Kyle Shanahan is adjusting his game plan for Sunday’s contest against the Browns due to weather conditions anticipated in Cleveland.
But that’s not the only thing that has Shanahan back at the drawing boards.
Shanahan admitted that Cleveland’s defense, led by its top-ranked defensive line, in addition to the weather conditions, has him thinking outside the box for Sunday’s Week 13 game.
“Yeah, both of it,” Shanahan told reporters after practice Friday. “Last time we went, they had a really good defense. This time, they have a really good defense — if not better. The rain wasn’t great then. It’ll probably be worse now.
“So we got to be prepared for it. It’s like that this time of the year. Hopefully we’ll get lucky with weather, but we’re assuming the worst.”
Weather conditions on Sunday in Cleveland are expected to be rainy and snowy in the morning, with wind speeds anticipated to range from 25 to 35 mph, per The Weather Channel.
So will Shanahan run or pass the ball more on Sunday?
Shanahan responded the way most would expect when he was asked that very question Friday.
“I can’t give you our secrets, but we’re going to air it out. Throw it every play,” he joked. “The harder it rains, the more we’re going to throw.”
Shanahan chuckled before the next question was asked.
The last time these two teams met in Cleveland was in 2023, when the 49ers fell to the Browns by a final score of 19-17. In that game, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had one interception and one fumble, and former Browns QB PJ Walker threw two picks and former Browns receiver Amari Cooper had one fumble.
It’s clear weather could be an issue for either side, but Shanahan won’t reveal all his secrets quite yet.
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