1 hr. ago
The San Francisco 49ers came out firing on every cylinder to deliver a 27-7 beatdown Down Under of the Los Angeles Rams. From the decision to arrive early to their piling on late scoring, how well did Brock Purdy, Kyle Shanahan and the crew do in upsetting the Super Bowl favorites to start the season?
Offense: A-
The old guys ruled. And that Kaelon Black kid wasn't too shabby. A 30-something (Demarcus Robinson, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel) accounted for their three TDs and an almost 40-something, Trent Williams, was the best of the bunch, because you and I had as many tackles, QB hits and sacks as Rams' All-Universe pass rusher Myles Garrett. Less happily, De'Zhaun Stribling and Jake Tonges were carted away in the second quarter. George Kittle was a rumor. Yet Brock Purdy didn't notice. Outside of a horrific interception, Purdy was terrific with his arm, legs and swaggy first-down celebrations. Does Christian McCaffrey finally have a caddy? Yes. Rookie Black looked excellent in a real game after resembling a third-round find in the spring and summer.
Defense: A+
Raheem Morris in 2028? The well-respected new defensive coordinator looked like Bill Belichick (the pre-2022 version) while his unit made the reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford look ordinary. Sorry, correction: not just ordinary, but awful. Having Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw (combined games played for 49ers in 2025: 9) back together did give Morris some added IQ points. The LB duo turned out the lights on the Rams when Greenlaw held up Tyler Higbee and Warner peanut-punched the ball out. The 49ers didn't have a sack, but they made Stafford unsettled. Osa Odighizuwa had four of their eight QB hits, including a pressure that led to Stafford's INT.
#greenlaw
Offense: A-
The old guys ruled. And that Kaelon Black kid wasn't too shabby. A 30-something (Demarcus Robinson, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel) accounted for their three TDs and an almost 40-something, Trent Williams, was the best of the bunch, because you and I had as many tackles, QB hits and sacks as Rams' All-Universe pass rusher Myles Garrett. Less happily, De'Zhaun Stribling and Jake Tonges were carted away in the second quarter. George Kittle was a rumor. Yet Brock Purdy didn't notice. Outside of a horrific interception, Purdy was terrific with his arm, legs and swaggy first-down celebrations. Does Christian McCaffrey finally have a caddy? Yes. Rookie Black looked excellent in a real game after resembling a third-round find in the spring and summer.
Defense: A+
Raheem Morris in 2028? The well-respected new defensive coordinator looked like Bill Belichick (the pre-2022 version) while his unit made the reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford look ordinary. Sorry, correction: not just ordinary, but awful. Having Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw (combined games played for 49ers in 2025: 9) back together did give Morris some added IQ points. The LB duo turned out the lights on the Rams when Greenlaw held up Tyler Higbee and Warner peanut-punched the ball out. The 49ers didn't have a sack, but they made Stafford unsettled. Osa Odighizuwa had four of their eight QB hits, including a pressure that led to Stafford's INT.
#greenlaw
3 days ago
What is going on with the NFL and Antarctica? Earlier today The Athletic published an interview with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf. In the interview it was revealed that Metcalf believed a conspiracy theory that "there is another civilization inside the Earth," and it has something to do with Antarctica.
Not long after that, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw took the podium in Australia ahead of his team's game against the Los Angeles Rams. One reporter asked Greenlaw if he had any questions for Australians and he started asking his own questions about Antarctica.
MORE: 11 NFL players facing the most pressure to deliver in 2026
"I mean it's just interesting being in another country. I mean how far are we from Antarctica? That's what I gotta ask. So we're like right on top of, huh? Like, does it snow. It snows probably pretty bad."
When Greenlaw was told its not as bad as Antarctica, he asked if the country was "a lie." He followed that by asking if anyone had been to Antarctica. When no one had, he asked how they knew it was cold and walked off.
