Kurt Warner of NFL Network joined "The Rich Eisen Show" this past week and was asked what he makes of the San Francisco 49ers following the team's impressive 31-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Rich Eisen brought up a point that the Niners Faithful have been bringing up for weeks. While many have been critical of the strength (or lack of) of San Francisco's opponents during the team's 4-0 run, no one is really doing to same to the New England Patriots, the only other remaining undefeated NFL team.
Of course, the Patriots have proven in recent years to be a team that you should not question, always being in the Super Bowl hunt. San Francisco's 4-0 start has taken many by surprise.
Back to the "The Rich Eisen Show," Warner doesn't doubt the 49ers one bit.
"I think they are for real," Warner told Eisen. "It's funny that, in this league, where everybody throws for 5,000 yards, and receivers catch 100 balls, and that's what this league is all about. You look at the shiny toys so much, and rightfully so because the league is going in that direction.
"But I know, this is the bottom line with teams like San Francisco, is that they can own the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. And if you have the ability to do that -- run the football for over 200 yards [on Monday] night, No. 1 in the league.
"We saw their defensive front. We've kind of been waiting for all these [first-round] picks to come together on their defensive line, and Nick Bosa was a beast [on Monday] night."
Warner believes things are finally coming together for the 49ers thanks to the additions of some key components over the past few offseasons. It is the team's ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, however, that has impressed the Hall of Fame quarterback.
Added Warner: "If that can win the line of scrimmage week in and week out, they can play with anyone."
That doesn't mean the 49ers are devoid of question marks. Warner wants to see how this team holds up in a shootout, something that could come as early as Sunday afternoon against the Los Angeles Rams.
"[Jimmy Garoppolo], kind of up and down a little bit," Warner explained. "They don't have the weapons on the outside that 'wow' you necessarily, but if they can run the football, Shanahan is so good at tying the run game with the pass game, and the play-action, if they're able to run downhill at you, is so effective and they're so explosive with it that I really do believe that this team is for real because of what they have on the fronts. And then they just need to develop on the edges a little bit more."
49ers activate LB Fred Warner off the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Cardinals game
By David Bonilla
Sep 9, 2020
The San Francisco 49ers got back one of their best young defensive stars on Wednesday. The team has announced that linebacker Fred Warner has been removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list, making him available to return to practice at any time.
The #49ers have activated LB Fred Warner from the Reserve/Covid-19 List.— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 9,
Kyle Shanahan discusses 49ers-Cardinals, Fred Warner, Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle, Dante Pettis
By Site Staff
Sep 9, 2020
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters before Wednesday's practice as his team prepares for its Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Here is everything he had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Can you just update us on what you saw or just what LB Fred Warner's status is and just how he's dealt with the last week and then also just how dependable he's been for you guys entering his third season?
"Yeah, Fred's back. He's good to go. I can't talk about too much of his week away, but Fred's been as reliable of a player that we've had. It's great to get him back today. We were obviously pretty nervous about that, but he's good to go and we're very
Robert Saleh, 49ers ready to unleash Fred Warner vs. Cardinals after missed time
By David Bonilla
Sep 10, 2020
The San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday activated linebacker Fred Warner off of the reserve/COVID-19 list. He had been away from the team since August 31.
Warner was back on the practice field this week as the 49ers prepare for their Week 1 matchup on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
"He's looked good," defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told reporters on Thursday. "I think whatever the performance crew has going for him, he looks fine to me. But he's excited to be around and all that stuff, so he looks good. I'm not expecting any restrictions for him."
Warner also spoke with reporters on Thursday. Of course, the linebacker didn't want to get into
