Brock Purdy is putting his three-interception performance from last Sunday behind him as he prepares to face the formidable Cleveland Browns defense, spearheaded by NFL sack leader Myles Garrett.
Garrett, who has recorded 18 sacks this season, is a significant threat to any quarterback. Purdy recognized the challenge ahead, stating, “Obviously, he”s the best in the league with what he does. You have to have a game plan ready for him, and more than anything, understand you can”t hold onto the ball too long.”
In anticipation of the upcoming game, left tackle Trent Williams emphasized the importance of managing Garrett, who has lined up on Williams” side 85% of the time this season. “He gives you everything. He”s one of the best who”s ever played. And he has no weaknesses,” Williams remarked. “He wins about 95% of his reps and is always on top of the quarterback. He”s been like this a long time.”
Two years ago, Williams faced Garrett during a narrow loss to the Browns. Although Garrett did not register a sack in that game, he recently showcased his skills with three sacks and two forced fumbles in a win against the Las Vegas Raiders, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Garrett”s accolades include being a four-time All-Pro, a six-time Pro Bowler, and the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Coach Kyle Shanahan highlighted Garrett”s speed, noting, “His helmet crosses the line of scrimmage faster from an analytics standpoint than anyone in the NFL. So that means that get-off is amazing. When you put that with amazing ability, that to me comes around generationally.”
To counteract Garrett”s impact, tight end George Kittle mentioned the possibility of providing additional blocking support, although he acknowledged that double teams rarely deter Garrett. “He”s like an alien out there,” Kittle said. “He”s completely in his own rhythm right now, from the start of the game to the end.”
The 49ers are preparing for challenging weather conditions, including rain, snow, and cold temperatures. Shanahan advised the team to be ready for anything, recalling a blizzard during a previous game. “I showed them a bunch of videos this morning of what it looked like a year ago there versus Pittsburgh, just a blizzard and stuff and told them to expect it,” he explained.
Purdy, who traditionally does not wear a glove on his throwing hand during cold games, practiced in sunny conditions at 61 degrees on Wednesday. Running back Christian McCaffrey, leading the league in carries, receptions, and scrimmage yards, emphasized his focus on winning over individual statistics: “There”s not a statistic that matters after Week 13. It”s a long year, we have a lot of ball left.”
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk has been nominated for the NFL”s Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, prompting laughter from teammates Kittle and McCaffrey, who noted his penchant for trash talking. Juszczyk humorously defended his style, stating, “I hit people with just straight logic. It”s not, “You”re trash.” I usually hit them with, “Hey our whole game plan was to go against you because you”re the weakest player on your team.””
The 49ers are currently missing four starting-caliber defensive ends, with Sam Okuayinonu sidelined with a high-ankle sprain. Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are out for the season due to ACL injuries, while Yetur Gross-Matos may return from Injured Reserve by season”s end.
Ji”Ayir Brown, who made two interceptions last Sunday, became the first 49ers safety to win NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors since Antoine Bethea in 2014. Additionally, linebacker Eric Kendricks, who previously signed with the Cowboys, has joined the 49ers” practice squad.
Kittle also shared his Thanksgiving dessert preferences, highlighting his fondness for various pies, saying, “I”m a pretty big dessert guy. I love apple pie, rhubarb pie, pecan pie. Pumpkin”s solid but I like the other three way more.”
