49ers linebacker Warner draws attention.
49ers linebacker Warner draws attention, high praise for his play
Imagine you’re back in your office cubicle. You’re an up-andcoming worker, a real go-getter. As you’re multi-tasking, as usual, it’s announced to millions on national television that you’re the best at your profession.
That was Fred Warner on Sunday. CBS analyst Tony Romo, calling the 49ers’ 33- 6 rout at New England, emphasized how impressed he was.
“That’s the best linebacker in ‘ ball,” Romo declared.
Similar praise was once reserved for Warner’s 49ers predecessors, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.
“When I saw it, it was for sure f lattering, 100 percent,” Warner said of Romo’s words. “Ever since coming into the league and through draft process, you’re being told what you can’t do.”
In Year 3, everyone is becoming enchanted with what Warner is actually doing, not only for his own reputation but in keeping together an injury-marred defense.
He is a first-time captain, and while his on-field play commands that honor, Warner’s impact is
found in other important quarters. That goes for the ever-important film room. And it is especially evident on the practice field, starting with a daily battle cry as he sprints into a teamwide huddle after they stretch.
“I got drafted to the perfect team, the perfect coaching staff, the perfect locker room where I’m able to grow and develop my game to where it’s at right now,” Warner said. “In this league, what you’ve done in the past doesn’t matter and it’s all about what you’re doing going forward. I get another chance this week against one of the best offenses in the league.”
The 49ers (4-3) visit Russell Wilson and the NFL’s top-ranked offense Sunday in Seattle to take on the Seahawks (5-1).
Warner’s counterpart on the other sideline is Bobby Wagner, the linebacker Warner studied most before entering the NFL out of BYU, where he showcased his coverage ability as a nickel back and outside linebacker.
“If you see some things I do, it probably looks similar to what he does, just because I’ve watched him for so long, because he’s been the best for a long time,” Warner said of Wagner, a ninth-year veteran and a perennial All-Pro since his third season. ( Reminder: Warner is in his third season.)
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll recalled how Wagner, a 2012 second-round pick, entered the NFL as a tremendous athlete and took charge from Day 1.
“It looks like Fred is doing that,” Carroll said in a Wednesday conference call. “He’s taken over from the start. He’s been such an active player, run and pass, and so available to make plays because he’s such a hard worker and reader and instinctive guy.
“You can’t watch the defense and not see him. He just jumps out at you. It’s been cool to see him ascend so quickly.”
Warner is now the NFL’s prototype for a middle linebacker, someone who can deliver a proper tackle, who can speed sideline-to-sideline in coverage, who can relay the frantic play call in a calm tone before further aligning his defensive linemen properly.
“When you play zone defense a lot, you better have some good guys inside who look at the quarterback and I think Fred is as good as anyone,” coach Kyle Shanahan said.
Romo struggled to find a fault in Warner’s game, settling for just how his stats are hindered by quarterbacks’ reluctance to test him. Added Romo: “He covers things you’re not supposed to be able to cover.”
Sure enough, Warner followed a Patriots’ receiver on a “drift” route that turned into an “over” route, and that put Warner in position to make a shoestring interception of a lousy pass by Cam Newton.
Warner is on pace for a career-high 130 tackles. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has long championed Warner for all he does, and don’t overlook Warner’s reliability in starting every game since his 2018 rookie debut as a third- round draft pick.
“If he keeps that pace, stays humble and always understands that the purpose of every day is to find a way to get better, he’s going to have an unbelievable career,” Saleh said. COLEMAN BACK AT PRACTICE >> Tevin Coleman practiced for the first time since his Week 3 knee sprain, an encouraging sign he might come off injured reserve to help a th inning running back corps Sunday at Seattle. Tight end Jordan Reed ( knee) suited up to stretch with his teammates and nickel back K’Waun Williams ( knee) also was cleared to start practicing as they also take steps to come off IR.
Shanahan said the trio’s practice window opened more in an effort to suit them up for next Thursday’s home game against Green Bay. The 49ers have three weeks to activate Coleman, Reed and Williams onto the roster.
Coleman’ s return, whether it’s this game or next, will help offset another injury. Jeff Wilson Jr. ( high-ankle sprain) is not practicing and is expected to join Raheem Mostert (high-ankle sprain) on IR this week. Either Jerick McKinnon or JaMycal Hasty will start at running back Sunday when the 49ers visit the Seahawks.
SHERMAN, FORD STILL OUT >> Cornerback Richard Sherman (calf) and defensive end Dee Ford ( back) have to yet resume practicing after playing only in the season opener.
SEA HAWKS’ DEFENSIVE WOES >> Carroll gave a vote of confidence to his embattled defense, which has allowed the most yards through six games in NFL history. Carroll blamed much of their woes to getting outscored 63-52 in the fourth quarter — and 3- 0 in overtime, after Sunday night’s 37- 34 loss at Arizona.
“In the rope- a- dope mode, we haven’t played very well,” Carroll said. “We’re in a good enough spot to make a real good run if we can clean up what’s going on over there. It is an area of focus, I will tell you that, but it ain’t going to stay like this.”
Offsetting their defensive disasters is quarterback Russell Wilson, the NFL’s leading passer. “This is the best he’s been,” Carroll said. “He’s off to a great start and we’re going to work real hard to sustain it and keep growing and keep getting better.”
Shanahan is expecting safety Jamal Adams (groin) to return to the Seahawks’ defense for this game, and the 49ers’ offensive wizard is not taking for granted his opponents’ stat level.
“They’re giving up a lot of yards and I know the numbers are real bad. But numbers don’t tell whole story,” Shanahan said. “Their offense is playing as good as any offense. They’re playing good enough to win and that’s why they’ve only lost one, and I don’t think the numbers tell the whole story.”
MISSING PRACTICE >> Not practicing Wednesday: linebacker Kwon Alexander (ankle), wide receivers Richie James (ankle) and Deebo Samuel (hamstring), safeties Jaquiski Tartt (Groin) and Jimmie Ward (quad), and cornerback Jason Verrett (rest day). SEEKING A SACK >> Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is not fretting about not having a sack through his first seven games. The 49ers’ top draft pick has been getting pressure and been a disruptive force on the interior against runs.
“I’m not really worried about sacking the quarterback. I’m just worried about getting the win, honestly,” said Kinlaw. “All that comes with playing the D-line — trying to get the quarterback. But my main thing is getting the win. I’m still learning how to get proper technique. The sacks, they’re going to come.”