The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL, according to their head coach Kyle Shanahan. He praised Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw for their stellar performance in the 49ers’ blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5, and compared them to a historic Chicago Bears tandem.
Warner and Greenlaw Dominate Cowboys
Warner and Greenlaw were instrumental in the 49ers’ 42-17 victory over the Cowboys, as they combined for 11 tackles, two sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Warner had a career game, as he recorded a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and five tackles. Greenlaw was equally impressive, as he had six tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery.
Shanahan was impressed by their ability to fly around the field and make plays on the ball. He said that they practice punching the ball out every day, and it shows in the games. He also said that they are very energetic, aggressive, and physical.
Shanahan Likens Warner and Greenlaw to Urlacher and Briggs
Shanahan joined Greg Papa on “49ers Game Plan” and was asked if Warner is playing the best football of his career. Shanahan not only agreed, but likened Warner and Greenlaw to the Chicago Bears’ linebacker duo of Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs from the early 2000s to 2010s.
“Probably. I mean, he’s been so good for so long, but him and [Dre] Greenlaw together just, we’re so fortunate to have those guys. I feel like we got Urlacher and Lance just the way those two guys are the way they fly around whenever a guy catches it as soon as he turns around, one of those guys is hitting them,” Shanahan said.
Urlacher and Briggs were one of the most dominant linebacker duos in NFL history, as they played together for 10 seasons in Chicago. Urlacher was an eight-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro, a Defensive Rookie of the Year, a Defensive Player of the Year, and a Hall of Famer. Briggs was a seven-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro.
Warner and Greenlaw Lead 49ers’ Defense
Warner and Greenlaw have been leading the 49ers’ defense since 2019, when they both emerged as key players. Warner has been one of the league’s best linebackers since his rookie year in 2018, while Greenlaw made a name for himself with his game-saving tackle against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 of 2019.
Since then, they have been a formidable duo that can cover, rush, tackle, and force turnovers. They have also been durable, as they have missed only one game each in their careers. They are both under contract until 2024, which means they have plenty of time to cement their legacy as one of the best linebacker duos in franchise and NFL history.