5 lessons 49ers can learn from Patriots, Eagles’ Super Bowl run

No. 2: Locker room culture is important

As you can see above, Eagles players are having fun, which is a marker of a strong and close locker room. The tight-knit quality of the Philadelphia squad has been an indispensable intangible benefit that has carried them through these playoffs, and Pederson is one of the reasons for that.

Here is this, from Sport Illustrated’s Andrew Brandt:

"Pederson has done a masterful job with the Eagles this year while without his MVP-level quarterback, Pro Bowl left tackle, most versatile running back, best linebacker, and best special teams player. He has preached resiliency, and players have obviously bought in. He has a brilliant offensive mind, understands players, and has an ability—borne from within but gleaned from Favre and Andy Reid—to not take things too seriously. He builds relationships, trusts people and empowers his players."

Quality of players matter. But if the fabric of the locker room is weak, there is no camaraderie or respect between those players, none of that matters. Which is why the Patriots are also a successful team, because they have a “way of things.”

Despite the controversy, the Patriots march full steam ahead. Why? Because they have a culture set in place. It is their modus operandi, one that is structured in a professional setting, that keeps the organization running.

This is what the 49ers need to be doing, instilling their own culture. San Francisco lacked any locker room strength or real direction for the past few seasons, and it was a massive factor into their demise.

The building of culture starts with general manager John Lynch and Shanahan and works it way down. Without the presence of culture, the chances for success are greatly diminished.