The San Francisco 49ers were criticized this past offseason for not doing enough to improve what many fans viewed as an underwhelming offensive line.
The unit allowed 27 sacks last season, with only four NFL teams surrendering fewer. Through three games in 2026, the 49ers' offensive line appears determined to make a statement. San Francisco is the only team in the league that has yet to allow a sack this season, keeping quarterback Brock Purdy clean.
"I think, just as a group, we've protected very well, and that is the O-Line," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday.
The offensive line's performance has likely contributed to Purdy's strong start, which has put him in the early MVP conversation. He has completed 72.3% of his passes for 789 yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception while adding another touchdown on the ground.
The offensive line's success hasn't surprised Shanahan, who doesn't understand why the unit is so often criticized.
"Yeah, the hate on our O-line always surprises me, personally," Shanahan said. "I think they've done pretty good for a while. Right when they start getting too much credit, I want everyone to chill out too because I know what comes after that.
"But our guys, I love our O-line. I think they've been real consistent for a number of years, and they're playing really well right now."
San Francisco's offensive line owns Pro Football Focus' (PFF) highest pass-blocking grade among all 32 NFL teams at 73.2. The group's 69.3 run-blocking grade ranks seventh in the league.
"It's just been cool to watch how well those guys have been playing," running back Christian McCaffrey said on Wednesday. "They do everything together, which is cool. I mean, obviously, football's a team game, but all five guys on the O-line are really one unit.
"And to watch the way they've been working, the tight ends, fullback, receivers blocking in the run game, whoever gets the ball in their hands, everybody playing without the ball. But they're tone setters, and our offense rolls through them. So, it's been really cool to watch them and how well they've been doing."
The 49ers' offensive line will face a tough test on Sunday against a Broncos pass rush that has earned a seventh-ranked 76.5 grade from PFF and already has eight sacks this season. If the unit keeps Purdy clean again and he delivers another strong performance, it'll become increasingly difficult to diminish the success of San Francisco's offensive line.
More info on: Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy
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