The San Francisco 49ers defense will aim to carry its strong Week 9 performance against the Las Vegas Raiders into its game against the Dallas Cowboys. San Francisco recorded five takeaways against Las Vegas: three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Linebacker Fred Warner was among the players who came away with a takeaway.
Ahead of the matchup, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott praised Warner and said Dallas would need to track his position on the field and protect the ball. “He’s probably the best linebacker in the NFL right now,” Prescott told reporters on Nov. 12. He also highlighted Warner’s ability to read formations and make adjustments.
“The way he plays the game mentally, reading the splits, reading the back, whether he’s near or far, and making his different calls is impressive,” Prescott said. “Their defense is simple because he can get them into the right positions. They play fast, and they play hard. There’s a little bit of a chess match there, but it’s no different from play callers calling the plays. At the end of the day, it’s about execution.”
Warner had played 502 defensive snaps for San Francisco this season, earning an 86.2 overall Pro Football Focus defensive grade. He had also recorded 54 solo tackles, five total pressures, one sack and 29 stops. Opposing quarterbacks had a passer rating of 84.6 when targeting him in coverage.
## Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also praises Warner
Dallas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown will not be on the field at the same time as Warner, but he expressed admiration for the 49ers star. “I have the utmost respect for him,” Overshown told reporters on Nov. 12. “Since he came into this league, he’s been a dog. He’s been somebody you have to scout during the week. You have to know where 54 is and be aware when you’re carrying the ball. He’s the prototype linebacker.”
Overshown added that Warner has influenced how the linebacker position is played, particularly from sideline to sideline. “I’d like to say he opened the doors for guys like me with my body type to come in and play four downs of football,” he said. “It’s going to be good watching him play, but it’s a battle at the end of the day. We want to come out as the linebacker unit that showed up and made the plays.”
## Warner recognizes the Cowboys’ offensive threats
Warner also spoke about the challenge posed by Dallas’ offense. On Nov. 11, he said the 49ers would need to be at their best against a Cowboys team capable of making plays through the air.
Warner praised Prescott as a quarterback and leader, and pointed to Dallas’ receiving options as significant threats. “CeeDee [Lamb] is having a tremendous year, getting a lot of targets, but also making use of those targets,” Warner said. “George Pickens is also a huge weapon and has freakish ability when he gets the ball in his hands.”
