The San Francisco 49ers are off to a 2-0 start in 2025, grinding out hard-fought wins behind a defense that appears revitalized under the guidance of returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Through two games, Saleh's unit ranks sixth in the NFL in total yards allowed, sitting sixth against the pass and 13th against the run. With several young offseason additions still adjusting, expectations are that the defense will only get stronger as the year progresses.
Warner credits Saleh's experience
"Saleh's just been around the block," star linebacker Fred Warner said Tuesday on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game. "He's been there, he's done it at a high level for a long time. He obviously had a stint in New York, being the head coach. But he knows football through and through, not just defense but offense, and I think that helps with how he prepares for these different offenses week in and week out."
Putting players in position to succeed
Saleh has long been praised for tailoring his schemes to maximize player strengths, and Warner believes that's been a key factor in the defense's early-season success, along with preparing the players for what to expect.
"He puts us in just a perfect position to go out there and play fast, eliminating all gray area," Warner explained. "He knows the exact calls to put us in certain situations within the game. So there's never a moment where I'm wondering what we should do. He just knows. It's almost like he's a ... fortune teller.
"The dude knows everything, I feel like, so it gives the confidence for a player to just go out there and play free. I love having him back."
With Saleh back in Santa Clara and Warner playing at his usual elite level, the 49ers' defense is poised to be even stronger in 2025.