Barrows: Behind the 49ers’ 4-0 start to the season

The San Francisco 49ers are 4-0 after grinding out a 24-14 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but the path to another win was anything but easy.

The Athletic’s Matt Barrows joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to break down what changed for the 49ers in the second half, George Kittle’s game-sealing touchdown, Brock Purdy’s continued growth and Dre Greenlaw’s standout performance.

San Francisco struggled to move the ball consistently during the first half, but a Saran Neal forced fumble helped turn the momentum. The 49ers responded with three consecutive scoring drives as Denver’s defense began to wear down.

“I don’t know if they were doing anything differently,” Barrows said. “The Siran Neal force fumble was the key play of the game that seemed to unlock everything for them.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 04: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates scoring a touchdown on a 56 yard pass play against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The biggest play came late in the fourth quarter when Kittle caught a short pass from Purdy and raced 56 yards for a touchdown. The score gave San Francisco a 24-14 lead and effectively put the game away.

Kittle finished with four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown on six targets. The performance continued an impressive return from the Achilles injury that ended his 2025 season.

Through four games, Kittle has 16 receptions for 244 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 15.3 yards per reception. Barrows was particularly impressed by Kittle’s ability to still display elite speed at 32 years old while returning from such a significant injury.

“He’s still got elite speed, which is insane given his age and the fact that, oh, just eight months ago he had a torn Achilles,” Barrows said.

Purdy was once again efficient and mistake-free. He completed 19 of 30 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns without an interception or a sack. Barrows believes Purdy’s ability to create plays outside of the structure of the offense has become an underrated part of his game.

“He’s able to extend plays. He’s able to create. He’s able to go off script at times, and Brock Purdy absolutely can do that,” Barrows said.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 04: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Deebo Samuel Sr. #19 after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Defensively, Greenlaw turned in one of his best performances since returning from injury. Barrows called it Greenlaw’s best game in two and a half years, praising his speed and ability to impact the game from sideline to sideline.

“Dre Greenlaw was everywhere across the field along the sideline, punching out the ball,” Barrows said. “I think it’s a signal that he’s back at full speed again.”

The 49ers now face their biggest test of the young season when they travel to Seattle for an NFC West showdown.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• ESPN’s Nick Wagoner: Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level
• Is Brock Purdy A Top-Tier Quarterback?

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT
• Monday, October 19th – vs. Washington Commanders – 5:15 pm PT
• Sunday, October 25th – @ Atlanta Falcons – 10:00 am PT
• Sunday, November 8th – vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, November 15th – @ Dallas Cowboys – 1:25 pm PT

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