Browns vs. 49ers instant analysis: Defense, Dustin Hopkins take down San Francisco

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Browns vs. 49ers instant analysis: Defense, Dustin Hopkins take down San Francisco

Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Sun, Oct 15, 2023 ·

16 min read

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CLEVELAND — The vibes said it should've been a gray, disappointing day for the Browns on the lakefront Sunday.

There was the continued questions about quarterback Deshaun Watson's shoulder , which had P.J. Walker being called up from the practice squad to start. On top of that was the fact the Browns found themselves facing the hottest team in the league, the undefeated San Francisco 49ers .

However, it was anything but disappointing for the Browns, who handed the 49ers their first loss of the season with a heart-stopping 19-17 victory.

The 49ers seemed primed to break the Browns hearts with 9 seconds remaining when rookie kicker Jake Moody lined up for a 41-yard field goal try to win the game. However, the kick went wide right, sending the Browns players pouring off the bench in celebration.

Browns vs. 49ers fight: Two teams scuffle on sidelines before Sunday's game

The Browns improved to 3-2 on a day when their defense limited the 49ers to 215 total yards. Meanwhile, the Browns racked up 334 total yards.

Walker guided the Browns on a nine-play, 63-yard drive that was capped by Dustin Hopkins ' 29-yard field goal with 1:40 remaining. That kick provided the Browns with a 19-17 lead.

Walker finished 18-of-34 passing for 192 yards, two interceptions and a 45.2 passer rating.

The final drive was aided by a massive personal foul penalty against former Browns safety Tashaun Gipson Sr., who was called for launching into a defenseless receiver. That turned what would've been fourth-and-10 from the Browns 26 into a first down at their 41.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Cleveland.

However, the 49ers, who spent all day struggling against the Browns defense, methodically marched to the Browns 23. That's where quarterback Brock Purdy spiked the ball on second down to stop the clock with 9 seconds remaining to set up Moody's failed try.

Purdy was 12-of-27 passing for 125 yards with a touchdown and a pick. It was his first regular-season loss after winning his first 10 starts.

This is how the Browns' massive win over the 49ers played out:

Browns defense rises up to get three and out

The Browns got the ball back with 2:56 remaining and down 17-16 thanks to a devastating defensive series. They forced the 49ers to punt the ball back to them by forcing a three-and-out.

The entire sequence was set up when Purdy was called for intentional grounding after he was pressured by Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah . That left the 49ers in a second-and-21 hole at their own 14 from which they couldn't recover.

Dustin Hopkins pulls Browns with one point

Hopkins pulled the Browns within 17-16 when he kicked a 50-yard field goal with 3:21 remaining. The field goal came after Nick Bosa 's third-down sack of Walker.

David Bell's fourth catch of season converts fourth down

Second-year receiver David Bell came into the game with just three catches for 27 yards all season. His fourth catch was a massive one for the Browns.

Walker found Bell between two 49ers defenders for a 6-yard gain on fourth-and-3 from the San Francisco 40. That extended a drive that ended with Hopkins' 50-yard field goal.

P.J. Walker's terrible interception sets up 49ers to retake lead

Walker had been mostly smart with his decisions for the Browns. The one he made on second-and-16 from his own 22 early in the fourth quarter was a killer.

Walker threw a sideline route that was, it appeared, intended for Amari Cooper . The problem was 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir had an easy interception, which he returned to the Browns 8.

On the next play, Jordan Mason took a pitch to the left and ran 8 yards into the end zone for a 49ers touchdown. That gave San Francisco a 17-13 lead with 10:58 remaining.

Christian McCaffrey for 49ers, Mike Ford Jr. for Browns head to locker room

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, middle left, is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, left, safety Grant Delpit, middle right, and linebacker Sione Takitaki during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) — San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, middle left, is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, left, safety Grant Delpit, middle right, and linebacker Sione Takitaki on Oct. 15 in Cleveland.

Two players, one for each team, went to the locker room late in the third quarter with injuries. The biggest of those was the 49ers' Christian McCaffrey with an oblique injury.

The Browns' Mike Ford Jr. also went to the locker room and was being evaluated for a head injury. At the same time, Anthony Walker Jr. was ruled out with a concussion.

End 3rd quarter: Cleveland Browns 13, San Francisco 49ers 10

The Browns take a 13-10 lead over the undefeated 49ers into the fourth quarter. They have a 246-152 total yards edge over the 49ers.

49ers penalty sets up Browns to take lead

The Browns didn't do anything with Martin Emerson Jr.'s interception. However, the 49ers were buried by the Browns defense on the subsequent possession, highlighted by Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's sack of Purdy at the 49ers 10.

The subsequent punt only made things worse for San Francisco, or better from the Browns perspective. The 49ers were flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty because a gunner went out of bounds and didn't come back in in an expedient fashion.

That gave the Browns the ball at the 49ers 45. Hopkins then kicked a 46-yard field goal with 2:59 remaining in the third quarter for a 13-10 lead.

It's the 49ers' first second-half deficit of the season.

Anthony Walker Jr. being evaluated for head injury

Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. was being evaluated for a head injury. It's not known when the injury occurred.

Martin Emerson Jr.'s first interception is Brock Purdy's first pick of season

Brock Purdy's first interception of the season came on his 150th pass of the year. It was from Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr., the first pick of the second-year pro's career.

The interception put Cleveland at the 49ers 38 with 10:08 remaining in the third quarter.

Amari Cooper's highlight reel catch helps Browns tie game

Amari Cooper was mad at himself after the loss to the Ravens for not doing enough in his mind. He's made up for it against the 49ers.

Cooper set up the first-half Browns touchdown with a big catch-and-run. He set up Dustin Hopkins' game-tying 42-yard field goal with a highlight-reel catch to jump-start the drive.

The Browns were facing third-and-7 from their own 31 when P.J. Walker threw a deep out to Cooper on the right sideline. Cooper elevated over two 49ers defenders to pull in the pass, then got two feet down at the 49ers 42.

The 27-yard gain gave Cooper three catches for 95 yards at the moment.

Halftime: San Francisco 49ers 10, Cleveland Browns 7

The Browns trail the 49ers 10-7 at the half. They hold a 189-149 edge in total yards.

Browns quarterback P.J. Walker is 8-of-12 for 106 yards and an interception in the first half. His passer rating is 59.7.

P.J. Walker dodges disaster with intentional grounding call

The Browns' final drive of the first half could've been a total disaster had P.J. Walker been ruled to have fumbled when they had the ball at their own 24 with 45 seconds remaining. Instead, the officials ruled on the field that Walker's hand was moving forward enough on an underhand "toss" to make it a forward pass.'

The 49ers fell on the loose ball, which would've given them a chance to add to the lead. But, upon review, the pass was upheld and instead the Browns were flagged for intentional grounding with no receiver in the area and Walker in the grasp of defenders.

That paid off when punter Corey Bojorquez boomed a 69-yard punt to flip the field and prevent the 49ers from staging a last-minute scoring drive in the half.

Brock Purdy's fumble help sabotage promising 49ers drive

Browns safety Grant Delpit picked up a pass interference penalty on the 49ers first play after Kareem Hunt 's touchdown while guarding tight end George Kittle on an incomplete pass. However, the replays — and the demonstrative protesting of the Browns sideline — seemed to indicate the contact may not have been there.

Nevertheless, the call stood, no matter the number of replay the video operator tried to show this time. The 49ers took that drive and marched down the field — also helped by a 17-yard Jawan Jennings catch — to reach the Browns 37.

However, Brock Purdy fumbled on a third-and-15 play as he tried to pass, taking the 49ers out of field goal range.

Kareem Hunt gets first TD in return to Browns

The big pass play to Amari Cooper didn't go for naught. Kareem Hunt turned a third-and-1 play from the 49ers 16 into a touchdown run with 5:38 left in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 10-7.

The play was new as tight end Harrison Bryant , who has taken direct snaps in short-yardage situations, took the snap from center Ethan Pocic and tossed it to the left to Hunt. Hunt found virtually nothing but green grass in front of him for the score.

Amari Cooper burns Deommodore Lenoir on big play

The big play showed up for the Browns after the 49ers pushed their lead to double digits. Amari Cooper ran off the line and shuffled his feet as cornerback Deommodore Lenoir ran up to defend, but stumbled and fell down.

That left Cooper wide open to pull in the pass from P.J. Walker. He would go 58 yards to the 49ers 25.

49ers use big play to flip field, add to lead

The 49ers turned bad field position into a scoring drive thanks to a huge play. On the drive's second play, Brock Purdy hit Brandon Aiyuk for a 33-yard catch-and-run on which Aiyuk was wide open.

That catch moved San Francisco from its own 32 to the Browns 35. That would set up Jake Moody's 25-yard field goal to make it 10-0 49ers with 7:54 remaining in the second quarter.

End 1st quarter: San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns 0

The 49ers took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter. The Browns held a 77-56 edge in total yards.

Replay on scoreboard helps flip penalty call

Give the scoreboard video operator an assist for changing a call on the Browns' punt return. Initially, the Browns' Mike Ford Jr. were flagged for a facemask penalty.

However, the scoreboard showed repeatedly that it was San Francisco's Ambry Thomas who was grabbing Ford's facemask. That led referee John Hussey to huddle with the officiating crew and reverse the call.

That put the Browns at their own 34, instead of inside their own 10.

Trent Williams suffers leg injury when Shelby Harris rolls into him

One of the prime matchups in Sunday's game was Myles Garrett against the 49ers' All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams. With just over three minutes left in the first quarter, Williams suffered an injury to his right leg.

The injury occurred when Browns defensive tackle Shelby Harris was blocked into his lower leg by San Francisco guard Jake Brendel. Jaylon Moore replaced Williams in the lineup.

Williams was back on the bench with his helmet on after the 49ers punted the ball.

Amari Cooper catch stands, Dustin Hopkins misses field goal

The Browns turned the 49ers missed field goal into one of their own. Dustin Hopkins missed wide left from 47 yards with 3:51 remaining in the first quarter, keeping the score 7-0 San Francisco.

The play before the miss, Amari Cooper had an 11-yard catch that the 49ers challenged that he didn't complete the catch. The officials ruled the call on the field stood.

Holding call negates David Njoku TD

The Browns seemed energized by the missed field goal. On their second play after it, Marquise Goodwin picked up 20 yards on an end-around to the San Francisco 32.

The next play, Walker executed a screen pass to David Njoku that went for a 32-yard touchdown. Except that the officials called right guard Wyatt Teller for holding, negating the score.

P.J. Walker intercepted by 49ers star Fred Warner, but no damage

P.J. Walker's first drive was going well. That is until the Browns got to the 49ers 42, where his pass to David Bell was intercepted by 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.

Warner returned the pick to the Browns 26. However, an 8-yard loss on the first play when Christian McCaffrey was dropped by Jeremiah Owusu-Kormoah on a screen pass set San Francisco back on the possession,

The drive would end when Jake Moody missed a 44-yard field goal with 6:50 remaining.

Kareem Hunt starts at running back for Browns

Other than P.J.Walker and left guard Michael Dunn, little was different about the Browns starting offensive group. Except that Kareem Hunt was in for Jerome Ford at running back.

QB: P.J. Walker
RB: Kareem Hunt
TE: David Njoku
WR: Amari Cooper
WR: Elijah Moore
WR: Donovan Peoples-Jones
LT: Jedrick Wills Jr.
LG: Michael Dunn
C: Ethan Pocic
RG: Wyatt Teller
RT: Dawand Jones

Browns personal fouls assist 49ers on opening TD drive

The 49ers offense is good enough on its own. To give them 30 free yards in personal foul penalties is just asking for trouble,

Cornerback Greg Newsome II picked up a late-hit personal foul at the end of a 27-yard Christian McCaffrey run to put the ball at the Browns 34. Then defensive end Za'Darius Smith was flagged for a facemask on a McCaffrey run for a loss to put the ball at the Cleveland 14.

McCaffrey would score on a 13-yard shovel pass from Brock Purdy to give San Francisco a 7-0 lead with 12:16 remaining in the first quarter.

Browns are first to put their elite defense on the field

The Browns won the toss and deferred. They went with this starting lineup, including the three-safety nickel.

DE: Myles Garrett
DT: Jordan Elliott
DT: Dalvin Tomlinson
DE: Za'Darius Smith
LB: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
LB: Anthony Walker Jr.
S: Grant Delpit
Nickel: Rodney McLeod
CB: Denzel Ward
CB: Greg Newsome II
S: Juan Thornhill

Browns, 49ers get into pregame scuffle during warmup

Things got spicy between the Browns and 49ers even before the teams got close to kickoff. The teams got into a sizeable scuffle in front of the San Francisco bench.

