Fred Warner shined in otherwise disjointed 49ers defensive effort vs. Vikings

While the bulk of the 49ers defense was sloppy in Week 2's loss to the Vikings, Fred Warner's All-Pro prowess was on full display.

If it wasn't for All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, the San Francisco 49ers likely would have been blown out on the road in Week 2 by the Minnesota Vikings.

Granted, a loss is a loss regardless of the final score. The Niners could have been defeated 41-10, and the glaring "L" would have counted the exact same in the standings.

However, Warner certainly did his job (and then some) on a day when most of the rest of San Francisco's defense displayed a disjointed and uninspiring effort.

Fred Warner masterful in 49ers loss to Vikings

For those who merely look at postgame recaps and analysis, they might see Warner atop San Francisco's game-grade leaderboard from Pro Football Focus:

Indeed, his 95.8 overall game grade from PFF was highest among qualifying linebackers across the NFL, which isn't a surprise.

But Warner was much more than that, likely saving a would-be touchdown via one of his two forced fumbles during the game and eliminating a chance at another, thanks to a timely interception off the hand of Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

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Not to be lost in the mix, Warner had a team-high nine tackles with two passes broken up and a sack, too.

"Fred is playing like a Hall of Famer, best in the world," cornerback Charvarius Ward told The Athletic's David Lombardi after the game.

Usually, this kind of effort would be one where fans and analysts alike would say a player "took over a game," resulting in his team's victory.

Unfortunately for Warner, the rest of the 49ers didn't quite meet expectations and ultimately spoiled his Hall of Fame-caliber performance from Week 2.

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