In an impressive display of offensive prowess, San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Purdy and running back McCaffrey are emerging as strong contenders for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Offensive Player of the Year awards. The dynamic duo has been instrumental in the 49ers' high-flying offense, which is on track to achieve historic milestones this season.

The 49ers' pass offense, bolstered by a talented cadre of skill position weapons including receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, as well as tight end George Kittle, has been collectively outstanding. Based on expected points added (EPA) per dropback, Purdy's performance matches the remarkable standards set by Aaron Rodgers in 2011 for the Green Bay Packers, marking the best mark in the past 15 years.

Notably, the 49ers have a realistic chance of joining an elite group of teams with a 4,000-yard passer, a 1,500-yard rusher, and three 1,000-yard receivers. The only team to achieve this feat so far is the 2004 Indianapolis Colts, led by quarterback Peyton Manning. Aiyuk has already amassed 1,090 receiving yards, while Kittle and Samuel have contributed 865 and 787 receiving yards, respectively.

The pursuit of the 1,000-yard mark by these talented receivers will determine if Purdy's 49ers can attain the same rarified air as Manning's Colts did in 2004. Manning's exceptional performance that year resulted not only in him winning the NFL MVP award but also the AP's NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award, despite his teammate Edgerrin James' impressive 2,303 yards from scrimmage.

However, history shows a bias towards quarterbacks when it comes to these prestigious awards. Even in 1987, when 49ers receiver Jerry Rice scored a staggering 23 touchdowns in just 12 games during a shortened season due to a players' strike, quarterback John Elway of the Denver Broncos won the MVP award. The votes were likely split between Rice and 49ers quarterback Joe Montana.

Interestingly, a pass catcher has never won the MVP award. Rice did manage to secure the Offensive Player of the Year Award in 1987, much like Marshall Faulk in 1999 and 2001, when he finished as the MVP runner-up behind his teammate Kurt Warner.

It remains to be seen if Purdy and McCaffrey can achieve the elusive combination of MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards this season. A tie for the MVP award, as seen in 1997 and 2003, is technically possible but unlikely, requiring an exact split of the vote between the two outstanding 49ers players.

As the 49ers continue their quest for success, the remarkable performances of Purdy and McCaffrey will undoubtedly be closely monitored by fans and experts alike. Could they become the latest duo to capture both the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards? Only time will tell.