Shanahan clarifies locker room talk with Purdy after loss to Chiefs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Much was made of the long conversation between coach Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy in the 49ers locker room after San Francisco’s defeat 28-18 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
On Monday, the coach shared that those types of conversations are normal, especially after games, and Shanahan simply hadn’t realized that members of the media were in the locker room nearby while the conversation was taking place.
“We were talking like we always do, but I didn’t realize you guys were behind me spying on us,” Shanahan said with a laugh. “I love talking to the guys after the game, I happened to be walking back and he was standing there so we stopped and started talking.”
Purdy had one of his most challenging games. as a pro, completing just 17 of his 31 pass attempts for 212 yards, three interceptions and a career-low grade of 36.7. But that wasn’t the reason Shanahan stopped to talk to his quarterback, it was more out of habit, with thoughts of the game fresh in his mind.
“It really got to me, I forgot everyone was still there,” Shanahan said. “We were talking about the game, and then I looked back and you guys scared me a little bit. “I didn’t realize everyone was getting so nervous, but that’s what we all do, we talk.”
While Shanahan added that there are mistakes in every game, one that stood out was Purdy’s third interception midway through the fourth quarter. The offense had marched 60 yards down the field to the Kansas City five-yard line, trailing by nine points.
On third-and-5, Purdy looked for an open target and attempted to force the ball to wide receiver Chris Conley. Chiefs rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks had close coverage on the play and was able to come down with an interception, preventing a 49ers score.
“I know Brock would love to get those three picks back,” Shanahan said. “He didn’t have anything last game in the red zone, but he’s got to sit there and take the sack so we can kick a field goal and make it a six-point game.”
The 49ers head into Week 8 with a 3-4 record, but the sky is not falling at the team’s headquarters with plenty of football left to play. As for how San Francisco will improve, there isn’t one consistent issue they’ve been dealing with, but rather the need to play better across the board, which includes Purdy.
“We have coaching points on every play, so I can’t give a general narrative on a coaching point,” Shanahan said. “Every play is different and Brock is having an incredible year. Yesterday he didn’t play his best game.”
Purdy and the 49ers hope to bounce back from their Week 7 loss when they host the Dallas Cowboys for “Sunday Night Football” this weekend.
