49ers’ Fred Warner leads defense into rivalry week against Rams

SANTA CLARA — Tackle No. 699 of Fred Warner’s career was unlike any other. It came with speed, power, force and a season-opening message.
“That was the one you dream of, to set the tone,” Warner said of slamming Najee Harris for a 2-yard loss early in Sunday’s 30-7 win in Pittsburgh.
With all due respect to the 49ers’ overall dominance, and without diminishing Drake Jackson’s three-sack outburst in Nick Bosa’s shadow, Warner delivered a hit so fierce it announced the 49ers’ familiar presence as Super Bowl contenders.
“I haven’t seen anybody fly to the ball like that. He made the play before he even made the play,” defensive tackle Javon Hargrave said. “You just see him flash so quick. That was crazy. That set the tone.”
Teammates were in awe over the sight and the sound of it. Having the NFL’s premier linebacker command this elite defense is critical, especially when Warner’s sidekick, Dre Greenlaw, is hurt again. Greenlaw did not practice Wednesday because of a groin injury, two years after groin surgery forced him to miss most of the 2021 season.
Why single out one play in a lopsided affair? Because its timing and gravitational pull caught everyone’s attention at the perfect time, from their most vocal leader.
Yes, the 49ers defense opened with a three-and-out, punctuated by a third-down sack from Jackson. Yes, the 49ers staked themselves to a 7-0 lead on Brock Purdy’s touchdown pass to Brandon Aiyuk on their first possession.
Then came Warner, a four-time captain and their pregame hype man, to make sure the Steelers would not launch a counterattack.
All-Pro Fred packs a punch 😤 @fred_warner
Next up, #BeatLA on FOX. pic.twitter.com/72NoEqN1Cm
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 12, 2023
On first down from the 27-yard line, Pittsburgh opened its second series with its first run play of the season, to Harris, a former Antioch High and Alabama star. Warner lurked behind five defensive linemen — Bosa, Arik Armstead, Hargrave, Javon Kinlaw and Clelin Ferrell. Kinlaw was too busy pushing through two linemen (the left guard and center) to see Warner fly by him.
“I was trying to penetrate right there,” Kinlaw said. “I didn’t even see him. I took two (linemen) right there, and he made a heck of a play. That’s what he does: fly around the field crazy.”
Kinlaw heard the thumping impact Warner made.
“That doesn’t surprise me, though,” Kinlaw said. “I’ve seen him run and hit for a long time. That’s what he does, better than anybody.”
Armstead was a corroborating witness: “It was a great play. It was definitely a big hit. You could feel it on the field, tons of energy on that play. He’s been doing that for a long time, and that’s why he’s the best linebacker in the NFL.”
Warner reclaimed First-Team All-Pro status last year. His eight tackles Sunday raised his regular-season total to 642 (plus 64 in the playoffs).
The 49ers defense, under new coordinator Steve Wilks, did not allow a first down through five series, not until a 95-yard touchdown drive to close the first half.
Next up is the 49ers’ annual visit to SoFi Stadium, having swept the Los Angeles Rams in their home-and-away for four straight seasons.
Asked his favorite memory of that stretch, Bosa initially thought of Talanoa Hufanga’s pick-six in last year’s game at Levi’s Stadium. Then Bosa remembered something better.
“Fred’s pick in 2019,” Bosa said of Warner’s 46-yard pick-six to cast the “Saturday Night Football” spotlight on the second-year linebacker. “I remember he was coming on. He wasn’t quite ‘Fred’ yet around here. That kind of vaulted him into legendary status.”
So did many other plays, such as a fumble he forced in a January 2022 playoff win at Green Bay, and such as the Patrick Willis-type hit he put on Harris to christen the 2023 season.
BOSA’S PAIN IN NECK
Bosa practiced despite a sore neck from his 35-snap workload, which came just two days after signing a record-setting contract extension.
“I just need to hit somebody again,” Bosa said.
Although he did not record a sack Sunday, he said he should be able to make better adjustments next outing.
Three things especially noteworthy for Bosa about playing in Los Angeles:
On the huge presence of 49ers’ fans: “It’s great. I think we have the best traveling fan base overall. Pittsburgh was impressive. And I think we’ll take over L.A.”
On the artificial turf: “It’s a little better (than others). I’m not a fan at all of any turf. But it’s a little more slick, as opposed to having really soft surface like MetLife.”
On the Rams: “(Matthew) Stafford is one of the best in the league and he showed that last week. We’re going to have to pressure him and make him uncomfortable. It’s a pretty revamped O-line with new guys, so we’ll have to watch some tape and get a feel.”
PRACTICE REPORT
Greenlaw (groin) and left tackle Trent Williams (rest) were the only players who did not practice. Tight end George Kittle (groin) and return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud (wrist) were full participants. The Rams practiced without right guard Joseph Noteboom (ankle); former 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (hip) was full go.
PREPPING FOR DONALD
Right guard Spencer Burford has learned a lot about facing Rams star Aaron Donald since his first impression a year ago as a rookie.
“It was a surreal moment, especially being young, coming into the league, still learning and getting thrown out in front of a Hall of Famer,” Burford said. “Of course, it’s going to light your world up. But it was a fun experience. I learned a lot from last year. I had some success and hope to have some this year.”
AWARD SHOW
While wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk won his first career NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, running back Christian McCaffrey was named the FedEx NFL Ground Player of the Week, leading to a $2,000 donation in McCaffrey’s name for students at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).