Shanahan: Purdy 'heater' rivals MVP seasons

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is experiencing a highly successful period early in the 2026 season, with his team holding a 3-0 record and quarterback Brock Purdy showcasing exceptional performance. Shanahan was prompted to compare Purdy's current form to his past coaching achievements.

Specifically, Shanahan referenced his 2016 season as the Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator, where he guided Matt Ryan to an MVP award. He stated that Purdy's current performance reminds him of that successful era, even comparing it to seasons with other quarterbacks like Matt Schaub.

Ryan's 2016 season saw him complete 73 of 103 passes for 970 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception in his first three games, leading his team to a 2-1 start. Purdy's 2026 season through three games has been equally impressive, with 60 completions on 83 attempts for 789 yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception, maintaining a high passer rating and notably not being sacked.

Ryan ultimately finished his 2016 MVP season with a 69.9% completion rate, 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, leading the Falcons to an 11-5 record and a Super Bowl appearance. This standard serves as a significant benchmark for Purdy's ongoing season.