Heading into Monday night’s matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers, the 49ers were one of only two undefeated teams remaining, and the Cleveland Browns were a huge question mark in the AFC North.
First Half
The 49ers absolutely dominated the first half in every aspect of the game. Baker Mayfield was seven-for-16 in the first half with two interceptions and a couple of missed opportunities. The defensive front for the 49ers was pressuring Mayfield on every play, especially in the red zone.
Following a Browns punt, the 49ers struck first on their first offensive play with an 83-yard run for a touchdown by Matt Breida. The first play of the next drive was an interception by the 49ers’ Richard Sherman.
With 6:30 remaining in the first quarter, Jimmy Garoppolo found Matt Breida for his second touchdown to take a 14-0 lead.
Baker Mayfield had a first-and-goal opportunity in the second quarter, but failed to get into the end zone, finishing the drive with just a field goal.
With just under five minutes left in the first half, Mayfield had the Browns on the six-yard line on third and goal. His pass attempt was bobbled into the air by the open receiver and intercepted by K’Waun Williams. Williams ran the ball back 49 yards, and set the 49ers up with a chance to score again in the first half.
After a successful fourth-down conversion, Tevin Coleman ran 19 yards into the end zone to go into halftime with a 21-3 lead.
Second Half
The 49ers’ defense was once again magnificent in the second half. They continue to prove themselves as an elite team in the NFL this season when healthy. The defense had more turnovers than the Browns had points.
With just under 11 minutes left in the third quarter, Garoppolo found George Kittle up the middle for a 22 yard touchdown, growing their lead to 28-3.
The final score of the night came from the foot of Robbie Gould, who kicked a 44-yard field goal to make the score 31-3. The game would end with that score.
Next for the 49ers will be a big matchup on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, the Browns will play at home against Russell Wilson and his Seattle Seahawks.
