Why Philip Rivers wanted to track down 49ers LB after SF's Week 16 win

Story byKyle Madson, Niners WireThu, December 25, 2025 at 1:45 AM UTC·1 min readThe San Francisco 49ers offense carried the team to a 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, but it was linebacker Dee Winters and the defense that ultimately sealed the victory. Late in the fourth quarter Monday night, Winters stepped in front of a throw from Colts quarterback Philip Rivers and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown that snuffed out the Colts' attempt to cut into San Francisco's 14-point lead, and instead put the 49ers up by 21. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRivers prior to the interception was 23-of-34 for 277 yards and two touchdowns. After the game he caught up with Winters in a fun exchange where the two briefly went over how Winters so easily read the play. Rivers checked to a play earlier in the game that Winters recognized in the late-game scenario. The QB was trying to make a quick throw to tight end Tyler Warren, but Winters undercut it knowing where Rivers was intending to go. It was a terrific play by Winters that shows his growth as a player in his third season.