Kyle Shanahan Praises a Surprising 49ers Position Group

Over the last few years, the San Francisco 49ers have had plenty of talent, at least on paper, at the wide receiver, running back and linebacker positions. Of course, they have also had one of the NFL’s better quarterbacks in Brock Purdy, a reality that the national media is finally starting to admit.

But their offensive line has been considered mediocre at best. While they have one of the greatest left tackles ever in Trent Williams, a man who remains a star at age 38, and a stud in right guard Dominick Puni, the interior of that offensive line and the right tackle position have been considered relative weaknesses.

But that has changed, at least through three games this year.

That offensive line has allowed zero sacks. Of course, Purdy is very good at evading pressure and extending plays, but the Niners’ pass protection has been excellent, and their run blocking has been solid as well.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan couldn’t help but praise his offensive line while pointing out the criticism it has gotten over the last few years.

Shanahan sounds impressed

“Yeah, the hate on our O-line always surprises me, personally,” Shanahan said, via 49ers Webzone. “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.”

Pro Football Focus (subscription required) has given the Niners a 73.2 pass-blocking grade and a 69.3 run-blocking grade through Week 3. Williams has a 76.7 overall grade, and Puni has a 72.1 overall grade so far this year.

One big concern was the left guard position, where Connor Colby has been starting. But the 2025 seventh-round draft pick has a decent 67 overall grade through three games. Right tackle Colton McKivitz has improved over the last couple of years and has a 73.6 overall grade this season, while center Jake Brendel has a 71.4 overall grade.

This has all resulted in Purdy having plenty of time to go through his progressions and find open receivers downfield. He has completed 72.3% of his passing attempts through Week 3, to go along with 789 passing yards, nine touchdown passes and a 133.1 passer rating. No one in the NFL has thrown more passing touchdowns or has a higher passer rating this year.

San Francisco’s offensive line will be tested over the next two weeks when it goes up against the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, two teams that are adept at creating pressure against opposing quarterbacks. But if it holds up and if Purdy continues to shine brightly, the team will start to truly look like a Super Bowl contender.