The teams were jawing at each other near midfield when 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk started clapping in the direction of Browns safety Juan Thornhill. Aiyuk bumped into Thornhill, who pushed him away.

Aiyuk's teammate, Deebo Samuel, then came in and shoved Thornhill. Samuel's actions appeared to be the spark that escalated things.

From there, 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams came rushing into the melee, knocking Browns receiver Elijah Moore backwards. The teams continued to push each other for a few more minutes before coaches and game officials got things under control.

However, the tensions were evident when the teams left the field at the end of warmups. Several Browns players, including Anthony Walker Jr., Thornhill and Matthew Adams, stood near the sideline in front of the 49ers tunnel as San Francisco left the field.

There's been no word on any penalties being assessed on individual players for the conduct. Ejections could be possible depending on what referee John Hussey determines.

Ethan Pocic, David Njoku active, starting despite injuries

The Browns inactive list does not include tight end David Njoku and center Ethan Pocic, meaning both will be in the lineup despite injuries. Njoku will play for the second consecutive game due burn injuries from his face and arm, while Pocic will play after sustaining chest and knee injuries in the Week 4 loss to the Ravens.

The inactive list does include, as expected, quarterback Deshaun Watson , left guard Joel Bitonio and receiver Cedric Tillman. All three were ruled out by the team on Friday.

The other inactive players for the Browns will be cornerback Kahlef Hailassie, safety Ronnie Hickman, defensive end Isaiah McGuire and defensive tackle Siaki Ika.

How to watch, stream and listen to the Cleveland Browns vs. San Francisco 49ers

TV channel: FOX WJW-TV (Channel 8).
Stream: Fox Sports Live , Fubo (free trial) .
Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), Greg Olsen (analyst), Erin Andrews (sideline reporter), Tom Rinaldi (sideline reporter) and Dean Blandino (rules analyst).

How to listen to the Cleveland Browns vs. San Francisco 49ers on the radio

The Cleveland Browns Radio Network will carry the game, with Andrew Sicilliano (play-by-play), Nathan Zegura (analyst) and Je'Rod Cherry (sideline reporter) on the call. Among the affiliates in the Akron-Canton area are WAKR-AM 1590, WONE-FM 97.5, WHBC-AM 1480, WQKT-FM 104.5, WKRK-FM 92.3, WKNR-AM 850 and WNCX-FM 98.5.

ESPN Radio is also broadcasting the game, which is available through the ESPN app. Steve Levy (play-by-play) and Max Starks (analyst) will be on the call.

The Browns have also started a Spanish-language broadcast, with Rafael "Rafa" Hernández-Brito (play-by-play) and Octavio Sequera (analyst) on the call. Games will be streamed on La Mega Cleveland , as well as heard on WNZN-FM 89.1 in Lorain and WVKO-FM 103.1 in Columbus.

Browns-49ers odds, money line, over/under

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook ; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:32 p.m. ET, Saturday.

Moneyline (ML): Browns +390 (bet $100 to win $390) | 49ers -530 (bet $530 to win $100)
Against the spread: Browns +9.5 (-110) | 49ers -9.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 36 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers injury report

Browns: Quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder), out; left guard Joel Bitonio (knee), out; receiver Cedric Tillman (hip), out; tight end David Njoku (face, arm), questionable; center Ethan Pocic (chest, knee, foot), questionable
49ers: Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring), questionable; running back Elijah Mitchell (knee), questionable

Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers in Week 5

The Browns were on their bye week. They had fallen to 2-2 on the season the previous week with a 28-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

The 49ers improved to 5-0 on the season by routing the Dallas Cowboys 42-10 at Levi's Stadium. San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy was 17-of-24 for 252 yards and four touchdowns, all of them to tight end George Kittle.

Cleveland Browns vs. San Francisco 49ers series

Sunday's game will mark the 21st meeting between the Browns and the San Francisco 49ers. The series began in 1950

Overall: Browns 12-8
In regular season: Browns 12-8
In playoffs: N/A
In Cleveland: Browns 7-2
In San Francisco/Santa Clara: 49ers 6-5
Streak: 49ers won the last meeting 31-3 in Santa Clara on Oct. 7, 2019

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on Twitter at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns vs 49ers score, game updates from NFL Week 6

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