The San Francisco 49ers have seen many surprises over the first five weeks of 2026. The defensive line and pass rush have come alive without Nick Bosa; the 49ers’ secondary has developed, particularly Renardo Green; and despite multiple injuries in the wide receiver room, Mike Evans looks every bit the receiver he was in his prime. I would argue the biggest surprise in 2026 has been the 49ers’ offensive line.
During a press conference from training camp, Kyle Shanahan said he never understood the
“hate” the offensive line received, proving the team does hear chatter, whether online or from pundits and analysts. Five weeks in, the 49ers organization, Shanahan, and offensive line coach Chris Foerster deserve a ton of credit for sticking with their plan. The continuity is there, even with Connor Colby at left guard, and the line has gelled together.
The hope is this play continues into January when the games become more important. As of now, the 49ers have a top-five offensive line, and it is hard to argue against their case.
According to Football Insights, the 49ers’ pressure responsibility across the five lineman positions goes 11.6% to Trent Williams, 32.6% to Connor Colby (inflated by Byron Murphy on Sunday, for what it’s worth), 11.6% to Jake Brendel, 14% to Dominick Puni, 18.6% to Colton McKivitz, 16.3% to Brock Purdy, and 7% to blocking tight ends and blitz pickups.
For reference, each position is either very good (Williams) or above average, aside from Colby, who sports the second-highest pressure responsibility at left guard. Colby has been fine this season, but Sunday’s performance has drastically changed his number.
Here’s a stat for you. The five offensive linemen with the longest snap streak without allowing a sack are as follows:
- LT Garett Bolles, Denver – 1,077 snaps
- LG Joe Thuney, Chicago – 1,038 snaps
- C Lucas Patrick, Washington – 1,031 snaps
- C Erik McCoy, New Orleans – 1,020 snaps
- C Jake Brendel, San Francisco – 921 snaps
Yes, you are reading that correctly. Brendel hasn’t allowed a sack since Week 16 of 2024. How remarkable is that? The common outcry is about the 49ers’ investments in the offensive line. What it boils down to is that people want first-round investments. The 49ers have invested in the line, but not with first-round picks. Puni and McKivitz were drafted and developed. Colby was drafted and has more development potential in the future. The 49ers pulled off one of the best trades in franchise history with the trade for Williams. Brendel was a free-agent signing.
Are the 49ers not investing in the offensive line? Yes, but they are doing it in a way that hasn’t required a first-round pick. Over five weeks, it is hard to argue with their process and the results. Brock Purdy was finally sacked for the first time, but Seattle’s defensive line is excellent. Purdy’s ability to navigate the pocket and his elusiveness outside of the pocket certainly has contributed to the offensive line’s success, but there is no doubt the line has been excellent so far in 2026.
Offensive line development is complicated. Players with all the tools fail in the NFL, and players who develop and work turn into plus starters. Bravo, Shanahan, and Foerster. The plan has come together at the best time, and if this continues, the 49ers will have as good a chance as anyone to finish the job.
For a longer discussion on the offensive line’s success, check out the video below:
