The San Francisco 49ers went to Cleveland to face the Browns and came out victorious, 26-8, in a game that, even with both teams having significantly different trajectories, could have been a trap for San Francisco.
But despite the adverse weather, the 49ers avoided mistakes and secured the win. Here are three things we can take away from San Francisco’s victory.
1) Special Teams Is Finally a Strength for the 49ers
Special teams have been a nightmare for the 49ers in recent seasons, but in 2025, they have become one of the franchise’s bright spots. With so many injuries, San Francisco needs every unit to minimize mistakes so the game plan can hold together, and that is exactly what happened once again.
Skyy Moore delivered another impact play on special teams, a 66-yard punt return early in the game. Matt Gay converted both of his field-goal attempts and his extra-point tries, and the 49ers also recovered a Browns muffed punt that set up a short field and led to a touchdown.
2) Clelin Ferrell, Keion White Making the Most of Their Opportunity
Replacing Nick Bosa is never an easy task, and San Francisco knows it is impossible to fully replicate the impact of a former Defensive Player of the Year. That said, there is still plenty of football left, and the 49ers have to move forward. Clelin Ferrell and Keion White, both brought in to help fill that void, did not disappoint.
KEION WHITE WITH THE SACK! pic.twitter.com/b1FIfkK1qq
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) November 30, 2025
Ferrell finished the game with nine tackles, including two sacks, while White added one sack among his three total tackles, producing the second-highest pressure percentage of his career (28.6), with six pressures on 21 pass-rush snaps. The edge rusher, who holds a D grade on PFSN EDGEi ratings, delivered his best performance of the season.
3) Brock Purdy Bounced Back
After a three-interception performance, facing a top-five NFL defense was a major challenge for Purdy, especially in bad weather with Myles Garrett bringing pressure off the edge. The outing was not spectacular, but it was steady, with just the right amount of aggressiveness, like the deep throw to George Kittle near the end of the first half that set up a field goal.
The read option that produced the team’s second touchdown showed Kyle Shanahan’s confidence in the play call and confirmed that Purdy’s mobility is not an issue. He avoided turnover-worthy plays and added a touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings. Crisis avoided, and a positive note heading into the bye week.
