49ers Defeated Broncos 24-14, Remain Undefeated
The 4-0 49ers secured their latest win on Sunday behind George Kittle's late 56-yard touchdown run.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Football
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The San Francisco 49ers kept their perfect season record intact with a 24-14 victory over the Denver Broncos. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who played for Denver in 2025, played a central role in the defensive effort and had a notable interaction with Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
Why it matters
The 49ers re-signed Dre Greenlaw specifically to improve their defensive metrics, and his impact on field efficiency was clear during Sunday's game. Whether this defensive dominance sustains as the team moves further into the season remains the primary question for fans.
The 49ers' defense allowed 3.3 yards per carry while Dre Greenlaw was on the field, compared to 5.2 yards per carry when he was off the field. Greenlaw recorded 12 tackles and two quarterback pressures in the win.
The players
Dre Greenlaw
The 49ers linebacker who previously played for the Denver Broncos during the 2025 season.
Sean Payton
The head coach of the Denver Broncos who was involved in an on-field confrontation with Dre Greenlaw.
George Kittle
The 49ers tight end who scored the game-sealing 56-yard touchdown.
The details
George Kittle sealed the win with a 56-yard touchdown run, capping a game that saw Greenlaw finish with 12 tackles and two quarterback pressures. Early in the first quarter, Greenlaw confronted Sean Payton by shouting and pointing at him from five yards away. The team continues their season with a 4-0 record following this result.
Timeline
Sunday, October 4, 2026: The 49ers defeated the Broncos 24-14.
9:12 left in the first quarter: Dre Greenlaw confronted Sean Payton on the field.
Across the Bay
This game marks a significant return for Dre Greenlaw, whose career trajectory has been defined by his recovery from the Achilles injury sustained during Super Bowl LVIII in 2024. His performance Sunday indicates he has successfully integrated back into the 49ers' defense after his 2025 season with Denver.
Fans watching the 49ers should track how the defensive unit maintains its efficiency as the team progresses toward future matchups. Watch the upcoming weekly injury and roster reports to see if Greenlaw's increased defensive usage continues.
The takeaway
The 49ers' success against Denver underscores the immediate defensive value provided by Dre Greenlaw's return to the lineup. Follow the team's defensive yardage stats in the coming weeks to see if this trend of limiting opponents to 3.3 yards per carry holds steady.
Further reading
You can find more coverage of the team's season performance in our Football section.
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