SF 49ers: Counting down the top 10 plays of 2020 season

SF 49ers Top Play No. 8: Fred Warner’s interception turns momentum against Patriots

The SF 49ers went into their Week 7 matchup against the 2-3 New England Patriots with a chance to move a game over .500 with a win.

While a 4-3 record may not sound all that impressive, for an injury-decimated squad like the Niners to still have a winning record nearing the midpoint of the season, it would be a huge step to staying in playoff contention.

San Francisco didn’t have too many one-sided games this season. But Week 7 turned out to be just that. Jimmy Garoppolo, running back Jeff Wilson Jr. and the SF 49ers ground game led the team to a 10-3 lead nearing the midway point of the second quarter.

In an attempt to answer back, quarterback Cam Newton and the Patriots began their drive at the 27-yard line, hoping to even the game at 10 before the half.

However, Fred Warner had other plans:

As Newton dropped back on first down, pressure forced him up in the pocket, and as he attempted to get the ball to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, Warner dropped back into the passing lane and Newton’s pass never had a chance. Warner made a diving interception at the Patriots’ 41-yard line.

San Francisco’s offense capitalized on the turnover, taking the ball 38 yards in five plays with fullback Kyle Juszczyk running it into the end zone from 4 yards out to give the Niners a 16-3 lead they would never relinquish.

The 33-6 trouncing of the Patriots gave some short-lived hope that 2020 was not a lost season for the defending NFC champs, while Warner would eventually go on and earn the first Pro Bowl nod of his budding career.