Monday Night Football had what looked to be a great game in store, as the undefeated San Francisco 49ers hosted the much-hyped Cleveland Browns.
The game felt out of reach almost immediately, as 49ers running back Matt Brieda scored on the first play of the game with an 83-yard touchdown run. The 49ers never took their foot off the gas as they dominated the Browns on both sides of the ball to win 31-3.
San Francisco came off their bye week with a point to prove that their success so far was no fluke. With the talent and hype surrounding the Browns, it felt like they would be 5-0 at this point, but they instead got handed their third loss this season in convincing fashion.
The 49ers offense out-gained the Browns 446-180 and had 22 first downs against Cleveland’s nine. The defense was just as impressive, as it forced three turnovers out of quarterback Baker Mayfield, as well as four sacks and eight hits. The 49ers now stand at 4-0 and continue to be one of only two undefeated teams left, the other being the New England Patriots.
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The Browns only managed 49 offensive snaps in the game, the least amount of any team this season. For comparison, the 49ers had 78. Mayfield was only able to throw for 58 yards on 22 attempts. Cleveland looked defeated right after the first touchdown was scored. Head coach Freddie Kitchens will have his work cut out for him, as he has to find a way to rally his team after an underwhelming start to the season. The Browns haven’t found any rhythm as they stumble to a 2-3 record after five weeks.
The 49ers will look to continue their winning ways when they head to LA Memorial Coliseum and the Los Angeles Rams next week. Meanwhile, the Browns hope to get back on track when they host the Seahawks on Sunday.
