Fred Warner’s first pro touchdown helps San Francisco 49ers stay in chase for NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed
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San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP
Just before halftime, Warner stepped in front of the intended receiver — running back Malcom Brown — and intercepted a Jared Goff pass, then returned it 46 yards for a touchdown.
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That gave the 49ers their first lead in a game they trailed 14-3 and 21-10 early before rallying for a 34-31 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
“Do your job, that’s all that was. Man coverage, I got the back. I hung up, and he threw it to me, that’s it,” Warner said during the NFL Network postgame show.
The second-year linebacker had another solid game, finishing with 11 tackles (eight solo) and a pass deflection as San Francisco improved to 12-3 on the year.
“Fred makes a huge play — pick-six, the first pick of his career. It’s a pick-six in a big game,” 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman said in his postgame presser.
Sherman was impressed with the performances of his teammates across the board in a critical late-season game.
“That’s something you appreciate, you appreciate guys understanding the moment and not panicking. They’re playing great football, and they’re stepping up to the challenge,” he said.
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With the win, the 49ers set up a scenario where a victory over Seattle in next week’s regular-season finale would give San Francisco the No. 1 seed in the NFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
“I think it’s safe to say when this coaching staff took over, this is exactly the moment that they dreamed of,” Warner said. “This couldn’t be a better position that we’ve been put in and all we’ve got to do is go get it now. It’s all on us.”
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Fans cheer as San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) scores on an interception return against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/John Hefti) | John Hefti, AP
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San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner, left, returns an interception for a touchdown in front of Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown (34) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) | Tony Avelar, AP
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Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw, right, and middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/John Hefti) | John Hefti, AP
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Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/John Hefti) | John Hefti, AP
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Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley II, top, runs for a touchdown next to San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) | Tony Avelar, AP
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San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) | Tony Avelar, AP
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San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner speaks at a news conference after the 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) | Tony Avelar, AP
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San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner speaks at a news conference after the 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) | Tony Avelar, AP
The Seahawks will host the 49ers at CenturyLink Field next Sunday, Dec. 29, at 2:25 p.m. MST. Seattle beat San Francisco 27-24 in their first matchup this season.
“We’ve got eight days to get ready. It’s going to a hostile environment. I can’t wait,” Warner said.
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