Culture is so often overlooked. I think in this third year of the new regime, KOC and Kwesi have balanced top skill players with talented guys who just want a chance. Maybe they weren't drafted very high (good examples given). Maybe they've been journeymen elsewhere (Jihad Ward). Given the opportunity to gel with no visible prima donnas, is important. Critically important is the attitude of both JJetta and Darnold. Darnold is extraordinarily humble from what I've seen. Has become a quiet leader, maybe he's more vocal on the field, but in front of the media, he comes across with humility, saying all the right things. I listened to an interview before the start of the Niner's game, and he was asked about how he was preparing for the game. His response of quiet reflection, saying some prayers, was a refreshing alternative to some of the hot dawg prima donnas that the NFL has spawned over the years.
I'll add one word to the characterization that Harrison Phillips gave in his "dawg mentality" interview: humility.