#antarctica
Not long after that, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw took the podium in Australia ahead of his team's game against the Los Angeles Rams. One reporter asked Greenlaw if he had any questions for Australians and he started asking his own questions about Antarctica.
MORE: 11 NFL players facing the most pressure to deliver in 2026
"I mean it's just interesting being in another country. I mean how far are we from Antarctica? That's what I gotta ask. So we're like right on top of, huh? Like, does it snow. It snows probably pretty bad."
When Greenlaw was told its not as bad as Antarctica, he asked if the country was "a lie." He followed that by asking if anyone had been to Antarctica. When no one had, he asked how they knew it was cold and walked off.
#antarctica
1 month ago
Dre Greenlaw is settling back into a San Francisco 49ers uniform after a turbulent detour to Denver, and the veteran linebacker didn't hold back describing just how difficult his lone season with the Broncos was.
"There were some dark moments," Greenlaw told The Athletic's Michael Silver. "It's tough, because I never got a chance to give them all I had. There's so much anger, frustration, and you just want to go out there and prove your worth to everybody, but you can't."
The circumstances behind Greenlaw's departure from San Francisco in the first place were more complicated than a simple business decision. As Greenlaw explained this offseason, he kept the 49ers informed throughout his 2025 free agency process, even as he negotiated with other teams, and head coach Kyle Shanahan asked to be notified before Greenlaw accepted a final offer. San Francisco ultimately could not match Denver's three-year deal, and the 49ers wished him well as he signed with the Broncos.
Once in Denver, Greenlaw's season unraveled. He suffered a significant quadriceps injury early in offseason work that sidelined him until Week 7, then dealt with a hamstring issue that ended his regular season. A one-game suspension for conduct following his Broncos debut added to the disruption. Greenlaw also struggled adjusting to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's scheme, which frequently used five defenders on the line — a departure from the four-man fronts he'd grown accustomed to in San Francisco.
"I never felt like I was a part of the team because I wasn't out there," Greenlaw said. "I was always in the training room. I knew the trainers more than I knew the teammates."
#season #denver #never
"There were some dark moments," Greenlaw told The Athletic's Michael Silver. "It's tough, because I never got a chance to give them all I had. There's so much anger, frustration, and you just want to go out there and prove your worth to everybody, but you can't."
The circumstances behind Greenlaw's departure from San Francisco in the first place were more complicated than a simple business decision. As Greenlaw explained this offseason, he kept the 49ers informed throughout his 2025 free agency process, even as he negotiated with other teams, and head coach Kyle Shanahan asked to be notified before Greenlaw accepted a final offer. San Francisco ultimately could not match Denver's three-year deal, and the 49ers wished him well as he signed with the Broncos.
Once in Denver, Greenlaw's season unraveled. He suffered a significant quadriceps injury early in offseason work that sidelined him until Week 7, then dealt with a hamstring issue that ended his regular season. A one-game suspension for conduct following his Broncos debut added to the disruption. Greenlaw also struggled adjusting to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's scheme, which frequently used five defenders on the line — a departure from the four-man fronts he'd grown accustomed to in San Francisco.
"I never felt like I was a part of the team because I wasn't out there," Greenlaw said. "I was always in the training room. I knew the trainers more than I knew the teammates."
#season #denver #never
1 month ago
The San Francisco 49ers list of injured players surged during Wednesday's practice when offensive lineman Nick Zakelj and defensive end Sam Okuayinonu both exited the session early with unknown ailments.
Zakelj and Okuayinonu joined DE Nick Bosa, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, OL Carver Willis, wide receiver Jacob Cowing, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, OL Brett Toth among the players who were new to the injury list before and during training camp Wednesday. That's on top of WR Mike Evans, WR Christian Kirk, WR De'Zhaun Stribling, RBs Kaelon Black and Jordan James, OL Vederian Lowe, DL Keion White and S Malik Mustapha all already sitting out practice with various injuries.
