Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have crafted an impressive roster since joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. On Sunday, the team strengthened its case as the best in the NFL by dismantling the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.
After a three-game skid in October, the team has been firing on all cylinders, excelling both offensively and defensively. This was evident in the 42-19 rout of the Eagles.
During a conference call with reporters on Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked if this team is the most well-balanced roster he has had during his tenure and whether that influences his aggressiveness in handling play-calling duties.
"I mean, I think that started last year," Shanahan responded. "I think you guys could see, once we got on that roll, the way we went into the playoffs last year, the way we did in the playoffs, too, that things were a little bit different, and getting [RB] Christian [McCaffrey], and how well [QB] Brock [Purdy] played, and just our receivers, our O-line, our tight ends, how long they've played together. I think we all felt that last year, and [we were] so excited to get Brock back and get him healthy in the offseason. And feel like it started out that way, too, earlier in this year.
"So I just feel we got a special group of guys who continue to work hard and hold each other accountable and everything, and I think they've been doing a hell of a job for a little bit now."
The 49ers are always looking for ways to improve, though. Shanahan revealed that backup tight end Ross Dwelley is expected to miss several weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Might that be enough to pique the 49ers' interest in a veteran player like Zach Ertz? While the coach downplayed the possibility, he didn't close the door on it.
"I know John looks into all that stuff," Shanahan said. "I haven't heard anything about it now, so I wouldn't think so at this time. But I have a lot of respect for him as a player. I've always been a fan. But right now, at least from my standpoint, we're good with our group. But we have injuries, and things change, so we'll look in all options, as always."