The Cleveland Browns pulled off a shocking upset over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning 19-17 at home and snapping the 49ers’ 16-game regular season winning streak. The Browns improved to 3-2 on the season, while the 49ers suffered their first loss of the 2023 campaign.
Browns defense steps up against Purdy and Co.
The Browns defense was the key factor in the victory, as they held the 49ers’ high-powered offense to their lowest point total and yardage of the season. The 49ers came into the game averaging 33.8 points and 437.8 yards per game, but the Browns limited them to just 17 points and 233 yards.
The Browns defense also forced the first interception of the season by 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who had thrown for 14 touchdowns and no picks in his first four games. Purdy finished with just 125 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception, and a passer rating of 55.3.
The Browns defense also sacked Purdy twice, and tackled the 49ers for a loss five times. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had three of those tackles for loss, including a sack that pushed the 49ers back to their own 10-yard line in the third quarter.
Cooper shines in Walker’s debut as Browns starter
The Browns offense was led by wide receiver Amari Cooper, who had four catches for 108 yards. Cooper made two spectacular catches that set up two field goals by Dustin Hopkins, who was perfect on four attempts.
Cooper’s first big play came in the second quarter, when he caught a pass from P.J. Walker and ran for 51 yards to the 49ers’ 13-yard line. Walker then threw a touchdown pass to tight end David Njoku to tie the game at 10-10.
Cooper’s second highlight-reel catch came in the fourth quarter, when he leaped over two defenders to haul in a pass from Walker on the right sideline, and got both feet in bounds at the 49ers’ 42-yard line. That catch sparked a drive that ended with Hopkins’ game-tying field goal from 42 yards out.
Walker made his first start for the Browns, replacing the injured Deshaun Watson, who is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. Walker was efficient and composed, completing 15 of 22 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions. He also ran for 23 yards on four carries.
Moody misses potential game-winning kick for 49ers
The game came down to the final seconds, as the 49ers drove down to the Browns’ 23-yard line with nine seconds left on the clock. They sent out kicker Jake Moody, who had made three field goals earlier in the game, to attempt a 41-yard kick that would have given them the win.
However, Moody’s kick sailed wide left, sending the Browns’ fans into a frenzy and leaving the 49ers stunned. Moody had been perfect on his previous nine field goal attempts this season, but missed his most crucial one.
The Browns celebrated their improbable win, while the 49ers lamented their missed opportunity to remain undefeated. The Browns handed the 49ers their first loss since Week 17 of the 2022 season, when they fell to the Seattle Seahawks.
