The San Francisco 49ers (9-4) are heading into their much-anticipated bye week following a commanding 26-8 victory against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. This win marks the 49ers” first triumph in Cleveland since 1984 and comes after a rollercoaster season filled with injuries that many believed would jeopardize their playoff chances.
As they enter Week 14, the 49ers” victory halted a three-game win streak, enhancing their confidence as they look ahead. “It doesn”t matter when our bye is,” said safety Malik Mustapha in a post-game interview. “We have the guys that just love ball.”
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his satisfaction with the team”s current playoff standing. Despite being in the seventh and final NFC playoff position with four games remaining, they are just half a game behind the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks for the division lead.
Here are ten notable observations from the game:
1. Purdy vs. Garrett
The matchup between quarterback Brock Purdy and NFL sack leader Myles Garrett was a highlight. Although Garrett recorded his league-leading 19th sack, Purdy”s quick decision-making and mobility helped him evade further pressure. After avoiding a sack, Purdy humorously recalled, “He was like, “Come on, bro,” and smiled at me.”
2. Purdy”s Swagger
Purdy celebrated his 2-yard touchdown run with a rendition of the “Dougie,” a promise he made to his teammates. His performance was crucial as he displayed assertiveness when the 49ers trailed at halftime. “He does a good job of bringing swag to the game,” said wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.
3. Short-Field Success
The 49ers capitalized on advantageous field position for all three touchdown drives, starting at the Browns” 16, 32, and 18-yard lines. Coach Stefanski acknowledged, “That”s not the way to play a good team, where you”re giving them short fields.”
4. Malik Mania
Mustapha made a significant impact on defense, recording seven tackles and stopping a key fourth down. “Getting that stop early was pivotal,” he noted.
5. Jennings” Making Enemies
Receiver Jauan Jennings found himself in the spotlight again after a physical game against the Browns. His reputation for aggressive play drew comments from opponents, including defensive tackle Shelby Harris, who criticized Jennings” trash talk.
6. Multiple Sacks
The 49ers” defense recorded three sacks, matching their season-high. Clelin Ferrell and Keion White applied pressure on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who managed to throw for a touchdown but was kept in check otherwise.
7. Defensive Shutout
For the first time since the previous season, the 49ers achieved a second-half shutout, with the Browns failing to convert on four fourth downs.
8. Skyy Sets His Sights
Returner Skyy Moore made a career-long 66-yard punt return, the longest since Ted Ginn Jr. in 2011, helping set up the 49ers” first touchdown.
9. McCaffrey”s Numbers
Despite limited yardage gained, running back Christian McCaffrey scored his eighth rushing touchdown in as many games, solidifying his role as a key offensive player.
10. Bizarro World
This season has seen unusual occurrences, including Matt Gay making a go-ahead field goal off the left upright, a stark contrast to past misses in Cleveland.
As Shanahan aptly noted, the team is looking for big plays, and with the momentum gained from this win, the 49ers are well-positioned as they head into their bye week.