However, while the list of San Francisco's injured ballooned to 20 including the trio of players on the PUP list, ESPN's Nick Wagoner had a note that shows the injury situation might not be as bad as it looks on paper.
Wagoner posted a different sort of injury update in his daily practice recap on Twitter:
For the record, many of these guys, including Evans and Kirk did some work on the side, including some full speed running. Guerendo and Mustapha, in particular seem to be close to back. Greenlaw also seemed to be fine as he got a bit of a rest today with soreness. He watched practice from the defensive back field.
#list #including #zakelj
Zakelj and Okuayinonu joined DE Nick Bosa, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, OL Carver Willis, wide receiver Jacob Cowing, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, OL Brett Toth among the players who were new to the injury list before and during training camp Wednesday. That's on top of WR Mike Evans, WR Christian Kirk, WR De'Zhaun Stribling, RBs Kaelon Black and Jordan James, OL Vederian Lowe, DL Keion White and S Malik Mustapha all already sitting out practice with various injuries.
However, while the list of San Francisco's injured ballooned to 20 including the trio of players on the PUP list, ESPN's Nick Wagoner had a note that shows the injury situation might not be as bad as it looks on paper.
Wagoner posted a different sort of injury update in his daily practice recap on Twitter:
For the record, many of these guys, including Evans and Kirk did some work on the side, including some full speed running. Guerendo and Mustapha, in particular seem to be close to back. Greenlaw also seemed to be fine as he got a bit of a rest today with soreness. He watched practice from the defensive back field.
#list #including #zakelj
1 month ago
The San Francisco 49ers took multiple steps to improve their defense this offseason, adding key players both via free agency and the draft.
San Francisco signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw back to pair with Fred Warner. They traded for Osa Odighizuwa to add a veteran at defensive tackle alongside second-year pros C.J. West and Alfred Collins. They drafted Romello Height to provide more juice for the pass rush from a speed perspective.
But are the moves enough to improve a pass rush that ranked 32nd in the NFL last year in sacks? Or do the 49ers need to add more to their defense to return to a top unit this season?
Speaking to reporters last week, general manager John Lynch acknowledged the defense wasn't good enough last year. But he feels confident that they've made considerable progress this offseason.
"I think when we've been successful here, our defensive line has wreaked havoc," Lynch said. "And I think that's pretty consistent around the league. We weren't good enough last year. And there's a lot of reasons for that. But ultimately, all those reasons are just excuses. So you have to address it. I feel confident with the way that we addressed it.
#francisco #defensive #pass
San Francisco signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw back to pair with Fred Warner. They traded for Osa Odighizuwa to add a veteran at defensive tackle alongside second-year pros C.J. West and Alfred Collins. They drafted Romello Height to provide more juice for the pass rush from a speed perspective.
But are the moves enough to improve a pass rush that ranked 32nd in the NFL last year in sacks? Or do the 49ers need to add more to their defense to return to a top unit this season?
Speaking to reporters last week, general manager John Lynch acknowledged the defense wasn't good enough last year. But he feels confident that they've made considerable progress this offseason.
"I think when we've been successful here, our defensive line has wreaked havoc," Lynch said. "And I think that's pretty consistent around the league. We weren't good enough last year. And there's a lot of reasons for that. But ultimately, all those reasons are just excuses. So you have to address it. I feel confident with the way that we addressed it.
#francisco #defensive #pass
1 month ago
The first day of padded practice for the San Francisco 49ers also included the team's first fight of training camp.
The dustup was initiated when Fred Warner and tight end Jake Tonges got into a heated shoving match after a play according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. However, it was linebacker Dre Greenlaw and running back Christian McCaffrey who ignited the fuse for a scuffle.
Greenlaw, per the SF Standard's Lombardi, shoved McCaffrey to the ground after the veteran RB caught a pass. That led to McCaffrey throwing the ball at Greenlaw and shoving him back. While things were heated between the two veterans, nothing escalated beyond that shoving.
