The San Francisco 49ers' offensive line has quietly become one of the biggest reasons their offense has started the 2026 season so well. Through four games, Brock Purdy has yet to be sacked, while San Francisco has produced 1,556 total yards and 16 touchdowns. The 49ers have also rushed for 549 yards on 115 attempts, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
General manager John Lynch believes the improvement is the product of more than one player.
“I think our offensive line has elevated their game," he said on KNBR.
The 49ers have benefited from continuity up front, with Trent Williams at left tackle, Connor Colby at left guard, Jake Brendel at center, Dominick Puni at right guard and Colton McKivitz at right tackle listed as the starters on the team's
depth chart.
Williams, in particular, continues to operate at a different level in Lynch's eyes.
“Some guys are different," Lynch said. "He is different."
The 49ers' offensive line has also helped create enough time for the passing game to flourish, with Evans, Kittle and Deebo Samuel combining for 614 receiving yards through four games.
However, Lynch cautioned against attributing the lack of sacks entirely to the offensive line. He pointed to the entire offense's ability to stay on schedule.
“It’s collective. It’s the run game. It’s third downs," Lynch said. "It’s Brock getting the ball out. It’s our receivers being where they need to be.”
For a team entering Seattle at 4-0, Lynch believes the offensive line's development could be one of the biggest reasons the 49ers are positioned to sustain their early success.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers GM has high praise for maligned offensive position group
