San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has always been coy when revealing his opinions on players. As a head coach, it's his job to avoid oversharing with the media and potentially jeopardizing any unforeseen advantages his team may have.
Even when asked about franchise quarterback Brock Purdy in his postgame presser, he refused to say anything but the classic, media-trained response. Purdy has seemingly reached another level through three games, entrenching himself in the early MVP conversation, but Shanahan played it off like nothing has changed from previous years to the present.
Boisterous tight end George Kittle, though, had other plans. When asked the same leading question after the game, he had no problem taking the bait.
"It's different," Kittle said. "Like, we could be at a Wednesday practice, and Brock might miss a pass, and I think in years past, Kyle would be, like, frustrated for him not hitting that pass... Now, Kyle is just like, 'Ah, he'll hit it on game day.'"
Even the 49ers' head coach can't ignore Brock Purdy's elevated gameplay
As much as the HC might be hesitant to publicly share his opinions of players, Kittle's example clearly indicates that even Brock Purdy's play caller knows he is playing at a different level this year.
The beloved tight end has never been one to mince words. He is known for his loud, infectious personality, and he always says what's on his mind. Therefore, it's easy to take what he said at face value, as he has no other motive to express such sentiments other than to praise his quarterback.
It's understandable why Shanahan feels the way he does. Now in his fifth year in the offense, Purdy is demonstrating a near mastery of his HC's scheme. The offense as a whole looks like it has unlocked a new level. In-game evidence such as passing game scripts with large leads and many aggressive, downfield throws are clear indicators that Brock Purdy has earned Shanahan's full trust.
Brock Purdy clearly feels the increase in trust from Shanahan and 49ers
There is something to be said about playing free without heavy criticism from a head coach. Through Week 3, Purdy is converting at a historic rate. Such success can only be had when a player is competing with a complete lack of fear.
It appears as though failure is not even on Brock Purdy's mind at the moment. Defenses have thrown everything at him, and nothing has worked. The QB used to be a dependable part of the 49ers' offensive engine, but now he is the ignition. Running back Christian McCaffrey, who has consistenly been viewed as the team's driving force, is averaging a career low in carries per game (excluding his rookie year). Also, nearly every starting wide receiver has either hit IR or been banged up, yet Purdy is still operating at an elite level.
There is reason to believe that Purdy will continue his torrid start to 2026. With Kyle Shanahan fully behind him, another Super Bowl appearance is certainly not out of reach.
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