Jon Gruden Makes Strong Statement About Undefeated 49ers

The undefeated 49ers have made quite an impression on Jon Gruden. Five games into the season, San Francisco is sitting at 5-0, Brock Purdy is putting up remarkable numbers, and a defense filled with unfamiliar names is making life miserable for opposing offenses.

During the latest episode of the Gruden Family Football Show, the former NFL head coach made it clear where he believes San Francisco stands among the league’s best teams. With the Washington Commanders coming to town for Monday Night Football, Gruden doesn’t see many weaknesses in Kyle Shanahan’s undefeated 49ers.

Jon Gruden Believes the Undefeated 49ers Are the Team to Beat

Gruden has watched plenty of good football teams throughout his career. What San Francisco is doing right now has certainly caught his attention.

“This 49er team is really looking like the cream of the crop to me,” Gruden said while discussing Monday night’s matchup.

That’s quite an endorsement considering how competitive the NFC has become. However, it’s difficult to argue with the results.

The undefeated 49ers have won their first five games despite dealing with injuries at several important positions. Deebo Samuel is expected to miss additional time, while the team continues to work through injuries elsewhere on the roster.

Yet San Francisco keeps finding ways to win.

“They’re just one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, if not the hottest,” Gruden said.

Purdy deserves plenty of credit for that success. Through five games, he leads the NFL with 13 touchdown passes against just two interceptions. His efficiency has been remarkable, especially considering the changes and injuries affecting his receiving corps.

Gruden also pointed to Mike Evans as someone who has helped keep the offense dangerous.

“The bigger the game, the tougher the coverage, the more beat up he is, the better he plays,” Gruden said of Evans.

That combination of quarterback play, veteran leadership, and Shanahan’s offensive system has made San Francisco extremely difficult to defend.

Undefeated 49ers’ Defense Has Jon Gruden’s Attention

While Purdy and the offense receive plenty of attention, Gruden seemed equally impressed with what San Francisco has accomplished defensively.

He specifically praised defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and a front four featuring Grayson Halton, Romello Height, Keion White, and Sebastian Valdez.

Those aren’t necessarily household names, but their performance against Seattle certainly got Gruden’s attention.

Gruden credited the group for its relentless pressure and physical play, particularly against a Seahawks offense that struggled to keep defenders out of the backfield.

The undefeated 49ers have also benefited from Fred Warner’s presence at linebacker. His ability to cover ground and disrupt plays gives San Francisco another advantage against offenses attempting to establish any rhythm.

Oct 11, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Gracen Halton (93) celebrates with cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2), safety Malik Mustapha (6) and linebacker Ogbo Okoronkwo (59) after forcing and recovering a fumble for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

That’s potentially bad news for Washington.

The Commanders are coming off a frustrating overtime performance and now must face one of the league’s most aggressive defensive fronts on national television.

Jay Gruden, who coached Washington from 2014 through part of the 2019 season, believes the Commanders could have serious problems handling San Francisco’s defensive speed.

He described the front as athletic, fast, and relentless in its pursuit of the football.

For Washington, protecting Jayden Daniels and avoiding obvious passing situations will be critical.

The Last Word

The undefeated 49ers have reached a point where winning no longer seems to be enough to impress anyone. People are beginning to evaluate whether San Francisco is the best team in football, and Jon Gruden appears ready to put the 49ers at the top of that conversation. What makes their start particularly impressive is how they’ve handled injuries without losing their identity.

Purdy continues to produce, the defense keeps generating pressure, and Shanahan has his team playing with confidence. Washington will have an opportunity to challenge that reputation Monday night.

Based on Gruden’s assessment, however, the Commanders are walking into one of the toughest assignments in football against the undefeated 49ers.