In a matchup that looked tailor-made for Myles Garrett to wreak havoc, it was Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ offensive line who flipped the script in Cleveland.
Coming into Week 13, the elements were working in Garrett’s favor-cold, swirling winds at Huntington Bank Field, a quarterback in Purdy who’s had his struggles in rough weather, and a Browns defense that had just posted a jaw-dropping 10 sacks the week prior. Add in Garrett’s NFL-best 18 sacks heading into the game, and it felt like a storm was brewing-both meteorologically and metaphorically.
But when the final whistle blew, it was the 49ers who stood tall, walking away with a 26-8 win and, maybe more impressively, having limited Garrett to just one sack.
That’s not a typo. One sack.
Considering the season Garrett is having-a Defensive Player of the Year campaign by any measure-it’s the kind of stat line that raises eyebrows. The fact that San Francisco managed to keep him mostly at bay says a lot about the game plan, the execution, and the poise of Purdy under pressure.
And Garrett noticed.
On one particular play, after Purdy slipped out of his grasp, the two shared a quick exchange-smiles, a fist bump, and a bit of mutual respect. “He said something like, ‘C’mon, man,’” Purdy recalled postgame. “And I was like, ‘I’m sorry, bro.’”
That moment said a lot about both players. Purdy, still early in his NFL journey, showed the kind of pocket awareness and escapability that’s becoming a hallmark of his game. And Garrett, a relentless pass-rusher with a motor that never quits, recognized the effort.
In his postgame comments, Garrett gave credit where it was due-not just to Purdy, but to the entire 49ers protection unit.
“There seemed like a lot of ops with how close it was,” Garrett said, “but [Purdy] likes getting out on time, or he sees me. Credit to him, he also avoided the rush pretty well, too. So him getting the ball out on time, them having a solid unit as well, chipping, those kind of things-they were doing what they do best.”
That’s high praise from one of the most dominant defenders in the league.
And it wasn’t just lip service. Garrett still added to his sack total-now up to 19 on the season-but even he admitted there were more plays out there that just didn’t go his way.
That speaks to Purdy’s ability to feel pressure, slide in the pocket, and make quick decisions. It also speaks volumes about the 49ers’ offensive line and their preparation for a Browns front that’s been terrorizing quarterbacks all season.
In a game that could’ve turned into a defensive showcase for Cleveland, it was instead a testament to offensive execution under duress. Purdy didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he played smart, stayed poised, and turned potential chaos into controlled efficiency.
And when one of the league’s most feared pass-rushers tips his cap after the game? That tells you all you need to know.