4 Week 8 stats that suggest 49ers are turning 2021 around

No. 1: 49ers kept Jimmy Garoppolo upright all game

Yes, Chicago was without its top pass-rusher, Khalil Mack, who was out with an injury in Week 8. That made a big difference.

But for any team’s offensive line to prevent any sacks or even quarterback hits from happening, it’s nevertheless an achievement.

The Niners O-line has been notably inconsistent this season, not allowing a sack the first two weeks of the season before being something of a liability during the team’s four-game losing streak.

Read More: Jimmy Garoppolo forces 49ers to start him again after beating Bears

Entering the Bears game, San Francisco had surrendered 11 sacks, which was tied for 22nd. Not bad. But considering how quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has limited mobility and has historically struggled while facing pressure, it’s pretty vital and noteworthy for the 49ers to protect him all game long.

And that’s precisely what happened.

Garoppolo didn’t take a single sack. Additionally, no Bears defender even managed to record a quarterback hit on him.

From a pass-protection standpoint, it was a near-perfect game for the Niners, allowing Garoppolo to throw for well over 300 yards in the victory.