The San Francisco 49ers delivered a strong performance across all three phases against the Cleveland Browns, securing their third straight victory and improving their record to 9-4 ahead of their late-season bye week.

For the defense, the focus was clear: stop the run and force rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to beat them. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell noted that with the first-year signal caller starting just his second NFL game, the Browns would likely limit their playbook. Combined with challenging weather, this suggested a heavy reliance on the running game.

“Once we got that under control, we were able to really put some pressure on,” Ferrell said. “And the offense helped out, too.”

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Ferrell, a recent addition to the 49ers roster, recorded one of the team’s three sacks in the 26-8 victory. He also highlighted that the defense entered the game with a different mentality, at least partially motivated by the upcoming bye week.

“I think the biggest thing was just these guys really emptied the tank this week,” Ferrell said. “That was one of the first things that I really, really noticed. Guys, just the routine, the way guys were in early. I’m like, when you get a bye week coming up, and regardless of what people say about the Browns, you can kind of get a little bit lax, but guys really, really emptied the tank this week with preparation, and today (in the game).”

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Despite navigating another injury-plagued season, the 49ers remain well-positioned in the NFC playoff picture. Even after losing cornerstone players like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, San Francisco controls its postseason destiny heading into the final four games of the regular season.

Few forecasted the 49ers remaining competitive after facing so much adversity.

“From my perspective, being new, this team didn’t listen to any of the noise,” Ferrell said. “The biggest word is belief. Belief, regardless of who’s in there. I think this team really just shows we have a lot of good players that can really, really play, regardless of who’s in there, and they’re confident in themselves.

“And the coaches give us that belief, that, regardless of who’s out there, if you’re in a 49ers jersey, you can go out there, have a chance to win the game.”