The San Francisco 49ers have curated one of the best defenses in recent memory.
In the 2022 regular season, they allowed an NFL-best 16.5 points per game, the lowest average since 2019, when the New England Patriots only allowed 14.4.
The 49ers have found success on the defensive side of the ball in multiple ways, especially from their elite linebackers.
It's a Bay Area thing 🤷
(h/t @DanielOyefusi) pic.twitter.com/l1tHaIDwpt
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 23, 2023
Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner have been wrecking opposing offensive lines this year, and look to be the 49ers’ best linebacking duo since Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.
In the regular season, Warner and Greenlaw combined for 257 tackles and three forced fumbles.
Their dominance has continued in their two postseason games thus far, as the two have racked up 27 tackles and an interception, putting extreme pressure on opposing quarterbacks and running backs.
The next test for them is the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles are coming off a dominant performance against the New York Giants, scoring 38 points in a blowout victory.
Greenlaw and Warner will have their work cut out for them in this game, considering that Jalen Hurts is one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the NFL.
This, paired with the Eagles’ rushing attack, will be a tough test for the 49ers’ defense as a whole.
If Warner and Greenlaw can succeed against this potent offense, the 49ers should have a great chance to win this game, provided that their offense can continue to get the job done.
Will rookie Brock Purdy be able to pull another rabbit out of his hat this week?
NEXT: George Kittle Saved The 49ers With An All-Time Catch