A few plays later it was Warner and Tonges mixing it up to with Colton McKivitz and Dre Greenlaw catalyzing a kerfuffle that eventually involved the entire roster, per Wagoner.
Typically these types of fights happen well into camp when players have spent several days in the heat hitting their own teammates during their on-field workouts. That the 49ers are already getting into it on the first day with pads on is a sign that their intensity level may be ratcheted up a little higher than normal.
#first #tonges #back
The dustup was initiated when Fred Warner and tight end Jake Tonges got into a heated shoving match after a play according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. However, it was linebacker Dre Greenlaw and running back Christian McCaffrey who ignited the fuse for a scuffle.
Greenlaw, per the SF Standard's Lombardi, shoved McCaffrey to the ground after the veteran RB caught a pass. That led to McCaffrey throwing the ball at Greenlaw and shoving him back. While things were heated between the two veterans, nothing escalated beyond that shoving.
A few plays later it was Warner and Tonges mixing it up to with Colton McKivitz and Dre Greenlaw catalyzing a kerfuffle that eventually involved the entire roster, per Wagoner.
Typically these types of fights happen well into camp when players have spent several days in the heat hitting their own teammates during their on-field workouts. That the 49ers are already getting into it on the first day with pads on is a sign that their intensity level may be ratcheted up a little higher than normal.
#first #tonges #back
1 month ago
After they were knocked out in the wild-card round of the postseason, the San Francisco 49ers have added some real difference-makers on both sides of the ball over the last few months.
While their roster is better than it was at the end of the year, they could still bring in talented players who could help take them to the next level. On Monday, a new name hit the market, as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea requested a trade.
Every team in the league could benefit from adding a player like Vea, but former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho believes that Vea landing in San Francisco would make them legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
"If the Niners get Vita Vea. It's time to usher them back into the conversations. We've ushered the Rams into the Seahawks, as reigning champs, into the Philadelphia Eagles, they always stay in those conversations," Acho said on his "Speakeasy" podcast. "Because you got to think about what the Niners are building this offseason. I would suggest the Niners have had quietly, maybe the best offseason in all of football. You bring Dre Greenlaw back. I love the Niners linebacking core greater than any other linebacking core now. Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw. You go get Oso Odighizuwa. I believe that he is perfectly situated now to start at defensive tackle. Alfred Collins continuing to ascend. You forgot about Mykel Williams, first-round pick from last year because of the injury. Nick Bosa looks as good as ever.
"Now, if you can get Vita Vea, now think about the depth. Now, you're rotating three defensive tackles... I think if you bring in Vita Vea, now, that run defense, which was so porous last year, instantly becomes a strong suit. I think the secondary has questions. Outside of D-Mo (Deommodore Lenoir), everybody's got questions about that secondary. Is it Ji'Ayir Brown? Is it (Malik) Mustapha? But if you get somebody as stout as Vita Veya up front, playing next to Alfred Collins with Oso Odighizuwa rotating in, plus Nick Bosa on the outside, plus you got Mykel Williams on the outside, plus you got Romello Height. I just think that is an incredible formidable front in that front seven."
#niners #defensive #plus
While their roster is better than it was at the end of the year, they could still bring in talented players who could help take them to the next level. On Monday, a new name hit the market, as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea requested a trade.
Every team in the league could benefit from adding a player like Vea, but former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho believes that Vea landing in San Francisco would make them legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
"If the Niners get Vita Vea. It's time to usher them back into the conversations. We've ushered the Rams into the Seahawks, as reigning champs, into the Philadelphia Eagles, they always stay in those conversations," Acho said on his "Speakeasy" podcast. "Because you got to think about what the Niners are building this offseason. I would suggest the Niners have had quietly, maybe the best offseason in all of football. You bring Dre Greenlaw back. I love the Niners linebacking core greater than any other linebacking core now. Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw. You go get Oso Odighizuwa. I believe that he is perfectly situated now to start at defensive tackle. Alfred Collins continuing to ascend. You forgot about Mykel Williams, first-round pick from last year because of the injury. Nick Bosa looks as good as ever.
