Niners Nation
The streak is over. The San Francisco 49ers won their first game in Cleveland since November 11, 1984. Kyle Shanahan and his offense defeated Jim Schwartz’s defense. Brock Purdy played well in a cold-weather game. The narratives fell one by one with a 26-8 victory over Shedeur Sanders and the Browns. Now, the 49ers enter their bye week at 9-4 with four games remaining and in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot in the NFC. All things considered, it is hard to imagine a better scenario.
Here are the snap counts and grades from Sunday’s game, according to Pro Football Focus.
Offense
Quarterback
Brock Purdy 63 (74.5)
Mac Jones 4 (67.0)
Any time Mac Jones can enter a game to kneel the football out is a good day. Brock Purdy wore multiple hats on Sunday. His mobility, ability to manage a game, and ability to push the offense down the field were all on display at different times on Sunday. The stat line isn’t glamorous, but Purdy was exactly what the 49ers needed to leave Cleveland with a win. The turning point of the game was Purdy throwing the 49ers into field-goal range before the half to set up Matt Gay’s doinked in kick to give the 49ers a 10-8 lead at the half. Purdy connected with Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, and George Kittle on a downfield throw to give the 49ers a lead they would never relinquish.
Perhaps the biggest highlight was Purdy’s dougie following his rushing TD. The 49ers quarterback gets a week to rest his toe and prepare for the stretch run.
Running Back
Christian McCaffrey 53 (59.0)
Kyle Juszczyk 24 (67.2)
Brian Robinson 14 (57.8)
While 2.7 per carry isn’t great, McCaffrey helped the 49ers grind out a win on the ground. His contributions go further than his box score. It’s hard to imagine where this team would be in 2025 without him. McCaffrey found the end zone on the ground following Skyy Moore’s long punt return and added 21 yards receiving. Kyle Juszczyk left the game with a rib injury, but before his departure, he hauled in his 300th career catch in his home state, the site of his first NFL catch – pretty cool stuff for 44.
Wide Receiver
Ricky Pearsall 58 (59.1)
Jauan Jennings 54 (72.7)
Demarcus Robinson 29 (49.5)
Kendrick Bourne 23 (54.2)
On a windy day like Sunday, it was hard to imagine a big day from the 49ers’ receivers, but when the 49ers had to get down the field, they did before the half. Jennings found the end zone again and another fight. Ricky Pearsall looks fine running routes, and the production is coming. The 49ers are trying to get Kendrick Bourne his bonus money, but a phenomenal catch was waved off as he couldn’t get two feet in bounds.
Tight End
George Kittle 58 (77.7)
Luke Farrell 14 (56.3)
Jake Tonges 8 (65.0)
George Kittle led the team with four receptions and 67 yards on Sunday. His catch...
