Brock Purdy had a rough second start after coming back from injury. In the first half against the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football, he threw three interceptions. All three of them were more than 20 yards downfield, and Purdy was also 1-of-8 passing for 25 yards on throws 10 or more yards downfield.
It wasn't his best start. But luckily for Purdy, the Niners got the win.
However, the 49ers are going to need more out of Purdy. Especially with the entirely different beast that is the Cleveland Browns defense.
It hasn't been a consistent season for the Browns. But the defense has remained one of the biggest bright spots for the team. They've caused plenty of havoc to opposing quarterbacks, and Purdy will likely not be any different if he has the same level of play against Cleveland.
The Browns have allowed the second-least amount of offensive yards and passing yards per game. They've also put up second-most sacks in the league so far this season.
It's that pressure that will affect San Francisco's starting quarterback.
So far this season, Purdy has a passer rating of 44.7 when under pressure. That's his lowest throughout his career by a wide margin. And when he's been blitzed this season — according to Pro Football Focus — he's had a dramatically high turnover-worthy play percentage of 12.2 when compared to the rest of his career.
With all of this in mind, the Browns are going to be bringing the pressure early and often. The 49ers offensive line will have its hands full with Myles Garrett alone. He's already put up 18 sacks so far this season and will only cause plenty of havoc throughout the game if the Niners don't game plan properly. Outside of Garrett, Maliek Collins will be someone who will truly test the interior of the 49ers offensive line with his pressures and the way he can create blitzing lanes for other rushers.
Purdy will need the help of Christian McCaffrey to help balance the offense. Unfortunately for San Francisco, the Browns are tied for third at allowing the lowest amount of rushing yards per carry. Getting consistently strong yards-per-carry averages have been difficult this season for McCaffrey, who has averged 3.7 yards per attemptthis year. He's only had one 20-yard rushing play so far this year as well.
San Francisco will likely lean on McCaffrey as a receiver once again. But it won't be easy given the Browns have arguably the most underrated linebacker group in the league. Devin Bush and Carson Schwesinger have been outstanding this year, not only at limiting big plays, but also creating turnovers and opportunities for other players on the defense. And if they're not on the field, guys like Jerome Baker and Mahamoud Diabate can give the Browns plenty of production.
It will be a tough game for Purdy in terms of who he's facing. But he can beat the defense if he looks to utilize a lot of quick passes to his outside receivers and George Kittle. Purdy is going to need to get the ball out quickly to his targets and look to stretch the defense as much as possible. Kyle Shanahan should consider using Kyle Juszczyk, Kittle and the other tight ends as extra blockers throughout the game to help against the pass rush.
It's going to be a tough game. And one in which Shanahan will need to implement his better game plans to help his quarterback.