2 49ers bounceback performances: Dee Winters had himself a day against the Browns

The San Francisco 49ers won in all three phases against the Cleveland Browns. Down the stretch, the 49ers imposed their will and only allowed eight points on defense. Yes, the Browns offense isn’t a juggernaut, but the physicality on defense was on display. Offensively, the 49ers put up 26 points on the second-ranked defense in the NFL in windy and cold conditions.

Here are two players who bounced back on Sunday.

Offense: Brock Purdy

This one feels obvious. After throwing three interceptions on Monday Night Football, the worry about a short week against a stingy Cleveland defense with potential weather implications was palpable. While the stats won’t blow you away, Purdy played well and never put the football in harm’s way while making necessary throws in critical situations. The drive before the half was the moment where the 49ers sent a message to Cleveland and flipped the game back to the 49ers.

Brock’s mobility looked much better as he avoided a hot Cleveland pass rush. Given the weather conditions and defense, Purdy bounced back in a big way, and the 49ers will need that type of play down the stretch and during their playoff run. Perhaps some more read options for Purdy in the red zone also?

Defense: Dee Winters

Since Fred Warner’s injury in Tampa Bay, Winters’ play had cooled off. Against Carolina, Winters totaled a single tackle. On Sunday, his impact was felt as a run defender and coverage defender. Winters was the highest graded overall defender, run defender, and coverage defender while adding four tackles and two defensive stops. In his past two games, Winters has missed just one tackle, so that issue may be resolving itself.

Hopefully, Tatum Bethune’s return or Eric Kendricks’ addition to the team will be a plus at the middle linebacker spot after the bye, and Winters can continue his solid play. The linebackers will be tested in coverage and need to fill their run fits for this defense to take another step against better competition like Indianapolis and Chicago.