In the back-and-forth, the Niners totaled 496 yards with 32 first downs. They were money on big downs, going 7 of 10 on third down, 1 of 1 on fourth down and 5 of 5 in the red zone.
The biggest highlight came in the third quarter, when Purdy bought time to roll right, dropped multiple passes and set up a TD to quarterback Kyle Juszczyk on a play that lasted more than eight seconds.
“I was just hoping he was going to throw it and we could get a couple more plays,” Shanahan said of the play. “And then I just started watching him, probably like any other fan does. He made me really nervous, and then he made me really happy, which happens sometimes.”
If not for an early season toe injury that knocked him out for eight games, he would be squarely in the MVP discussion, as his comeback has given the Niners a chance to earn the No. 1 pick.
Shanahan was asked if Purdy’s hot streak was the best he’s ever seen him play.
“I don’t know. I’m not the best historian,” he said. “I feel like he’s had some good stretches. I mean, especially going back to ’23 and ’22. But I mean, he’s playing as good as it gets right now.”
With Purdy excelling and Christian McCaffrey (181 yards, TD) dominant, the Niners’ offense has proven it can overcome defensive deficiencies.
After a 6-11 season in 2024, Shanahan’s club has a chance to finish the season. Saturday night’s Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks is ranked No. 1 in NFC.
“It’s huge,” Shanahan said. “So proud of the guys all year, proud of today. It’s a hell of a deal to be able to get a chance to play for the No. 1 seed and these guys have earned it.”