Any lingering doubt about Dre Greenlaw's capability on his return from his achilles tear can, it seems, be safely put to rest.
Greenlaw has played like a man possessed in the first half of the San Francisco 49ers Thursday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams - he's made 10 total tackles (five of which are solo) and has flown around the field, making sure to get camera time by being around the ball on almost every play.
In all, he's come up with a tackle around once every three plays, which seems absurd for a player returning from a debilitating long term injury.
As well as passing the eye test, he's impressed the stats people too - his PFF grade too of 92.6, he's been the team's highest-rated defender, and by some distance as well.
While some expected Dre Greenlaw to be eased back in, the 49ers fully deployed him
He's definitely part of the 49ers best trio at linebacker, but even the most optimistic 49ers fan would've found it hard to predict such an impactful game upon his return. There were reports earlier on Thursday of Greenlaw being "eased back in" after the Niners activated him. But, that wasn't the case. From the very first snap, Greenlaw was back to himself.
Happily, though, he's energised the defense as expected - this is probably one of the first times this year that the 49ers defense has somewhat lived up to its billing as one of the most talented units in the NFL.
They were able to hold the Rams offense to no first downs until midway through the second quarter, and have generally held an offense that put up 44 points in its win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday to a handful of positive plays.
Unfortunately, the 49ers have been unable to capitalise, leaving the game a 3-3 tie at half time.
All eyes will therefore remain on Greenlaw and his compatriots in the second half, as the 49ers attempt to turn this low-scoring arm wrestle into a vital divisional win.