7 key takeaways from 49ers' dominant Week 13 win over Browns

The San Francisco 49ers secured their ninth win of the year Sunday with a 26-8 win over the Cleveland Browns.

It wasn't the best performance of the season for the 49ers, but they were dominant in the second half to pull away from the Browns after leading 10-8 at halftime. During the game we learned a lot about where the 49ers stand after 13 weeks.

Here's what we took away from Sunday's game:

A tale of two halves

It was ugly for most of the first half for San Francisco. Their lone touchdown was set up by a big punt return (more on this later) and they punted from the Cleveland 40 on a fourth-and-4 to set up the Browns to go 90 yards on 10 plays for a go-ahead touchdown late in the first half. San Francisco managed to take the lead on a field goal on the final play of the second quarter, but it was not a performance that inspired much confidence.

The second half was much more like a playoff team facing a three-win team in Week 13. San Francisco won the half 16-0 and allowed only 76 yards of offense. They only got into 49ers territory twice in the second half and didn't get past the 44. Cleveland turned the ball over twice and San Francisco capitalized on those chances with touchdowns. A dominant second half gives the 49ers some much-needed momentum entering their bye week.

Brock Purdy the game manager

Game manager has become a derogatory description for quarterbacks in contemporary NFL discourse, but it's exactly what the 49ers needed from their QB Sunday. Not every signal caller is capable of putting together a well-managed game against a strong defense. Purdy didn't commit a turnover and he never put the ball in harm's way. He made a couple of excellent throws to convert third downs, and he used his legs to extend plays, avoid sacks, and score a touchdown. After a three-turnover game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 12, Purdy backed it up with a very good Week 13 showing.

Clelin Ferrell moves up 49ers sack leaderboard

Ferrell posted two sacks against Cleveland quarterback Shedeur Sanders to bring his total with San Francisco to 4.0 in four games. That's significant because he's now tied with Bryce Huff for the team lead despite not joining the team until Week 9. The 49ers pass rush is slowly improving, particularly when they're in obvious passing situations.

Keion White's evolution

Speaking of an improved pass rush, White is coming along nicely in the 49ers' system. His production hasn't been great, but he's a capable three-down player who made multiple splash plays Sunday, including his first full sack as a 49er. It's easy to see the arc for him being a major rotational piece in a healthy version of the 49ers' defensive front. It wouldn't be a surprise if he winds up having an impact similar to Charles Omenihu in San Francisco.

Jauan Jennings stays reliable

Jennings didn't have a huge day, but he continued churning out productive efforts. He had four catches for 39 yards and a touchdown Sunday, stretching his streak of games with four-plus catches to seven. He also has touchdowns in four of his last five contests. In a season where consistency has been hard to come by for the 49ers, Jennings has been extremely reliable for more than half of the year.

49ers win special teams battle again

What was once a massive problem for the 49ers has become a strength for them in 2025. They're not perfect on special teams, but they were largely mistake-free Sunday while Cleveland made a number of miscues that either put them in poor field position or gave San Francisco good field position. Kick returner Skyy Moore ripped off a 66-yard punt return to set up the 49ers' first touchdown and kicker Matt Gay was a perfect two-for-two on field goals and two-for-two on extra points.

Ricky Pearsall quiet again

The 49ers will need more from Pearsall if they're going to make noise down the stretch when their schedule gets tougher. He was largely absent from the passing game again Sunday with two catches for 14 yards on three targets. He did have a nice 13-yard gain to get the 49ers' offense going on their field goal drive before the half. He also had a close call in the end zone on a scramble drill. Since returning from a six-week absence because of a knee injury he has just five catches for 20 yards on nine targets. There should be a breakout coming soon from the talented second-year WR.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers vs. Browns: 7 standouts, takeaways from San Francisco's win