Through the first three weeks of the 2026 NFL season, only one starting quarterback has managed to avoid taking a sack. While quarterbacks around the league have been hit consistently, Brock Purdy remains the only qualified quarterback who has yet to be sacked, an impressive start that has helped the San Francisco 49ers open the season 3-0.
STILL the only starting QB that has not been sacked yet this season pic.twitter.com/SnkxUWBNmA
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) September 30, 2026
On the other end of the spectrum is Baker Mayfield, who has already been sacked 13 times, the most of any quarterback in the league.
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Brock Purdy remains untouched
Purdy has started all three games for San Francisco and has attempted 83 passes without being taken down once. The 49ers are just the fourth team since 1990 to allow zero sacks through three games, joining the 2014 Bengals and Peyton Manning’s 1999 and 2005 Colts teams.
It isn’t simply a case of Purdy having an offensive line that gives him unlimited time, either. He has done an excellent job recognizing pressure, getting the ball out quickly, and using his legs when necessary.
Through three games, Purdy has thrown for nine touchdowns without an interception, while also rushing for 93 yards and eight first downs on 10 carries.
That combination of protection, scheme, and quarterback decision-making has kept Purdy completely clean to begin the season.
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Baker Mayfield has taken a beating
Mayfield’s situation couldn’t be more different.
The Buccaneers quarterback has already been sacked 13 times, six of which came during Sunday’s loss to Minnesota. The Vikings’ defense consistently overwhelmed Tampa Bay’s offensive line, finishing with six sacks, six tackles for loss, and 12 quarterback hits.
Mayfield’s 13 sacks are three more than the next quarterback on the list, with Tyler Shough and C.J. Stroud each having been sacked 10 times entering Week 4. Drake Maye, Geno Smith, Deshaun Watson and Malik Willis have each been sacked nine times.
The contrast between Purdy and Mayfield is remarkable. One quarterback has played three games without taking a single sack, while the other has already been taken down 13 times.
And with the 49ers preparing to face Denver in Week 4, Purdy’s streak is about to face another significant test. The Broncos finished with the NFL’s most sacks last season and currently rank among the league leaders again in 2026.
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