Renardo Green's interception of Matthew Stafford in the San Francisco 49ers' season opener was the kind of play that can change the way a young cornerback is viewed. For Kyle Shanahan, though, it wasn't a surprise.
The 49ers head coach has apparently been waiting for Green to take the next step since the team selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. "I've had such high expectations for Renardo," Shanahan told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. "I believed in him before we got him, and I believed in him since he's gotten here. That's why I try to ride him a lot, to tell you the truth. Because I believe he can be a great corner, and I really think he's started to take those steps this year."
That's a strong endorsement from Shanahan, especially considering he benched Green in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game in Seattle last season. Now Shanahan wants to see what happens when Green puts everything together consistently. "You can see it in the offseason," Shanahan added. "You can see it carry over to week one. I thought he had a hell of a game and now it's time to do that week in and week out."
With the Rams facing third-and-10 in the second quarter of the week one game in Melbourne, Green intercepted Stafford's deep pass intended for Puka Nacua. The play ended a Rams drive that had reached San Francisco territory and gave the 49ers their first takeaway of the season. It also changed the momentum of the game.
"He was one of the guys I was most excited about this year just in terms of taking such a big step from the year before," Shanahan said after the game. "Renardo had such a good training camp; he's had such a good offseason starting back to phase one and OTAs."
Shanahan compared Green's potential progression to what he's seen from Fred Warner. "The work he's put in, where he's at right now. There's no reason, when I talk about Fred just getting better and better and better. Renardo has that ability."
That's a lofty comparison, but Shanahan wasn't making it based on one interception. He's talking about the way Green works. "He's shown that work ethic," Shanahan added. "He's shown that consistency just as a man, and I think everyone saw that on game day, and hopefully he can stay healthy and continue being the same way that he has. The sky's the limit for him."
Green finished the opener with three tackles and the interception, helping the 49ers hold Stafford to 17 completions for 128 yards and no touchdowns in San Francisco's 27-7 victory.
One game doesn't establish a cornerback as a star. Shanahan knows that. But the 49ers believe Green has the talent and work ethic to eventually become one.
Now comes the part Shanahan emphasized. Do it again next week. And then the week after that.
More info on: Renardo Green, Fred Warner
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