Despite the San Francisco 49ers’ rough loss to the Minnesota Vikings, All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner put together a memorable performance.
After notching a forced fumble and seven tackles against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football, the All-Pro linebacker continued his early Defensive Player of the Year campaign in Week 2 against the Vikings.
With the 49ers stalling offensively, Warner provided multiple sparks on the defensive side of the football. Not only did Warner jump a throw from Sam Darnold for a momentum-switching interception, the former BYU Cougar saved a would-be Vikings touchdown with a heroic forced fumble at the goal line against Aaron Jones.
Warner finished with a team-high nine tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, two pass deflections, a quarterback hit, a forced fumble and an interception in the 49ers’ 23-17 loss to the Vikings.
Despite his impressive performance, Warner was not named Defensive Player of the Week in the NFC. Atlanta Falcons defensive back Jessie Bates earned the award for Week 2.
In a win on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, Bates notched 12 tackles, a tackle for loss, two pass deflections and a game-sealing interception in the final seconds of the fourth quarter against Jalen Hurts.
Via @AtlantaFalcons on Twitter:
.@jlbiii3 really is hiiim
Your NFC Defensive Player of the Week 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Xzjwrb16bV
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 18, 2024
Detroit Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson should also be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Week. The former Michigan Wolverine sacked Baker Mayfield 4.5 times in the Lion’s loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.
This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!