"Shanahan's propensity for pointing out Kittle's foibles is an open secret in the 49ers' locker room, a state of affairs that might surprise people on the outside," Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote following the 49ers' 37-20 win over Washington.
Silver pointed out that during practice last week, Kittle leaped in the air to catch a touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Brock Purdy. His coach's response?
"He didn't have to jump," Shanahan commented, according to one witness.
On the play intended to go to McCloud, Kittle improvised. Silver noted that the tight end was supposed to run a 15-yard crossing route to occupy the Washington safeties, clearing out some deep space for McCloud. Instead, Kittle noticed some open space and opted to take advantage.
"I'm not gonna run to get covered, Kittle thought to himself. Screw that — I'm scoring," wrote Silver.
On Wednesday, Shanahan was asked about the play. Is that kind of improvisation something that makes him angry?
"I do [get angry] until the ref puts his hands up," Shanahan admitted to reporters. "I'm like, 'What is he doing? Oh, all right.' Then I move on, and I'm celebrating. Ray-Ray might have taken longer to get over it, but I could[n't] care less once it works. But it better work."
The Purdy-Kittle connection has been impressive over the last two games. The tight end has caught 10 passes for 213 yards during that span. Kittle now has 52 catches for 713 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns this season, with half of those scores coming in the past two games.
"Brock's made a few good plays, letting it rip, and Kittle's gotten some good looks where he's been open," Shanahan said of the quarterback-tight end chemistry. "And also, he got one more big one, intercepting it from Ray-Ray, so that definitely helps. But I also think Kittle's ... been the best he's been all year. ... He didn't get much in training camp.
"At the beginning of the year, he had to disappear for a little bit with some injuries. When he did come back, he was easing his way in. He wasn't great. And I feel like he's gotten about a month in here without any setbacks, and when Kittle does that, he gets right back to what he's always been, and that's as good as anyone in this league at his position."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Fred Warner settles the debate: Where does Brock Purdy rank among NFL QBs?
The debate over where Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite passers remains a hot topic. However, for San Francisco 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, there is no debate—Purdy is the gold standard in the league. "I think that he just processes the game at a different... -
49ers add potential George Kittle successor in Daniel Jeremiah's mock draft
George Kittle's timeline for returning in the 2026 NFL season remains uncertain, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to perform at his usual All-Pro level once he does. The San Francisco 49ers tight end suffered a torn Achilles during the team's Wild Card playoff loss to the... -
49ers owner: Shanahan a 'no-brainer' for Coach of the Year, expectations for 2026
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York spoke with Kay Adams on Tuesday, making it clear who he believes deserves NFL Coach of the Year—and the answer is no surprise: head coach Kyle Shanahan. "I think Kyle deserves to win Coach of the Year," York said. "I think that's a... -
49ers, Kyle Shanahan lose another top assistant to Titans
As expected, the Tennessee Titans have made a move to hire San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Gus Bradley, bringing him on as their new defensive coordinator. Titans are hiring 49ers assistant head coach Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator, per source....