The San Francisco 49ers (9-4) have officially entered their bye week following a decisive 26-8 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. This win marked a significant moment for the 49ers, who managed to overcome adversity from injuries and setbacks that threatened their playoff ambitions earlier this season.
As they prepare for their much-anticipated break, the 49ers find themselves riding a three-game winning streak, boosting their confidence as they sit in the seventh and final playoff position in the NFC. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed satisfaction with their current playoff standing, noting they are just half a game behind both the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West.
Here are ten observations from the 49ers” first win in Cleveland since 1984:
- Purdy vs. Garrett: The matchup between Brock Purdy and NFL sack leader Myles Garrett provided some thrilling moments. Purdy showcased impressive pocket awareness, managing to evade Garrett multiple times despite Garrett recording his league-leading 19th sack. Purdy noted Garrett”s reaction after one of his throws, stating, “He was like, “Come on, bro,” and smiled at me.”
- Purdy”s Swagger: Purdy”s celebration of his 2-yard touchdown run with a “Dougie” dance illustrated his confidence and camaraderie with teammates. “He does a good job of bringing swag to the game,” said wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.
- Short-Field Success: The 49ers capitalized on favorable field positions for their touchdown drives, starting at the Browns” 16-, 32-, and 18-yard lines due to turnovers and a punt return.
- Malik Mania: Safety Malik Mustapha made his presence felt with key tackles and a strong performance that included seven tackles. Mustapha described the importance of early stops in setting the tone for the game.
- Jennings” Making Enemies: Jauan Jennings faced backlash from Browns players after a physical game, highlighting the intensity of competition. Jennings caught a touchdown pass, contributing to his growing reputation for tough play.
- Multiple Sacks: The 49ers” defense achieved three sacks against rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, matching their season high from earlier in the year.
- Defensive Shutout: The 49ers managed a second-half shutout, demonstrating a solid defensive performance that left the Browns unable to score in the final two quarters.
- Skyy Sets His Sights: Skyy Moore made a splash with a 66-yard punt return, the longest for the team since 2011, setting the stage for an early touchdown.
- McCaffrey”s Numbers: Despite only accumulating 74 total yards, Christian McCaffrey scored a touchdown, marking his eighth consecutive game with a rushing touchdown.
- Bizarro World: The 49ers experienced a twist of fate as Matt Gay successfully kicked a go-ahead field goal just before halftime, a stark contrast to previous missed opportunities in Cleveland.
As the 49ers head into their bye week, their victory against the Browns reinforces their potential as a dangerous playoff contender.
