49ers Weather the Storm in Cleveland: 4 Standouts and 2 Concerns from San Francisco’s Gritty Win
On a frigid day in Cleveland, the San Francisco 49ers walked into enemy territory and walked out with a hard-earned 26-8 win. The temperature hovered around 30 degrees, the wind whipped through the stadium, and the Browns’ defense-led by the ever-menacing Myles Garrett-was as relentless as advertised.
But the Niners didn’t blink. They leaned into the physicality, executed when it mattered, and now head into their bye week with momentum and a little extra swagger.
This wasn’t just another win-it was a statement. And like any game with playoff implications and playoff intensity, there were clear standouts… and a few players left searching for answers.
Let’s break down the winners and losers from Sunday’s win in The Land.
Winners
Clelin Ferrell: A Spark Off the Edge
Clelin Ferrell’s second stint in San Francisco might have flown under the radar, but it’s safe to say the former No. 4 overall pick made a loud return on Sunday. The pass rush has been inconsistent all season, and with no major moves at the trade deadline, the pressure was on the current group to step up.
Ferrell answered that call.
He registered four pressures, two sacks, and made several key plays in the run game. It was the kind of performance that reminded fans why he was a top-five pick in the first place.
Ferrell looked fast, decisive, and disruptive-everything the 49ers need from their edge defenders down the stretch. If he keeps stacking games like this, don’t be surprised if he plays his way into a more permanent role in 2026.
The 49ers Offensive Line (Minus Trent Williams)
Going up against a Browns defense that ranks second in the league in sacks is no small task. Myles Garrett entered the game with 19 sacks on the year and has been a nightmare for offensive lines all season. And while he did notch one sack-beating Trent Williams, no less-that was the only time the Browns got to Brock Purdy.
That’s a huge win for the rest of the 49ers’ offensive line.
Purdy had time to operate, averaging 3.41 seconds per throw-an elite number that speaks volumes about the protection he received. Cleveland’s front is deep, with interior disruptors like Maliek Collins and a rotation of capable edge rushers, but San Francisco’s line held firm. In a game where one or two breakdowns could have swung momentum, the unit rose to the occasion.
Special Teams: From Liability to Asset
Let’s be honest-special teams have been a sore spot for the Niners this season. From missed kicks to coverage lapses, the unit has had its share of lowlights. But on Sunday, they flipped the script in a big way.
Skyy Moore’s 66-yard punt return was a game-changer, setting up the offense with prime field position. Matt Gay was automatic, hitting all of his field goals and extra points.
Darrell Luter Jr. came up with a heads-up fumble recovery in punt coverage. And punter Thomas Morestead consistently pinned the Browns deep, winning the all-important field position battle.
In a game where points were tough to come by and every yard mattered, the special teams unit delivered one of its best performances of the year.
Keion White: Quietly Making Noise
Keion White arrived in San Francisco with plenty of potential but not much production. It’s taken time for him to adjust, but Sunday showed signs that he’s starting to put it together.
White recorded four pressures-nearly matching his total from the previous four games combined-along with a sack and two stops in the run game. Yes, he missed a couple of tackles, but the arrow is pointing up. He looked quicker off the line, more confident in his reads, and more comfortable in the scheme.
If this is the version of Keion White the Niners get moving forward, he could become a valuable piece in the defensive rotation.
Losers
Trent Williams: A Rare Off Day
Trent Williams has been a rock for San Francisco for years, and even at 37, he’s still capable of elite-level play. But Sunday wasn’t his finest hour.
Matched up against Myles Garrett, Williams gave up four pressures and two quarterback hits, including Garrett’s lone sack. His 41.0 pass-blocking grade was his lowest of the season-and it showed.
To be fair, Garrett makes a lot of great tackles look pedestrian. But this game raised a question that’s becoming harder to ignore: Can Williams still hold up against the league’s top-tier edge rushers? The playoffs will bring more of those matchups, and the 49ers will need their blindside protector at his best.
Ricky Pearsall: Still Searching for His Groove
Ricky Pearsall burst onto the scene early this season, stepping up when the receiving corps was thin. But since returning from a PCL injury, he just hasn’t looked the same.
In the three games prior to Week 13, Pearsall had only three catches for six yards. Sunday wasn’t much better-two catches for 14 yards. The separation isn’t there, and the explosiveness that made him a threat earlier in the year seems to be missing.
With Brandon Aiyuk no longer in the picture and Jauan Jennings struggling to find consistency, the door is wide open for Pearsall to seize a bigger role. But if he doesn’t find his rhythm soon, he could find himself sliding down the depth chart heading into 2026.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t a pretty win, but it was a gritty one-and those count just as much in December. The 49ers showed they can win in tough conditions, against a top-tier defense, and with contributions from all three phases of the game.
They’ll take that into the bye week with confidence. And if guys like Ferrell and White continue to ascend, while the offensive line and special teams stay sharp, this team could be peaking at just the right time.
But the road ahead is tough, and questions around key veterans like Trent Williams-and the development of young players like Ricky Pearsall-will need answers soon.
For now, though, the Niners can enjoy a well-earned break. They've earned it.