49ers vs. Browns: Previewing Week 14 for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 on Sunday. Niner Noise breaks down the matchup and points out what to watch for between these two teams.
The 4-8 San Francisco 49ers travel to take on the 2-10 Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in a matchup that could easily determine a lot about where each team ends up drafting in 2016.
But the 2016 NFL draft is a long ways away, and the focus of all the on-field players will be getting an edge over the guys wearing another uniform.
And there has been a lot of crossover between these two franchises.
Kicker Phil Dawson spent his first 14 years as a pro with the Browns and earned a nod to the Pro Bowl in 2012 — the year before signing with San Francisco. Running back Shaun Draughn also started off the season in Cleveland prior to being picked up by the 49ers in Week 9.
Defensive coordinator Eric Mangini also had a stint with the Browns as their head coach from 2009 to 2010.
And the Browns will have some familiar faces too. Safety Donte Whitner and punter Andy Lee also called San Francisco home for an extended period of time.
But there will be more to this matchup than just a reunion.
San Francisco will look to secure its second road win of the season after knocking off the Chicago Bears in overtime last week 26-20. That momentum should play into the 49ers’ favor given the Browns’ struggles on both sides of the ball.
Let’s take a look at this matchup and see what’s on the table for San Francisco.
Next: Week 14 By the Numbers