The 49ers on Thursday held a full speed practice as they aim to stay sharp during their playoff bye week. Naturally the competition got heated during practice which led to some disagreements after practice about whether the offense or defense won the day.
Naturally, tight end George Kittle believed the offense got the better of the defense. He said his group got the better of San Francisco’s talented defensive unit, and specifically called out one of that group’s leaders – linebacker Fred Warner.
Here’s the video via 95.7 the Game:
George Kittle says the 49ers' offense outplayed their defense in Thursday's practice:
"Offense definitely competed better today than the defense. Suck it, Fred." 😂 pic.twitter.com/MxHqxdakSp
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 11, 2024
Warner also made his way to the podium for a post-practice press conference with reporters. He did not agree with Kittle’s assessment of which side won the practice – insisting the defense won despite a couple good plays from the other side.
Again here’s 95.7 the Game with the video:
Fred Warner's response to Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk, who also said the offense outplayed the defense:
"Those offensive guys, boy, I'll tell you what. We won today. So let's not get that misunderstood. Defense won today.
They had a good couple plays. Purdy was back out there,… https://t.co/esszpqBKmE pic.twitter.com/UYS7OOUC0J
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 11, 2024
Perhaps the most important part of all of this is Warner talking about quarterback Brock Purdy, who apparently was sharp in his first action since Week 17. He was a healthy scratch for the season finale to give him an extra week to rest.
If he got the better of the 49ers’ defense a few times, that bodes well for him heading into his second trip to the playoffs in as many years.