The San Francisco 49ers managed to make the Los Angeles Rams the only team in Week 1 that failed to reach 10 points, which is quite a statement in light of L.A. supposedly being a major powerhouse and Super Bowl favorite.
And while the game being played in Australia might have played a role, another key factor has to be the reunification of star linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.
Seeing the two back on the field together reminded fans of the powerhouse years of not long ago when the duo anchored the interior of the Niners defense.
Warner couldn't be happier his linebacking partner is back after a one-year stint with the Denver Broncos.
Fred Warner echoes what 49ers fans felt about Dre Greenlaw being back
Speaking to reporters after San Francisco returned from its overseas Week 1 victory, Warner was asked what it was like to reunify with Greenlaw—a presence the 49ers largely struggled to replace over the bulk of the last two seasons (he missed most of 2024 after a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl that February).
Warner's response must've tingled the hearts of Niners fans everywhere:
It's a dream. It's been a dream since he rejoined our team. It's an unspoken language with me and Dre. We don't really have to say much. We understand both of us are on the same type of time every single time we step out there. We know each one of us is trying to beat each other to the ball every play.
Dre's an unbelievable player. I'm so happy to have him back.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Warner was visibly reinvigorated to have Greenlaw back in the fray, notching a team-high 11 tackles in the game, breaking up a pass and forcing a fumble during the four quarters of action.
Greenlaw, too, was effective with six tackles of his own.
Understandably, San Francisco fans loved seeing Nos. 54 and 57 patrolling the second level of the defense and will eagerly anticipate what the duo will do in upcoming weeks.
And Warner's sentiments certainly echo how the fanbase felt when it learned Greenlaw was coming back last offseason.
Add us as a preferred source on Google