A 49ers rookie linebacker made a splashy debut in the season opener, leading the team with 11 tackles and a forced fumble.
The year was 2007. The rookie’s name was Patrick Willis.
In 2018, another rookie linebacker made his first career start in Week 1. He led San Francisco with 12 tackles, including one for loss, a pass breakup, and also forced a fumble. His name is Fred Warner.
Of course, it would be premature to anoint Warner as the next great 49ers defender after his performance in Minnesota on Sunday. Willis established himself as one of the franchise greats over an eight-year career while reaching seven Pro Bowls.