"Get down!" Whether at the stadium or on your couch, you likely shouted that phrase after each of Dre Greenlaw's two interceptions on Saturday night against the Green Bay Packers. The San Francisco 49ers linebacker defied the call from everyone at Levi's Stadium, including teammates, to fall to the ground. Instead, he guided fans on an anxiety-filled rollercoaster of emotions.
Greenlaw trying to provide a spark on the first interception by scoring is understandable. However, watching him do it again on the second when a simple fall to the rain-soaked grass would have effectively ended the game raised stress levels. After all, a fumble on the play could have kept the Packers in the game.
"That might have been the most stressful part of the night, was his interception. Both of them," tight end George Kittle stated after the game.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan jokingly suggested that if Greenlaw is that eager to run with the football, he'll consider putting the linebacker in on offense.
"Put me out there," responded Greenlaw when told of his coach's comments. "That's what I used to do in high school."
Speaking to reporters via a conference call on Monday, Shanahan expressed confidence that Greenlaw learned his lesson.
"I think he's glad that [the game] ended the way it did, and I don't think he'll ever make that mistake again," Shanahan said. "We didn't get on him too hard, but he could tell how big of a deal it was after. We're very appreciative he made the play, but stuff can flip very fast, and you can ruin some of the best plays ever if you give a team any more of a chance.
"The way that game was going, we didn't need to give them any more chances. So, I think he learned his lesson. Hopefully, we'll never have to deal with that again."
Fortunately, Greenlaw securely held onto the football during both interceptions, and the top-seeded 49ers advanced to the NFC Championship Game. They will host the third-seeded Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.