The San Francisco 49ers have overcome a series of injuries to remain unbeaten through six weeks of the 2026 NFL season. They will look to improve to 7-0 on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons before heading into their bye week.
Aside from a second-half struggle Monday night against the Washington Commanders, the 49ers offense has performed at a high level, even with quarterback Brock Purdy missing several key pass-catching weapons.
The defense has also shown signs of improvement under coordinator Raheem Morris, playing an aggressive style of football.
However, when asked what makes this 49ers team unique, head coach Kyle Shanahan pointed to another quality.
"I just like the grit of our team," Shanahan said during an interview with Bay Area radio station KNBR. "I wouldn't say we're an offensive team, a defensive team, special teams. I wouldn't say we're dominant in this area and not in another.
"I just feel like, every week, we try to figure out what it takes to win, collectively as coaches, collectively as a team. Our guys really focus on that stuff, and they try to go get it done."
Monday night's game offered a prime example. The 49ers entered as clear favorites against the visiting Commanders and dominated the first half, taking a 20-3 lead. However, San Francisco struggled after halftime, allowing Washington to mount a comeback. A gritty defensive performance helped the 49ers hold on for a 23-17 victory.
"And not always in these games does it go exactly how we're thinking it's going to go," Shanahan continued. "And I think we assess the situation, players and coaches, and we see the adjustments we've got to make, and our guys are willing to just really put it on the line every single week and do what it takes to get it done.
"I think maybe a difference with our team [compared to] most other teams is I feel like our guys play every team like it's make-or-break to make the playoffs or not. There is no 'Hey, this is just Week 5' or 'Hey, we've got a good record.' There's none of that.
"I think our guys have a very good understanding of how this league works, and how fast it can change. Each week, it's a one-game season, and I think we look at it every week that way, and I think we've played that way."
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