SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ defense got off to a rough start on Tuesday, as that unit seemed more intent on fighting than playing football.All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, one of the more aggressive and physical players in the NFL, stepped forward after three scuffles broke out in the first six plays against the Tennessee Titans during the teams’ joint practice.
Warner said it was not a calculated thing for the 49ers’ defense to set the tone with their version of bully ball.
“No, I promise,” Warner said. “We’re not trying to fight and do all this other stuff. We’re trying to play football, and that’s what I’m trying to tell the guys early on.
“I brought the guys together and told them, ‘We’re not going to get through today if we continue on this path.’ We got to play football. If you end up on the ground, that means you didn’t win your rep.”
Nickel back Upton Stout and linebacker Tatum Bethune were among the most aggressive 49ers’ defenders during the early stage of practice.
Coach Kyle Shanahan was stationed on the...