Browns Pull Off Upset Win Over 49ers

Thanks to elite defensive play and timely throws from backup QB P.J. Walker, the Browns did the improbable and handed the 49ers their first loss of the season

The moment news broke that the Cleveland Browns were going to play without Deshaun Watson against the 49ers, it felt easy to write off Cleveland’s upset potential against an unbeaten San Francisco squad that had done nothing but roll opponents in their first five games.

The Browns, though, were up for the challenge — and they made a statement in the process.

With the defense swarming 49ers QB Brock Purdy and Browns backup QB P.J. Walker piloting the offense, the Browns defeated the 49ers 19-17 on Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium. They proved their defense can win them games against anyone, and P.J. Walker proved he can pilot the offense in crucial moments if Watson is forced to miss any more time with his shoulder injury.

Oct 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback PJ Walker (10) throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Browns took the lead on their final offensive drive when Walker completed necessary passes to move the chains and RB Jerome Ford picked up crucial yards to punch the ball deeper into 49ers territory. No play was bigger for the Browns than a 22-yard dash from Ford that pushed Cleveland into the red zone, but the Browns were given the chance to do so after two 49ers penalties provided them with two first downs.

Walker nearly gave the game away two plays later when he was almost picked off in the end zone attempting to squeeze a pass to Amari Cooper, but they still managed to score the go-ahead three points after a short Dustin Hopkins field goal.

With 1:30 left, the Browns needed just one more stop to steal the win, and they got it despite the 49ers driving deep into field-goal range.

49ers K Jake Moody missed a 41-yard field goal to seal the win. It was his second miss of the game after he missed a 54-yarder in the first quarter.

Despite playing without Watson, the Browns’ offense outgained the 49ers 334-215 in total yards. Walker completed 18-of-34 pass attempts for 192 yards and two interceptions but largely played well given the circumstances. He wasn't named the backup QB until Wednesday last week and had only been on the practice squad for five weeks.

The defense, though, is the reason the Browns won. They held the 49ers to their lowest scoring output of the season and completely shut down Brock Purdy, who passed for just 125 yards and was held to season-lows in nearly every major passing category.

The 49ers only had Pro Bowl WR Deebo Samuel for one quarter of the game and were without All-World RB Christian McCaffrey for the final quarter, which certainly tipped the scales toward the Browns’ favor, but the 49ers still boasted a deep, talented roster. The Browns deserve ample credit for shutting down their entire operation.

Now, the Browns have a chance to build their first win streak of the season next week against the Colts.

They might have Watson back to help them.

But now everyone knows they can still win without him.