San Francisco’s linebacking core put on an absolute clinic in their 38-17 beatdown of the Raiders, but for us 12s, it’s hard to forget one of those “stars,” Dre Greenlaw, was just back from a one-game suspension handed down on October 19. Why was he out? Oh, you know, for headbutting a Seahawks player on the sideline.
The LBs Dominance (and that suspension)
The 49ers’ linebackers, Fred Warner, Greenlaw, and Jaden Dugger, have been a consistent force for them this season. These three have only missed a single game total over nine weeks, which is wild when you consider their defensive line has missed 47 games and their receivers have missed 34. That one absence? Yeah, that was Greenlaw’s suspension from October 19, for that little incident with one of our guys. You can bet that sticks in our craw, even as he was out there recovering fumbles. Maybe all that consistent playing time for the trio is exactly why they just went off against their former Bay Area rivals.
The Chaos Unleashed: A Turnover Trifecta
The second half of that game was pure madness, starting right from the first snap. Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins tried to salvage a play that started with a fumbled fake handoff, scooping the ball and throwing it out wide. Dugger, after briefly leaving his assignment, got right back into coverage, jumped the route, and took his first career interception to the house for a pick-six! Just like that, the chaotic quarter kicked off. Cousins immediately responded by going seven-for-seven on the very next drive, marching his team in for a touchdown. Then, three plays later, Niners QB Brock Purdy threw an interception himself. It was a back-and-forth slugfest for a minute there!
Fred Warner clearly saw the Raiders were practically itching to give the ball away, so he obliged them. He tracked down tight end Bowers in the open field and punched the ball right out of his hands. Who was there to complete the “linebacker turnover trifecta”? None other than Dre Greenlaw, recovering the loose ball. If you ever doubted Warner’s greatness, check this: at 30 years old, he’s still hitting career highs! That forced fumble was his fifth of the season, a personal best for the four-time first-team All-Pro. They even had a broadcast segment on his hands, showing off the scars from all those punch-out attempts over the years. That’s dedication, even if it was against a non-Seattle team.
Still More Chaos (and a Seahawk connection twist)
Of course, the chaos wasn’t done yet. The Niners gave the ball right back to the Raiders just four plays later with a turnover on downs, Purdy getting stuffed on a sneak attempt. This felt like the Raiders’ moment to finally capitalize. Cousins connected with tight end Michael Mayer, who fought all the way down to the 1-yard line. But then, in what felt like a twist of fate, Upton Stout pulled a full Warner impression, punching the ball out,though with more forearm than fist,and guess who recovered it for a touchback? Warner himself! And finally, after all that madness, the Niners offense took advantage with an 80-yard touchdown drive. What a wild ride.
While the Niners celebrate their linebackers’ wild Sunday, we’re over here celebrating *our* Seahawks taking down the Cardinals 17-3. Mike Macdonald’s squad is out here proving they can get it done, and we’ll be watching every snap as they continue to fight. Go Hawks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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