Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy Seek Redemption Against Browns in Challenging Conditions
Cleveland may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering redemption, but for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy, Sunday presents a chance to confront some deeply personal challenges. Shanahan has historically struggled against Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, losing nine of their ten matchups. Schwartz’s defenses are typically robust, particularly in the front seven, presenting a formidable barrier to Shanahan’s offensive strategies. This matchup is no different, as Schwartz is well-acquainted with Shanahan’s tendencies and has crafted a defense that leaves little room for errors.
Purdy’s Weather Struggles
For Purdy, the narrative surrounding him has revolved around his performance in poor weather conditions. While he demonstrated his capabilities during his college days at Iowa State, professional outings have seen him falter when rain, snow, and sleet come into play. The Cleveland forecast for game day is akin to late November gloom: rain, light snow, and gusty winds, with temperatures dipping below 40 degrees. Will this be the game where both Shanahan and Purdy rewrite their stories, or will they find themselves ensnared in familiar patterns?
Challenges Ahead for Shanahan’s Offense
The immediate concern for Shanahan will be managing the Browns’ menacing pass rush, led by the formidable Myles Garrett, who is on the brink of a historic season. With 13 sacks in his last four games, Garrett needs just five more to claim the NFL season record of 22.5. In contrast, the 49ers have accumulated only 13 sacks throughout the season. To counter Cleveland’s imposing front four, Shanahan may need to allocate extra blockers, potentially limiting George Kittle’s role in the passing game as he focuses on protection.
Brock Purdy enters this game following a disappointing outing against Carolina, where he threw three interceptions. After the game, he acknowledged that his inconsistency stemmed from issues with his mechanics, rather than lingering effects of his turf toe injury. With the adverse weather conditions looming, Purdy’s ability to maintain stable footing will be crucial, especially after he struggled with deep throws last week, completing only one of seven attempts of 15 yards or more, alongside three interceptions.
Finding Success on the Ground
In the face of a tough matchup, the 49ers will need a robust running game. Cleveland’s defense ranks third in the league against the rush, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry and conceding only five rushing touchdowns. Additionally, they sit second in the league for sacks and pressure rate. So how can the 49ers find success? Revisiting their game plan from the Atlanta matchup might be key, shifting from wide zone runs to a more direct, north-south approach. Given the slippery conditions, this strategy could mitigate the risks associated with outside runs.
Dominic Puni, now fully healthy, could play a pivotal role in this game. Shanahan may also look to execute controlled rollouts for Purdy to navigate the pressure while utilizing block-and-release screens for playmakers like Christian McCaffrey and Kittle. The passing game will need to be patient, focusing on short, manageable gains to keep the chains moving. The effectiveness of Shanahan’s opening script will be telling, setting the tone for the battle of wits against Schwartz.
Browns’ Offensive Outlook
On the other side of the ball, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is set for just his second career start, coming off a promising performance against the Raiders where he scored 24 points. While Sanders has shown accuracy on deep throws, his agility is limited; he tends to avoid running, instead opting to create space in the pocket to deliver passes. This makes him an unpredictable element during scramble scenarios, as evidenced by a 52-yard completion to Isaiah Bond last week.
However, the Browns’ offensive strategy against Las Vegas drew criticism for its simplicity, with observers noting a predictable run-run-pass pattern and a lack of hot routes for quick check-downs. It’s expected that offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will broaden the playbook, providing Sanders with more options to navigate the 49ers’ defense. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh may seek to confuse the rookie with varied looks, capitalizing on any continued lack of hot routes.
Running back Quinshon Judkins struggled last week, averaging only 2.8 yards per carry, but he found the end zone twice on direct snaps from the wildcat formation. With Tatum Bethune sidelined, Curtis Robinson will step in at Mike linebacker for the 49ers, though his performance against the run has raised concerns. The recent signing of linebacker Eric Kendricks could provide additional depth, though his availability for significant snaps remains uncertain.
Game Prediction and Expectations
This matchup is shaping up to be a battle of field position, with turnovers likely playing a crucial role. Kickers will be tested by the challenging conditions, and a low-scoring affair appears probable. The 49ers will aim for sustained, time-consuming drives, though finding the end zone may prove difficult.
For Purdy, maintaining ball security will be essential as he faces a relentless pass rush from Garrett and the Browns’ defense. With limited targets available in the passing game, the 49ers will need to lean heavily on McCaffrey in the running game, but he faces a tough challenge against a defense anchored by one of the league’s premier linebackers in Carson Schwesinger. Expect a game defined by turnovers, missed kicks, and Cleveland’s defense emerging as a decisive factor. With the odds stacked against them, the 49ers may struggle to put points on the board, facing a 17-13 defeat.
