The Browns didn’t allow the Raiders QB Geno Smith to stay upright in Week 12, sacking him a total of 10 times. When they welcome the 49ers to Huntington Bank Field in Week 13, the defense will face QB Brock Purdy, who allowed just one quarterback hit in Week 12.
Purdy, however, threw three interceptions despite the lack of pressure. Purdy’s turnover tendency is an element the Browns’ defense will try to capitalize on Nov. 30.
“Three picks on Monday, obviously they’re looking at him trying to correct that,” S Grant Delpit said. “It’s not easy going against our d-line so hopefully we get a lot of pressure and force them into a lot of similar situations and take advantage in the back end.”
Purdy’s three interceptions were the second-most he has thrown in a game in his career as he continues to try to rebound from an injury-plagued 2025 season. In the four games Purdy has played this season, he has thrown seven interceptions, tied for the 12th-most in the NFL. He completed 23 of his 32 passing attempts in Week 12, but 22 of those completions were passes of less than 10 yards. Purdy was 1 of 8 passing the ball 10 or more yards down the field, including all three interceptions coming on such passes.
Despite Purdy’s difficulties throwing the ball, he has led the 49ers to a 3-1 record in his four appearances this season. He led San Francisco to a 12-4 record in 2023 as well, a season when he finished fourth in the MVP voting. Head coach Kevin Stefanski sees the challenges that Purdy can cause, knowing that he has shown the ability to be among the top quarterbacks in the NFL.
“He’s extremely talented. Great decision maker, fast decision maker, very accurate, very good athlete,” Stefanski said. “Makes a ton of plays with his feet. We’ve studied a lot of his movement over the years on scramble drills. He’s outstanding at extending plays, making plays with his feet. I think he has really all the tools.”