most common phrases an athlete will utter is "one game at a time" when they're asked about the big picture goals of their team.

However, sometimes this is easier said than done. Sometimes athletes will share a team or personal long-term goal and maybe focus too much on it instead of focusing solely on the present.

The San Francisco 49ers, who sit 6-0 this season, seem to really be harping on the "one game at a time" mindset this season. And, it appears to be working better than ever as they remain undefeated.

49ers tight end George Kittle spoke to ESPN's Scott Van Pelt after Monday night's 23-17 win over the Washington Commanders and shared what coach Kyle Shanahan has been drilling into the players' brains this season.

"I'm in year 10 right now, I just want to win, that's all I want to do," Kittle said. "If you look at the big picture too much, it adds way too much pressure. That's all it is. I think we're doing a really good job this year of like 'One week, that's all that matters.'

"Kyle said it I think in our team meeting last night, 'We have two games in eight days. That's all we have to focus on and you guys get a week off. Attack this as best as you possibly can, as hard as you possibly can. Let's get these dubs, and let's focus on the next week. That's all we have to focus on.'"

It may be an overused saying for athletes to focus solely on the next match ahead, but it's a saying that seems to really work. Sure, as Kittle said, he would love to win his first Super Bowl ring, but that's not what's on his mind every single week. He tries to focus on the team he's competing against at a given moment instead of thinking months ahead.

The 49ers are looking good this season, too. If this mindset continues to work for them, and if they can stay away from the injury bug moving forward, the team has a good chance of reaching The Big Game at the end of the season.