George Kittle thinks the 49ers’ early surge comes down to something simple: they’ve barely had to relearn anything.
San Francisco has opened the 2026 season 2-0, and Kittle said on “The Rich Eisen Show” this week that the offense’s fast start makes sense because so much of the core is still intact.
"I think the biggest thing is that this is essentially like the same offense we've had for quite a while now," Kittle said. "It's the same starting O-line as last year, the same quarterback, the same fullback, the same running back, the same tight ends. The wide receiver room has changed a little bit, but Deebo [Samuel]'s been a part of it before, and I think Mike Evans would work in any offense because of how good he is."
That continuity starts up front, where the 49ers are back with the same starting offensive line from a year ago. Brock Purdy remains at quarterback, Kyle Juszczyk is still the fullback, Christian McCaffrey is in the backfield and Kittle is holding down the tight end spot.
The biggest changes have come at receiver. San Francisco brought in Evans this offseason and reunited with Samuel after a year apart.
Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling would have been part of the mix before suffering a serious ankle injury. Demarcus Robinson is back as well, though he is dealing with an injury of his own.
The 49ers also added Christian Kirk and Brandin Cooks, while Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins are in the young receiver group.
Kittle said the talent level around him is a big part of why the offense feels so dangerous, and he singled out left tackle Trent Williams and Evans in particular.
"I got really lucky - I got to play with Trent Williams," Kittle said. "Hall of Famer, plays like a Hall of Famer still.
Mike Evans, Hall of Famer, plays like a Hall of Famer still. Every time we call a play and I know Mike has a chance getting the ball, I'm like, this is so sick - Brock Purdy's throwing the ball to Mike Evans and I'm blocking for him.
What a dream come true."
For Kyle Shanahan’s offense, the combination of familiar pieces and a veteran addition like Evans has helped San Francisco get off to one of its most cohesive starts in recent memory.
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Watkins has barely seen the field in his previous seasons, which makes this an important chance for him to show he can handle a bigger role when the offense needs help. For San Francisco, it is another reminder of how quickly depth can get tested, and how a player who was more of an afterthought in August can suddenly become part of the weekly plan in September. [Read more 🡒]