49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan Makes MVP Case for Two of His Players

The 49ers boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL as they continue to make a push for the top seed in the NFC. That said, it’s hard enough for a team to have one MVP candidate—let alone two. San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan made a case for both quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey on Wednesday when speaking with the media, but he wouldn’t pick one over the other. 

“Are you trying to get me in trouble with those two guys?” Shanahan said in response to a reporter’s question. “That’s the only reason I wouldn’t overly comment on either one of them because I don’t want them to cancel each other out.” 

Shanahan started his answer by agreeing that Purdy should be considered for MVP amid recent debates about whether he’s deserving of the honor, but then he took the chance to plead McCaffrey’s case, too. 

“If any nonquarterback’s going to get a MVP, I don’t get how Christian McCaffrey can’t,” Shanahan said. “I mean, he’s amazing in what he has done all year.”

The tailback is recognized as one of the most dynamic players in the NFL and is in the midst of one of his best seasons yet. Through 13 games, McCaffrey has recorded a league-high 1,614 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns. He also leads the league in rushing yards (1,177) and ranks second in carries (226).

Meanwhile, Purdy has compiled a 10–3 record as starter, completing 70.2% of his passes for 3,553 yards and 25 touchdowns to seven interceptions.