Fred Warner loves what he's seen from the 49ers linebackers early in training camp.
The San Francisco 49ers are looking to be better in all facets this season. Offensively, the team looks to build on its No. 2 ranked rushing attack and No. 13 ranked passing attack. On the other side of the football, it seeks to improve upon its No. 17 run defense and even its top-ranked pass defense.
The 49ers are hoping it will be enough to achieve their goal, returning to the Super Bowl and, this time, winning it.
While this offseason has been the polar opposite of typical, the team is returning most of its starters. That continuity will be an advantage since NFL teams were unable to take part in team-organized practices or workouts this offseason due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And now, this young 49ers roster has playoff experience.
Linebacker Fred Warner spoke with reporters today via a video conference call and explained that he expects that continuity and experience together to pay dividends in this unpredictable upcoming season. He's already seen it early in training camp.
"This year, it's kind of crazy because we get out there in that first day of walk-through, and usually, there's a little bit of trying to work back into things," Warner explained. "But we got out there, and we're just hitting on all cylinders.
"Just having that year under our belt, being together, Dre (Greenlaw) included, things just run so much faster, so much smoother, and we're able to set the tone right away. We're all about bringing the energy not only to the defense but to the whole team, and we haven't missed a beat with that."
Despite missing half of the regular season with a torn pectoral muscle, Kwon Alexander brought a lot to the defense after signing with the 49ers last offseason. He returned for the playoffs but dealt with a biceps injury that required surgery once the season was over.
Now healthy, Alexander is eager to get back onto the football field. Warner and Alexander share a close bond, which was evident from their offseason workouts together.
"Me and Kwon have got a great relationship," Warner said. "Since the day he stepped onto this team, I say it all the time, he brought this swag and this energy to the group, and completely transformed not only our linebacker room, but the defense.
"Me and him have grown closer as we've spent more time with each other."
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