When you think of the MVP of the 49ers defense, you typically think of Nick Bosa. He was the freaking NFL Defensive Player of the Year last season.
This season though, Fred Warner is their MVP. And it's obvious.
Warner is involved in so many plays. You can't see a play and he's not in it. He's either tackling a running back, breaking up passes, intercepting them or punching the ball out. He also calls the plays. If he were to continue like this, he will be a Hall of Fame player. He has more sacks this season than Nick Bosa.
Warner doesn't make as much money as Bosa, and isn't as famous around America as Bosa. Most people believe Bosa plays a more important position because he's an edge rusher and Warner is a middle linebacker, but Warner impacts the game in more ways -- in coverage, against the run and as a pass rusher. And that's why through five games, Warner has made a larger impact than Bosa.
And there's another thing about Warner. In terms of what coaches call "character," Warner is off the charts. He talks like a defensive coordinator. He's a real leader, as opposed to Bosa, who leads by example but mostly acts like an independent contractor. No one takes more ownership of the 49ers than Warner. He might as well be their head coach. He's the voice of the team, the heart of the defense and the coach on the field. He should be the favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
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