The San Francisco 49ers have rolled through the first three weeks of the season in dominating fashion, with a point differential of 92-42 and an early 3-0 record, which only two other NFL teams have thus far.
However, all hasn't been well, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been flagged twice for 15-yard penalties in back-to-back weeks, which has been an issue at times during his career.
Both calls have been controversial, leading reporters to ask head coach Kyle Shanahan about his linebacker's aggressive tendencies, which he wasn't fazed about.
"I do have to check on [the league's response to Greenlaw's latest penalty]," Shanahan said. "I know he got it written up so I need to go read it. But anytime you play like Dre, he doesn't hesitate in anything he does, so he jumps off the screen to people."
Shanahan understands the necessity to make the calls but also feels that Greenlaw isn't doing anything to violate the rules.
"But you've still got to call it right. It's harder when people are like that. But he plays one way and if he is ever playing a way that's illegal or anything that's not allowed, we will change that fast. But Dre is a very talented athlete and very physical and a violent player who can play that fast and keep himself out of trouble for the most part. And I think he's done a very good job of that throughout his career. The hardest one was the one versus [Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin] Herbert last year,which was just unfortunate, but I think he's done a real good job at it."
Greenlaw will look to wipe the slate clean in Week 4, where the 49ers' linebackers will be tasked to defend the quarterback option and zone read against the Arizona Cardinals, who upset the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 by two scores.