49ers Bulletin: Just keep stacking wins

Everything about a late November road tilt in Cleveland screamed trap game. The fierce Browns defensive line, the frigid and precipitous weather conditions, and a Jim Schwartz led defense that has historically given Kyle Shanahan fits. It was more than reasonable to think the 49ers might at best struggle with the feisty Browns in victory, and at worst drop to 8-5 with a loss. 

As it turns out, the 49ers were probably a lot less worried about these talking points than fans and pundits were. San Francisco asserted itself as the better team early, and dominated the second half in Cleveland on its way to a 26-8 win that was never truly in doubt. It’s been far from pretty, but the 49ers have leaned on championship culture, veteran production, and elite coaching to make their way to 9-4. A historically soft schedule has also played a role, but let’s give credit where it’s due. To invoke one of Herm Edwards’ lesser known phrases of choice, “it’s hard to win a football game.” And that’s all the Niners have done for the last three weeks. 

George Kittle reflected on all the Niners went through on their way to a stellar 9-4 mark heading into the bye week. 

One of the more refreshing developments of the 2025 49ers is a truly sound special teams operation. For the most part, the third unit has been an asset rather than a liability. Skyy Moore and his dynamic return ability has been a revelation for fans accustomed to short returns and muffed punts. He’s had two huge returns stopped just short of the end zone in the last three weeks, it’s only a matter of time before he finds paydirt. 

Brock Purdy’s dougie can wait no longer to be addressed in this 49ers bulletin. The electric moves that Purdy put on following his first rushing touchdown of the season in the third quarter went viral. It overshadowed the very important score itself, a third down four yard rush that put the Niners on top by two scores. As shocked as some fans were to see Purdy break it down, everyone in the locker room saw it coming. 

For the second straight week, 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings is caught up in an on-field controversy. Last week, he made headlines for a fight at the end of the Panthers game, which was seen to be in retaliation to a “punch in the nuts.” This week, members of the Browns defense aired their grievances with Jennings after the game, leaving no question as to how they and others in the league view him. 

At long last, it’s the bye week. The Niners will enjoy a week off before preparing to face the lowly Titans at home on December 14. Somehow, the currently 7th seeded 49ers have the same amount of wins as the current No. 1 seed Bears. It’s that tight in the NFC. Down the stretch they come.