WATCH: Fred Warner, 49ers and Cowboys players throw punches as massive brawl erupts during SNF clash
The San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys met in the Sunday Night Football of Week 8. Since the start of the decade, a rivalry grew between these two teams, with multiple playoff games and dominance from the 49ers in these situations.
As such, during their games, tempers can flare. This happened in the first half, with a massive brawl between players of the two teams forming after a tackle. Among those who were involved, star linebacker Fred Warner from the San Francisco 49ers and free safety Juanyeh Thomas from the Dallas Cowboys were seen.
When these two teams met in Week 5's Sunday Night Football of the 2023 season, not only George Kittle dominated the game, but he was also provocative of the Cowboys. The game ended with a 42-10 scoreline; many questions were raised about Mike McCarthy's team back then.
Now, this game has been much closer, as they both have just three wins, still searching for their best version. Injuries to San Francisco made the first half of their season very difficult. But they were still able to close out the game and win 30-24 in the end, with an excellent game from George Kittle, who scored a touchdown and had 6 catches for 128 yards.
Fred Warner shines for 49ers against the Cowboys after first quarter brawl
As nerves settled and the game resumed, the linebacker put on another impressive display. He finished the game with eight total tackles (highest on the team), one tackle for a loss, one pass defended and one quarterback hit. He was instrumental in holding the lead as the 49ers allowed 14 fourth-quarter points.
Warner is one of the key pieces for San Francisco's defense. He has been voted a First-Team All-Pro in three of the past four seasons, with many analysts considering him an elite linebacker. His four forced fumbles in 2024 are the highest mark of his career, and his two interceptions are the second-highest (four in 2023).
As San Francisco's season started more difficult than expected, with key losses such as Christian McCaffrey, Dre Greenlaw and Brandon Aiyuk, veteran leaders are needed to steady the ship. A key member of the defense since 2018, Warner's numbers show how important he is for Kyle Shanahan's team.