San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Kelvin Givens makes a tackle on Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday OCT 15, 2023. (Kym Fortino-San Francisco 49ers)

by Marko Ukalovic

In a game that was marred with penalties, turnovers, and missed opportunities, the San Francisco 49ers suffered its first regular season defeat in over a season in a 19-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon at First Energy Stadium

San Francisco played their worst game in the past 16 games as they amassed 12 penalties for 105 yards, two of them which continued the eventual game winning field goal drive by Cleveland.

“We just made too many mistakes,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said.

The 49ers suffered more than its first regular season loss since October 23, 2022, against the Kansas City Chiefs. Star players Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffery did not finish the game as they suffered shoulder and oblique injuries respectively. Also, all-pro tackle Trent Williams played with an injured leg when it was rolled up on in the second half.

The Browns defense made 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy look human as they and the rainy weather made life hell for 2022’s Mr. Irrelevant throughout the ballgame. Purdy threw his first interception of the season that was a direct result of the Browns pass rush. He also had trouble gripping the ball as he fumbled trying to the throw the ball but was able to recover it for a loss.

“As an offense, we played into their hands a bit too much to get the win,” Trent Williams said.

The game start for the 49ers could have not been better. Purdy led a five play 84-yard scoring drive when he connected with McCaffery for a 13-yard touchdown reception to give an early 7-0 lead. Then on Cleveland’s opening possession Fred Warner intercepted quarterback PJ Walker, who was starting for injured Deshaun Watson, and returned it 32 yards to the Browns 26-yard line.

“We definitely didn’t underestimate them, but they played better than us,” Nick Bosa said.

San Francisco wasn’t able to capitalize as rookie kicker Jake Moody missed a 54-yard field goal, in what was a foreshadow for the end of the game.

After a Moody 25-yard field goal, Cleveland marched down the field 83 yards in just five plays that was finished off with a Kareem Hunt direct snap 16-yard rushing touchdown.

The Browns shutout the 49ers in the third quarter while getting two field goals from kicker Dustin Hopkins to gain its first lead of the game 13-10.

The 49ers defense took back control of the game early in the fourth quarter when Deommodore Lenior intercepted Walker and returned the ball 28 yards to the Browns 8-yard line. The ensuing next play Jordan Mason cashed in the turnover with an eight-yard rushing touchdown.

Cleveland kept chipping away as Hopkins kicked two more fields in the fourth quarter. His fourth from 29-yards out with 1:40 left in the game gave the Browns a 19-17 lead.

Purdy then led the 49ers down the field that included a 25-yard reception by wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and a Jauan Jennings nine-yard reception to convert a third down conversion. However, Moody’s 41-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right with :06 left to seal the Niners fate.

Walker finished 18-of-24 for 192 yards with no touchdowns to go along with his two interceptions. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was the offensive catalyst for Cleveland with clutch catches in the fourth quarter, led all receivers with four catches for 108 yards. Jerome Ford chipped in 84 yards on 17 carries.

Purdy, who had his worst game of his pro career, went 12-of-27 for just 125 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Aiuyk led the 49ers in receiving with four catches for 76 yards. McCaffery, despite not playing in the fourth quarter, led San Francisco in rushing with 43 yards on 11 carries.

Newly acquired defensive end Randy Gregory had a sack and three tackles in the game.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 3-for-12 on third down conversion. Cleveland went 3-for-13.

San Francisco had its 8th-consecutive regular season game where they have scored on the opening drive of a game, dating back to Week 16 of 2022 [at LV (1/1/23)], which is the team’s longest streak in at least 45 seasons, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The 49ers has scored 38 points on opening drives this season (5 TDs & 1 FG). 

McCaffrey’s 15-consecutive games with a TD tie HOF RB John Riggins and HOF RB O.J. Simpson for the 2^nd-most consecutive games (postseason included) with a TD in NFL history. 

UP NEXT: San Francisco concludes its two-game road trip with a Monday Night Football matchup with the Minnesota Vikings on 10/23 at 5:20pm at U.S. Bank Stadium.