The San Francisco 49ers achieved a significant 26-8 victory against the Cleveland Browns, marking their first win in Cleveland since 1984. This victory also extended their winning streak to three games.
While it”s noteworthy that the 49ers have faced the Browns in Cleveland only four times since 1993, the long gap without a win is surprising given the talent of past San Francisco squads.
With this victory, the 49ers improved their record to 9-4, gaining valuable ground in the NFC West race against the Los Angeles Rams, who suffered a surprising defeat to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Despite facing a strong Browns defense that limited San Francisco to just 10 points in the first half, the 49ers” offense found its rhythm. Quarterback Brock Purdy completed 16 of 29 passes for 168 yards and threw two touchdowns, one of which came from a remarkable play where he faked a handoff to Christian McCaffrey before scoring on a 3rd-and-goal in the third quarter, increasing the lead to 17-8.
Purdy”s only touchdown pass of the game was a seven-yard connection with wide receiver Jauan Jennings, which effectively sealed the victory early in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, the 49ers were impressive, with the exception of a 10-play, 90-yard drive from the Browns in the second quarter. Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders struggled, completing 16 of 25 passes for just 149 yards and a touchdown. Cleveland managed to either punt, fumble, or turn the ball over on downs on nearly all their drives.
This marks the second straight game in which the 49ers have allowed fewer than 10 points, a notable achievement considering their earlier season injuries.
The special teams unit also continued its remarkable turnaround. McCaffrey opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown, which was set up by a 66-yard punt return from Skyy Moore, placing the 49ers in the red zone. Later in the game, cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. recovered a muffed punt, leading to Purdy”s touchdown pass to Jennings, highlighting why San Francisco boasts the top-ranked special teams unit after finishing last the previous season.
As the 49ers split their regular-season meetings with the Rams, this recent win adds intrigue to the NFC West race, especially following the Rams” unexpected loss. With a late bye week upcoming, the 49ers are well-positioned at 9-4, firmly in contention for the NFC”s top playoff seed as they approach the final month of the season.
While Purdy”s inconsistency and three interceptions since returning from a turf toe injury have posed challenges, if he can replicate his performance from Sunday, the 49ers could be a force to reckon with as the playoffs approach, bolstered by their strong defense and special teams.
