Who Heated Up and Survived the Cold in Cleveland?
The 49ers came away with a win in Week 13 to finish on a hot streak before their bye
For the second consecutive year, the 49ers traveled for Thanksgiving to spend time in the frigid snow. Taking on the Cleveland Browns and their Defensive Player of the Year in Myles Garrett, the Niners were able to play mistake free football for a 26-8 victory and head back to a more mild climate sitting at 9-4 on the season. Who stood out and why? Let’s dig in.
Hot
Skyy Moore
Again this week the special teams unit was front and center for reasons why the 49ers won their game, and no player was a bigger part of that than Moore. He set up the 49ers first score with a 66 yard punt return to start the 49ers second drive at the Cleveland 16 yard line. Moore has been so close to reaching paydirt the last few weeks making it hard to believe it will happen before seasons end.
The Offensive Line
The offensive line as a whole has been the subject of criticism throughout the season, but against Cleveland’s much heralded defense, they held their own to protect Brock Purdy. The unit only allowed one sack from Myles Garrett and only had one accepted penalty for an illegal man downfield. It was a stellar performance against one of the league’s best defenses which should inspire plenty of hope as the 49ers look to make a run towards the playoffs.
Matt Gay
Filling in again this week for Eddy Piniero, Gay was perfect on the day with his kicks, if only just barely. Going a combined 4 for 4 on his attempts, Gay’s highlight came with his first field goal, a 25 yard kick that doinked off of the left upright and through. A perfect kicking day on the weather conditions he faced was certainly no easy task.
The Dougie
For the 49ers second touchdown of the day, Kyle Shanahan opened the playbook and pulled out a read option that was straight out of the early 2010’s era 49ers offense. And if that wasn’t enough nostalgia, Brock Purdy matched the 2010’s theme by breaking out “The Dougie” as his touchdown celebration. Between this celebration and his line dancing Ariat commercial, a Dancing with the Stars appearance has to be in Purdy’s future.
Clelin Ferrel
Ferrell has been a force along the defensive line since resigning with the team after the ACL injury to Mykel Williams, and Sunday was no exception. Ferrell found Shedeur Sanders twice in the backfield, accounting for two of the Niners three sacks on the day.
Lukewarm
The Rookies
In a season that was supposed to be full of learning curves and growing pains, the 2025 rookie class was forced into action early and often, and we are beginning to see the results improve every single week. Alfred Collins, CJ West, and Upton Stout are seeing significant minutes, and although their names may not be called on the broadcast, they are certainly contributing to every 49er victory.
Cold
Cleveland
With the kickoff temperature at 35 degrees and wind chill in the teens, the 49ers and the traveling Faithful had to bundle up. With snow storms the night before and howling winds throughout the game, it could not have been a comfortable game to be at, let alone win.
Renardo Green
Renardo Green has made a home in the cold section of this article this season, and Sunday would be no exception. Green was targeted twice while allowing 45 yard passing and the Browns only touchdown of the day with Sanders’ throw to rookie Tight End Harold Fannin Jr. and allowing a perfect passer rating when targeted. The sophomore slump has been real for Green.