In a disappointing 22-17 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers took responsibility for the team's defensive failings. The duo, who are considered leaders on the team, engaged in a post-game discussion with the intention of addressing the defensive issues and preventing a further slide.

Bosa, dressed in a white towel, stood next to Warner's locker and engaged in a 5-minute conversation about the state of the defense. Both players acknowledged their roles in the team's failures and expressed their commitment to improving the unit.

"We try to take as much of the brunt of failure, being who we are, the leaders that we try to be," Bosa stated at the media podium. "We were just kind of talking about that."

As homegrown All-Pros, Bosa and Warner are expected to lead the 49ers' defense and propel the team towards Super Bowl contention. Bosa, the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, is responsible for producing sacks, while Warner is tasked with quarterbacking the unit beyond just providing motivation.

Reflecting on the game, Bosa admitted to his lack of sacks throughout the season, extending his sackless streak to four games. The 49ers' defense as a whole struggled to bring down Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, allowing him to accumulate 378 yards passing on a 35-of-45 completion rate.

Warner, who has also been a prominent figure on the defense, acknowledged the need for mental toughness and finding ways to win regardless of the circumstances. "I want to win in any form or fashion," Warner emphasized. "Let's find a way to get this done."

One notable criticism was the effectiveness of the blitz calls from first-year defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. While the strategy was expected with Wilks' hiring, the defense's vulnerabilities were exposed due to blown assignments and missed tackles.

Bosa highlighted the difference in defensive approach this year, stating, "We're usually a rush-four kind of team and it's a little different this year." Despite this adjustment, he acknowledged missed opportunities to make game-changing plays.

The lack of production from the defensive line, which is considered the team's biggest investment, is a cause for concern. Bosa, who leads the league in quarterback hits with 17, only has 2.5 sacks to his name this season. In comparison, last year through Week 7, he had seven sacks en route to an impressive total of 18.5 for the season.

"We have a lot of really good players on the D-line, and obviously a lot invested in it. You have to make the plays when they're there," Bosa remarked. "There's definitely a couple of opportunities there to change the game, and I didn't do that."

The defensive ends, aside from Bosa, have also struggled to make an impact. Clelin Ferrell, Drake Jackson, and Randy Gregory combined for just one hit on Cousins. With the defensive line underperforming, the 49ers' defense continues to regress rather than impress.

As the 49ers aim to bounce back from their two-game skid, Bosa, Warner, and the rest of the defense are facing the challenge of finding ways to improve and help lead the team to victory.