Silver: Brock Purdy is playing Kyle Shanahan’s ideal quarterback

Brock Purdy has become the kind of quarterback Kyle Shanahan wants running his offense: quick through his reads, comfortable making plays with his legs, and able to deliver when the game is on the line.

That’s what stood out to Greg Silver as Purdy led the 49ers through a chaotic win over Seattle. Purdy’s late-game connection with Mike Evans helped keep San Francisco’s final drive alive before he found Brandin Cooks in the end zone.

For Silver, the bigger point was how well the quarterback and coach fit together.

“Brock Purdy has played the quarterback position better than anybody in a San Francisco uniform for Kyle Shanahan by far, and it’s not close,” Silver said on Sactown Sports’ Matt & Kayla.

“He has played the quarterback position the way that Kyle Shanahan has wanted it to be played.”

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 11: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a timeout against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field on October 11, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

More on 49ers QB Brock Purdy

Silver pointed to Brock Purdy’s ability to move through his reads quickly while still using his legs to create plays. He said that partnership is why Purdy has raised the offense’s ceiling since returning from injury.

The results, Silver said, speak for themselves.

During San Francisco’s 5-0 start, Purdy has passed for 1,196 yards (13th in the NFL), 13 touchdowns (leading the NFL), and posted a league-best QB rating (85.5).

The 49ers have also started to show they can win when the offense isn’t carrying the load. Silver credited defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, the return of key veterans and the young players beginning to make an impact.

“Players play, coaches coach,” Silver said. “Both have mattered a lot.”

Fred Warner’s presence helps set the tone, while the return of Dre Greenlaw and Nick Bosa, along with the addition of Osa Odighizuwa, has given the defense more experience.

Silver also highlighted Renardo Green’s improvement and the contributions of young defenders such as Grayson Halton.

That development could matter most later in the season. Silver said the Rams and Seahawks have built more depth through the draft, making it important for San Francisco’s younger players to keep stepping up as injuries inevitably test the roster.

“That’s what you’re going to need to see if you want to be lasting in December and January, and then get to February,” Silver said.

Mike Evans #5 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Jake Brendel #64 after scoring a two-point conversion against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on October 11, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Mike Evans gave the 49ers another answer against Seattle. Silver said the Seahawks had largely limited Christian McCaffrey and the rest of San Francisco’s offense, but couldn’t find a solution for Evans in one-on-one coverage. With Deebo Samuel sidelined, Silver expects Shanahan to lean more on McCaffrey as a pass catcher and George Kittle in the passing game.

The 49ers won’t have the same options every week. But if Purdy keeps executing Shanahan’s offense and the young defenders continue to grow, Silver believes San Francisco has the depth to make a serious postseason run.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ Sactown Sports’ Matt & Kayla with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Barrows: Samuel to miss time, Bosa could return for Week 6
• 49ers survive wild finish in Seattle, improve to 5-0
• Sando: 49ers’ sack-free start shows Brock Purdy’s growth
• Is Brock Purdy A Top-Tier Quarterback?

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT
• Monday, October 19th – vs. Washington Commanders – 5:15 pm PT
• Sunday, October 25th – @ Atlanta Falcons – 10:00 am PT
• Sunday, November 8th – vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, November 15th – @ Dallas Cowboys – 1:25 pm PT

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