Fred Warner delivers 49ers defense a spark vs. Patriots with can't-miss play

The 49ers defense needed to bounce back against the Patriots, and Fred Warner just ensured that happened.

The San Francisco 49ers defense took a late shellacking in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, prompting plenty of questions heading into its Week 4 home bout against the New England Patriots.

Usually, when a unit is struggling, that unit's leaders need to step up in key situations.

Thankfully, the Pats offense isn't exactly dynamic, giving the Niners a chance to fully bounce back at Levi's Stadium.

Still, having leaders make key plays is a recipe for getting right.

And All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner delivered early with a first-half play you can't miss.

Fred Warner notches pick-6 touchdown to spark 49ers defense vs. Patriots

San Francisco already put up six points toward the end of the first half, three of them coming off one New England turnover.

However, at the 14:15 mark of the second quarter, Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett attempted a 3rd-and-5 pass over the middle.

Warner didn't just pick it off, he took it to the house for six:

Related story: 49ers can't afford to let this lone Patriots weapon beat them

Warner holds the reputation for being the best linebacker in the game, and this lone play will further cement that reputation.

More importantly, though, it gave a spark to a 49ers defense that has to be feeling a little rough after a two-game skid heading into Sunday's affair versus the Pats.

Taking that momentum into halftime will be vital for the Niners as they look to end the losing streak.

Read more from Niner Noise