Robert Saleh Gives Dre Greenlaw High Praise for Impressive Debut Start
When it was revealed that Kwon Alexander would be out for the season, the knee jerk reaction was gut wrenching. Alexander had amazing production in pass coverage and was the main vein on defense. Replacing him was not going to easy for rookie linebacker Dre Greenlaw. However, after watching his performance against the Seahawks you couldn’t tell he was a rookie. Even Robert Saleh gave him high praise for his impressive debut start.
“The game’s not too big for him. He did a nice job. He was calm. It’s good to have Fred in there because Fred’s a calming presence for him. He was on his job, he was very reliable, he was dependent, wasn’t afraid. We have other packages in the event, like if he was panicking, but we felt very comfortable with him throughout the game to keep him in there for the entire game and I thought he did a really nice job. The game wasn’t too big. I don’t think he had any busts, a couple of technique things he could clean up, but he was on this job. I was pumped up for him.”
If Greenlaw can keep up this performance, then the loss of Alexander will hardly be felt aside from depth. It was known that he had the physical traits to be solid in coverage, but it was all about his mindset. That is why Saleh harped about it. That he was composed and didn’t let the moment get to him. As mush as Fred Warner deserves credit, Greenlaw is the one who stepped up.
He even had a potential game clinching interception on Russell Wilson in overtime. The guy was all over the place that game and it was encouraging to see. Going forward, the 49ers should be feeling comfortable with Warner and Greenlaw. They complimented each other so well against the Seahawks and it should be the same with the Cardinals on Sunday.
Greenlaw’s speed is going to come in clutch with Kyler Murray’s threatening legs. What will be the most interesting is how he defends against the running game of the Cardinals. It was a staple of theirs when the two teams last faced. Seeing how he fares in that matchup will be another indicator on Greenlaw’s readiness for the 49ers’ playoff campaign
