Lesson learned: Kyle Shanahan is a self-assured 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw won’t make the same error twice

“Get down!” You probably yelled it after each of Dre Greenlaw’s two interceptions against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night, whether you were at the stadium or relaxing on your couch. The linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers disregarded the pleas of his teammates and everyone else present at Levi’s Stadium to drop to the ground. Rather, he led the audience on a tense emotional rollercoaster.

It makes sense that Greenlaw tried to ignite things with his first interception by scoring. But seeing him do it again on the second, when all it would have taken to terminate the game was a simple fall on the wet grass from the rain, made many nervous. A fumble on the play, after all, might have kept the Packers in the contest.

“His interception may have been the most anxious moment of the evening. After the game, tight end George Kittle said, “both of them.”

Head coach Kyle Shanahan joked that he would consider starting the linebacker on offence if Greenlaw is that eager to run with the ball.

Greenlaw said, “Put me out there,” after learning of his coach’s remarks. “That’s what I used to do in high school.”

During a conference call with reporters on Monday, Shanahan stated with confidence that Greenlaw had learnt his lesson.

“I think he’s glad that [the game] ended the way it did, and I don’t think he’ll ever make that mistake again,” added Shanahan. “He could tell how much of a thing it was after, but we didn’t push on him too hard. We’re grateful that he made the play, but if you give a team any more of a chance, things may turn bad very quickly and you could ruin some of the greatest plays ever.

“We didn’t need to give them any more opportunities the way that game was going. I believe he has so learned his lesson. I hope that will never be a problem for us to deal with.”

Luckily, Greenlaw held onto the ball tightly throughout both interceptions, allowing the 49ers, who were ranked #1, to move on to the NFC Championship Game. On Sunday, they will meet the Detroit Lions, who are ranked third, at Levi’s Stadium.