Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Thursday, June 19th, 2025
- “Denver Broncos – August 7 in Santa Clara, California
- Las Vegas Raiders – August 14 in Henderson, Nevada”
Brant Boyer wants to build a new era — and better aura — for 49ers’ special teams (paywall)
“The 49ers’ special teams sessions had a different, more intense aura this spring. For one thing, Boyer is one of the few NFL coaches who still uses a whistle, which he blasts to gather or organize his players.
Loud music, meanwhile, is a hallmark of Shanahan’s practices. He likes the energy it provides and wants his players accustomed to noisy environments. During an OTA session earlier this month, however, Boyer turned the volume down when the special teams were on the field.
“They’re learning a whole new system,” he said. “So I think it’s critical for the team communication and everything to be on point. Once we get that communication and everyone talking to each other and being on the same page, I have no problem with the music being on.”
Surratt, who had 10 special teams tackles for the Jets last year, said Boyer’s a stickler for crisp communication. After all, no two returns or coverage plays are exactly alike and players must be able to adjust on the fly.
“I’d compare it to playing basketball,” Surratt said. “They talk all the time during a play. We’re going full speed but at the same time we have to know who’s beside you, to the right of you, who’s doing what. I think communication during a play is a big thing, and the really good units are able to do that.”
Deommodore Lenoir: Renardo Green confident, 49ers’ CB depth strong
“Just looking at Upton, I feel like he’s way more advanced than where I was when I first got in,” Lenoir said. “Just playing the nickel spot, everything just kind of slowed down for him.
“And I feel like all the plays that he’s making, it shows that the game is slowing down for him. And I feel like that’s a spot that’s very vital, and that he’s going to excel at.”
As for Brown, Lenoir has a personal history with the veteran cornerback.
“That’s my guy,” Lenoir said. “I’ve been knowing him for a long time. We went to the Under Armour Game together, playing the speed challenge. We’ve been around each other a lot, so we’re kind of familiar with each other.
“He’s going to be a great addition for us, just the cornerback depth. He came in, made some plays. He’s been making plays, and I’m excited for him.”