The 49ers’ Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons presents an intriguing matchup within itself — star linebacker Fred Warner vs. star running back Bijan Robinson.
Fans were robbed of the matchup last season, as Warner missed the 20-10 49ers win after his season-ending ankle injury the week before.
Warner explained to reporters Wednesday that facing off against the emerging star is no easy feat.
“This will be my first opportunity going against him,” Warner noted. “He’s obviously one of the best in the league. I got a lot of respect for him.
“His ability to affect the run and the pass game is a huge problem.”
A huge problem, indeed. Through six games, Robinson has rushed for 641 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt, the second-most in the NFL in both categories.
Adding 144 receiving yards gives him an NFL-leading 785 scrimmage yards on the season.
Warner recognized that the matchup between himself and Robinson will get all the hype, but it will take much more than a solo effort to corral the Atlanta running back.
“People, I’m sure, are going to make it up all week — me against him, or Dre against him,” Warner said. “But it’s really a whole defensive effort against a player of that caliber.”
Last season, the 49ers were one of the few teams that were able to hold Robinson under 100 scrimmage yards. He rushed 14 times for just 40 yards, averaging a meager 2.86 yards per carry.
And that was with their best defensive player watching from a luxury suite at Levi’s Stadium.
“I was looking forward to that matchup,” Warner recalled. “Obviously, wasn’t able to make that game. But I was proud of how our defense really competed against their offense that day when I was up in the box.”
Warner now will get his rain check cashed in on Sunday. Through six games, Warner’s 58 total tackles lead the 49ers and ranks third in the NFL.
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