San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has never hidden his appreciation for Dre Greenlaw. But the linebacker brings something to the defense that goes beyond his ability to make plays. Greenlaw's aggressive style has a way of bringing his teammates along with him, and Shanahan says the impact is felt throughout the organization.

During an interview with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Shanahan explained how Greenlaw's return has changed the atmosphere around the team. One of the most telling examples comes during the coach's Saturday-night meetings, when he shares video with the players ahead of a game.


Shanahan said those meetings are noticeably better when he has clips of Greenlaw flying around the field to show his team. "I do a lot of Saturday night talks where sometimes I'll talk, I always talk, but sometimes I have tape with it," Shanahan said. "And it'll be stuff from the week before, just stuff that I re-watch on Saturday, and try to point out little things to guys."

Shanahan refers to those examples as "wit," or what it takes to win. Greenlaw has given him plenty of material. "I can't tell you how much better my meetings are after weeks of Greenlaw on defense, as opposed to how they used to be," Shanahan added.

It's an interesting glimpse into what makes Greenlaw such a valuable part of the 49ers defense. His impact isn't limited to the plays he makes on Sundays. The way he plays gives Shanahan something to show the rest of the team about the effort and physicality required to win.

Greenlaw has long played with an edge, and his return to San Francisco has brought that familiar energy back to a defense that already has its share of emotional leaders. Shanahan pointed to linebacker Fred Warner as someone who has helped establish that standard. He also mentioned players such as CB Upton Stout and S Malik Mustapha as examples of the kind of effort he likes to highlight.

But having Greenlaw alongside Warner adds another dimension. "When you get his boy out there, Dre, and how he does it, it's really special," Shanahan said.


That enthusiasm was on full display in San Francisco's Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos, Greenlaw's former team. The linebacker led the 49ers with 12 tackles and helped set the tone in a 24-14 victory. Greenlaw was noticeably emotional throughout the game, making plays and showing his teammates just how much the matchup meant to him. Shanahan praised his performance afterward, saying Greenlaw had managed his emotions well enough to lead the team in tackles and deliver an outstanding performance.

The coach also made it clear that he doesn't want to take away the aggression that makes Greenlaw who he is. Asked if the coaching staff ever tries to get the linebacker to dial it back, Shanahan made it clear they don't. "We never try to tell him to dial it back," he answered.

But Shanahan acknowledged that the coaching staff must continually remind Greenlaw to play within the rules, especially after the whistle is blown. But he distinguished a player who loses control and one who understands exactly how far he can push the limits of physical football.

The 49ers brought Greenlaw back after one season in Denver, reuniting him with Warner and a coaching staff that knows what he brings to the defense. Through the early part of the season, his influence has been apparent.

For Shanahan, the value of that reunion shows up in more places than the stat sheet. It shows up in the way Greenlaw plays, the way his teammates respond, and even in the film sessions leading into Sunday's games. The 49ers have plenty of talented players on defense. Greenlaw gives them something else: a standard of physicality and intensity that his head coach believes is worth putting on the screen for everyone to see.


Watch the full interview below:



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Marc Adams


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