49ers coach's bold statement makes a lot of sense

Charvarius Ward received some well-deserved recognition this week with the news the San Francisco 49ers cornerback has been named to his first Pro Bowl.

Ward was one of nine members of the 49ers roster to get the nod following a career year for the former Kansas City Chief.

He has consistently been touted as an All-Pro by his teammates this season and on Thursday defensive coordinator Steve Wilks threw his weight behind that campaign, making a bold statement about Ward in the process.

He told a press conference: "This is my opinion and my opinion only, I don’t think there’s another corner in the National Football League that’s playing better than Charvarius Mooney Ward. 

"So kudos to him in being elected for his first Pro Bowl. Hopefully that predicates also in All-Pro because I think he’s playing at that caliber level."

Asked what improvements he's seen from Ward on film from last year to this point, Wilks replied: 

“Just in the details of his technique and then the consistency in which he practices. I think you guys heard me say this once this year and calling him out. He’s full speed on a Friday. He’s going to the ground trying to get the ball. He made a statement the other day talking to the team when [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] had him break it down, which I love. He said, ‘continue to compete against the man in the mirror.’ That’s what he’s been doing all year. That’s his quote. He’s been competing against himself trying to get better each and every, not week, but day. It’s shown up and it’s paid off for him.”

He then added: "Mooney has been consistent all year in his approach and how he studies the game. He sees certain things. 

"I talked to the coaches about this watching tape, even when the play is not coming to his side, just the way he uses his eyes and how he positions himself based off certain route combination. You can tell that he understands the concepts."

That understanding has helped Ward rack up a league-leading 23 pass breakups along with five interceptions. He has a passer rating allowed of 56.8 that puts him sixth among cornerbacks, while he has the third-highest Pro Football Focus grade for players at the position.

Those numbers make Wilks' claims difficult to argue. Still, an All-Pro nod is much more difficult to come by than a Pro Bowl selection. However, even if Ward does not get that distinction, Wilks believes he can hold his head up high on and off the field. 

Ward credits his improved play to a much improved relationship with his daughter.

"I’ve seen definitely a change in his demeanor," Wilks said when asked about the impact of Ward's bond with his daughter. 

"We talk about it all the time. I think he is at a different place and space in his life and how he handles certain situations. I’m just so proud of him. Not only what he’s doing on the field, but who he is as a father. It’s just tremendous."