49ers' Playoff Hopes Dwindle After Loss to Rams, but Dre Greenlaw's Performance Clarifies a Key Offseason Priority
The San Francisco 49ers' slim playoff hopes were dealt a near-fatal blow after a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. Despite still being mathematically alive, their 6-8 record leaves them needing to win out and receive significant help from other teams. While this season has been a disappointment, one silver lining emerged: clarity on a critical offseason decision.
Greenlaw's Return Showcases His Value
The game marked the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who had been sidelined since suffering an Achilles injury in Super Bowl 58. Despite limited playing time, Greenlaw made an immediate impact, recording eight tackles in just over two quarters and providing the physical presence and energy the 49ers' defense had sorely missed.
Fred Warner, Greenlaw’s All-Pro counterpart, praised his performance, stating, “He looked like Dre Greenlaw from the moment he started.”
However, Greenlaw's absence in the second half due to soreness and fatigue proved costly. Without him, the Rams' offense capitalized, sustaining longer drives and controlling the clock. A 17-play, 80-yard drive following Greenlaw's exit underscored the linebacker’s importance to the unit.
A Clear Offseason Priority
Greenlaw is set to become a free agent in the offseason, and the 49ers may have hesitated to offer him a new deal given his injury history. However, his performance against the Rams eliminated any doubts about his ability to return to elite form.
At just 27 years old, Greenlaw demonstrated he has plenty left in the tank, and retaining him should be a top priority for San Francisco’s front office. Even if the defensive coordinator changes next season, the 49ers’ linebacker duo of Greenlaw and Warner remains foundational to their defensive success.
As Warner put it, “He’s always been a freak of nature. He’s just one of those guys.” Those “guys” are precisely who the 49ers need to build around as they attempt to rebound from a disappointing year.
Lessons from Campbell's Shortcomings
Greenlaw’s value was further highlighted by the failure of his replacement, De'Vondre Campbell, who refused to enter the game when called upon. This lack of reliability underscores the need for depth at linebacker. While Greenlaw's return solidifies the top tier of the position, investing in additional insurance against future injuries is essential.
A Busy Offseason Ahead
The 49ers face a long to-do list in the offseason, including decisions on Brock Purdy’s potential extension and upgrades to key positions. However, Greenlaw's standout performance simplified one critical task: locking him in as a centerpiece of the defense.
While this season may be over in all but name, securing Greenlaw’s future ensures the 49ers can count on one of their most dynamic players as they aim to regroup and contend in 2025.
