In the afterglow of the 49ers’ season-opening win, inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite noted the defense no longer had several stars, but it had maintained the toughness those players instilled.
“I think that was set with Justin (Smith), and Pat (Willis), and those guys that have left us,” Wilhoite said. “But I think we’ve kept it here and that’s been our mentality.”
That, of course, sounded promising after the 49ers allowed three points in a 17-point win over the Vikings. However, that hard-nosed mentality was no match for the Steelers on Sunday.