In a back-and-forth affair, the Niners generated 496 total yards with 32 first downs. They were money on big downs, going 7-of-10 on third downs, 1-of-1 on fourth downs and 5-of-5 in the red zone.
The biggest highlight came in the third quarter, when Purdy bought time rolling right, eluding multiple pass rushers and flipping a TD to fullback Kyle Juszczyk on a play that lasted more than eight seconds.
“I was just hoping he was going to throw it away, and we can have a couple more downs,” Shanahan quipped of the play. “And then I just started watching him, probably like every other fan does. He made me extremely nervous, and then he made me extremely happy, which happens sometimes.”
If not for an early-season toe injury that knocked Purdy out eight games, he’d be squarely in the MVP discussion, as his return has vaulted the Niners into a chance to earn the No. 1 seed.
Shanahan was asked if Purdy’s hot streak is the best he’s 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 scrimmage yards, TD) dominating, the Niners’ offense has proven it can overcome the defensive shortcomings.
Following a 6-11 season in 2024, Shanahan’s club has a chance to complete the season flip. Saturday night’s Week 18 matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks is for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
“It’s huge,” Shanahan said. “So proud of the guys throughout the whole year, proud of today. It’s a hell of a deal being able to have the opportunity to play for the (No.) 1 seed, and these guys have earned it.”
