George Kittle weighs in on 49ers’ surprising early success

It’s only been about three weeks into the NFL season, and no team might be hotter than the 49ers.

While the 49ers have started the season 2-0 for the second consecutive year, seven-time Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” this week and said familiarity is why the team is off to a hot start.

“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.”

Kittle said the wide receiver room has changed a little bit, with the addition of Mike Evans and the team’s reuniting with Deebo Samuel after he spent last season with the Commanders.

A year removed from dealing with an injured hamstring and collarbone injury, Evans has looked rejuvenated on the football field. He already has nine receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown.

“When you add guys like that, it’s just so much fun,” Kittle said of Evans. “Every time we call a play and I know Mike has a chance of getting the ball, I’m like, ‘This is so sick — Like Brock Purdy is throwing the ball to Mike Evans and I’m blocking for him.’ What a dream come true.”

Purdy’s play has also had a large part in the 49ers’ early success this season.

Coming into Week 3, Purdy has the highest completion percentage (80.4) among quarterbacks and completed 20 of 22 passes in the 49ers’ 35-13 win against the Dolphins on Sunday.

San Francisco has also had a lot of success due to defensive coordinator Raheem Morris — who once served as a Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator for the Rams in 2021.

Fred Warner has also looked like his old self this season. He’s already compiled 16 tackles with two forced fumbles and half a sack through two games.

While things are rolling for the 49ers, the key to sustaining the chemistry they’ve built over the years will be staying healthy.

The receiver room has been hit the hardest with injuries early this season. Christian Kirk and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling are on the team’s injured reserve. Third-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is out for the season after having knee surgery for a torn PCL.

The 49ers have started strong, but they have a tough road ahead, including back-to-back matchups against the Broncos and Seahawks.