San Francisco 49ers fans need no reminder of how disruptive Fred Warner is on defense. The Niners linebacker on Monday night refreshed their memories anyway.
The 49ers and Minnesota Vikings squared off on “Monday Night Football” at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.
The Vikings were facing 1st-and-goal at the 49ers’ 1-yard line midway through the third quarter. Minnesota was leading 16-7 at that point and appeared on the verge of making it a 16-point lead with a touchdown.
The Vikings ran a sneak play with quarterback Kirk Cousins to try and gain the remaining yard. The 49ers’ All-Pro defender anticipated the play call and dove over the linemen to get Cousins down. Troy Polamalu would be proud.
FRED WARNER OFF THE TOP ROPE!
📺: #SFvsMIN on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/riDUhbzXkK pic.twitter.com/FKWmNQ4XA1— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2023
The slow-motion replay of Warner’s diving tackle from a different angle makes the stop look even more spectacular.
.@fred_warner timed this perfectly 👏
📺: #SFvsMIN on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/riDUhbzXkK pic.twitter.com/rn74NrRpwZ— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2023
The Vikings wound up moving five yards back on second down due to a false start penalty. After failing to score on second and third down, Minnesota opted to kick a field goal. The 49ers largely had Warner’s epic diving stop to thank for that.