"Now, if you can get Vita Vea, now think about the depth. Now, you're rotating three defensive tackles... I think if you bring in Vita Vea, now, that run defense, which was so porous last year, instantly becomes a strong suit. I think the secondary has questions. Outside of D-Mo (Deommodore Lenoir), everybody's got questions about that secondary. Is it Ji'Ayir Brown? Is it (Malik) Mustapha? But if you get somebody as stout as Vita Veya up front, playing next to Alfred Collins with Oso Odighizuwa rotating in, plus Nick Bosa on the outside, plus you got Mykel Williams on the outside, plus you got Romello Height. I just think that is an incredible formidable front in that front seven."
#niners #defensive #plus
2 months ago
The San Francisco 49ers are expecting big things from Mike Evans this season. He’ll be Brock Purdy’s go-to target and open things up for everyone else on offense. He should allow George Kittle to take his time returning from an Achilles injury, as well as make life easier on Ricky Pearsall. That’s expected.
Several other free agents on the roster could make meaningful contributions. But to what degree?
Will Christian Kirk stay healthy enough to add a speed dimension on offense?
Will Vederian Lowe save the day at tackle if Trent Williams misses time? Robert Jones and Bret Toth joined the roster to help the interior offensive line depth. They also have a chance to earn a starting spot at left guard.
It doesn’t feel right to list Dre Greenlaw as an underrated addition. It feels like he never left. However, a couple of members in the secondary could see time on the field if there are any injuries. Both Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs have plenty of experience.
Several other free agents on the roster could make meaningful contributions. But to what degree?
Will Christian Kirk stay healthy enough to add a speed dimension on offense?
Will Vederian Lowe save the day at tackle if Trent Williams misses time? Robert Jones and Bret Toth joined the roster to help the interior offensive line depth. They also have a chance to earn a starting spot at left guard.
It doesn’t feel right to list Dre Greenlaw as an underrated addition. It feels like he never left. However, a couple of members in the secondary could see time on the field if there are any injuries. Both Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs have plenty of experience.
3 months ago
Broncos Wire's 91-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at seventh-year inside linebacker Justin Strnad, No. 40.
Before the Broncos: Strnad (6-3, 245 pounds) attended Wake Forest for four years from 2016-19. As a member of the Demon Deacons, Strnad played in 46 games, making 244 total tackles (145 solo, 99 **** isted, 22.5 tackles for loss), eight sacks, four interceptions, 10 pass deflections, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. After college, Strnad was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round (178th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft.
Broncos tenure: Strnad missed his entire rookie season after being placed on the season-ending IR with a wrist injury. In 2021, Strnad saw action in 16 games (five starts), making 36 total tackles (23 solo, 13 **** isted) in his first taste of pro action. Strnad saw limited action on defense in 2022 and 2023, making only 10 total tackles in that time. His first real long-term service came in 2024, where he started eight of 17 games, making 73 total tackles (48 solo, 25 **** isted, eight tackles for loss), three sacks, and three pass deflections.
In 2025, Strnad was the beneficiary of an injury-riddled linebacker room (Drew Sanders-foot, Dre Greenlaw-thigh) and he began the season starting alongside Alex Singleton in the middle of the field. When Greenlaw was suspended following the Broncos' miraculous 33-32 win over the New York Giants (a game in which Strnad had a crucial interception), Strnad again took the field. Strnad played in 16 regular season contests (eight starts), as well as Denver's two playoff games, making 62 total tackles (24 solo, 38 **** isted, five tackles for loss), 4.5 sacks, three pass deflections and an interception last fall. Prior to the start of 2026 free agency, the Broncos re-signed Strnad on a three-year, $18 million contract.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Near lock. Strnad will be a starter in the middle of the field alongside Alex Singleton, thanks in large part to the team releasing Greenlaw. While Singleton will likely wear the green dot in 2026, Strnad is a solid partner in crime who always seems to be flying around the field.
