NFL analyst Cynthia Frelund joined the 49ers Webzone "No Huddle" podcast this week, expressing optimism for the San Francisco 49ers' season, particularly with the addition of pass rusher Chase Young.
"I don't know how it was allowed to add Chase Young," Frelund half-jokingly said. "I just feel like the other teams should be like, 'What are you doing? Why are you making it so hard on us?'"
Reflecting on the acquisition of Young before the trade deadline, Frelund, in a jesting tone, recalled questioning Washington's decision, expecting the Commanders to ship the talented defensive end out of the conference entirely.
While Young was an impressive acquisition before the trade deadline, Frelund pointed to another 49ers defender who doesn't receive enough praise for his impact. The analyst believes that star linebacker Fred Warner is playing "lights-out" football this season.
"When you're on a national game, people are like, 'Look for number 54,'" Frelund said. "But I don't think people understand that role this year, with the way that the defenses are playing."
Warner is on track for his third consecutive season of 130 or more tackles. His impressive 86.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade is his highest in the past three seasons, and his run defense grade of 91.0 marks a career-high.
Frelund highlighted the impact that similar linebackers, such as Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens and Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints, have had on their respective defenses this season.
"I'm not suggesting that the Saints are anywhere near the same quality as the Ravens or even the Niners, but you have a much better opportunity to win when you have a guy like that," Frelund continued. "That is so key in this particular season, especially with the trends we're seeing with quarterbacks, and [how] offenses [are] playing, and scoring being down."
You can listen to the entire interview with Frelund below.