Garrett is just one of 11 players that San Francisco is game planning for against a defense led by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Cleveland has allowed both the second-fewest total yards per game and passing yards per game while also shutting down the run, allowing the fourth-fewest yards per carry. Cleveland has a total 42 sacks, the second-most in the NFL.

“Jim’s as good of a coordinator as there is, and when you’re as good of a coordinator as there is and you have the talent that they have, it’s a pretty lethal combination,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said.

Players on the Browns’ defense have had career years this season, including DT Maliek Collins with a career-high 6.5 sacks playing alongside Garrett. Defensive ends Alex Wright, Cameron Thomas and Isaiah McGuire have been a platoon on the opposite side of Garrett, combining for 7.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss.

Cleveland’s linebackers have been just as impactful. Linebackers Carson Schwesinger and Devin Bush have patrolled the second level and brought versatility with their playstyles. Schwesinger not only leads the Browns with 96 tackles but is also tied for second with nine tackles for loss. He also has two interceptions on the season. Bush has 75 tackles and has been a factor in the pass game with five passes defensed and a pick-six.

S Ronnie Hickman is tied with Schwesinger in interceptions while also being third with 68 tackles. Cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell will be in charge of limiting the 49ers’ pass game and have been a part of the shutdown Cleveland pass defense. Ward and Campbell both have an interception, and Campbell is tied for third in the NFL with 13 passes defensed.

“They’re sound in their coverages. A tough defense. They rally. On film, you just see guys flying all over the place,” Purdy said. “So, when you’re watching film and you see a defense like that, it’s like, ‘Okay, it’s going to be one of those games, man.’ It’s a blue-collar game and they’ve played everybody really well. Defensively, I feel like they’ve shut down a lot of offenses and it’s a credit to Jim Schwartz and how he coaches up his defense.”