Before the Broncos: Strnad (6-3, 245 pounds) attended Wake Forest for four years from 2016-19. As a member of the Demon Deacons, Strnad played in 46 games, making 244 total tackles (145 solo, 99 **** isted, 22.5 tackles for loss), eight sacks, four interceptions, 10 pass deflections, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. After college, Strnad was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round (178th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft.
Broncos tenure: Strnad missed his entire rookie season after being placed on the season-ending IR with a wrist injury. In 2021, Strnad saw action in 16 games (five starts), making 36 total tackles (23 solo, 13 **** isted) in his first taste of pro action. Strnad saw limited action on defense in 2022 and 2023, making only 10 total tackles in that time. His first real long-term service came in 2024, where he started eight of 17 games, making 73 total tackles (48 solo, 25 **** isted, eight tackles for loss), three sacks, and three pass deflections.
In 2025, Strnad was the beneficiary of an injury-riddled linebacker room (Drew Sanders-foot, Dre Greenlaw-thigh) and he began the season starting alongside Alex Singleton in the middle of the field. When Greenlaw was suspended following the Broncos' miraculous 33-32 win over the New York Giants (a game in which Strnad had a crucial interception), Strnad again took the field. Strnad played in 16 regular season contests (eight starts), as well as Denver's two playoff games, making 62 total tackles (24 solo, 38 **** isted, five tackles for loss), 4.5 sacks, three pass deflections and an interception last fall. Prior to the start of 2026 free agency, the Broncos re-signed Strnad on a three-year, $18 million contract.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Near lock. Strnad will be a starter in the middle of the field alongside Alex Singleton, thanks in large part to the team releasing Greenlaw. While Singleton will likely wear the green dot in 2026, Strnad is a solid partner in crime who always seems to be flying around the field.
3 months ago
49ers urged to reward key defensive starter with another contract extension
“The club has rising personnel costs with new deals set to kick in next year, but if the front office feels generous with $71.7 million in cap ***** e, it could give Lenoir an extension before he starts a new season without guaranteed money on his deal,” Moton added.”
What is the 49ers’ biggest X-factor for 2026?
“We’re now in 2026. Is Greenlaw still that guy? I’d think so. Brock Purdy could be an X factor, but Mac Jones stepped in and held down the fort just fine in Purdy’s absence last year. Yes, it was a step down, but Jones at least told us things weren’t going into the tank if he was going under center.
If not Greenlaw, I’d make a strong case for wide receiver Mike Evans, for many of the same reasons on offense that Greenlaw would give on defense. It all boils down to whether we get 2024 Mike Evans or 2025 Mike Evans. One is not like the other. Though it could be argued that Kyle Shanahan is about to give Evans his best season as a pro.”
“The club has rising personnel costs with new deals set to kick in next year, but if the front office feels generous with $71.7 million in cap ***** e, it could give Lenoir an extension before he starts a new season without guaranteed money on his deal,” Moton added.”
What is the 49ers’ biggest X-factor for 2026?
“We’re now in 2026. Is Greenlaw still that guy? I’d think so. Brock Purdy could be an X factor, but Mac Jones stepped in and held down the fort just fine in Purdy’s absence last year. Yes, it was a step down, but Jones at least told us things weren’t going into the tank if he was going under center.
If not Greenlaw, I’d make a strong case for wide receiver Mike Evans, for many of the same reasons on offense that Greenlaw would give on defense. It all boils down to whether we get 2024 Mike Evans or 2025 Mike Evans. One is not like the other. Though it could be argued that Kyle Shanahan is about to give Evans his best season as a pro.”
