Cleveland Browns: What We Learned from Cleveland’s Dominant Win over 49ers

It doesn’t have to be that way, obviously, as it is certainly reasonable to acknowledge that Manziel had the best game of his National Football League career against the 49ers, while also accepting that one game does not mean it is time to anoint him the unquestioned answer at a position that has plagued the Browns since 1993.

On the day after an especially ugly loss – in which the sad-sack Browns utterly dominated the 49ers – head coach Jim Tomsula insisted his team didn’t take Cleveland lightly.

“It was a natural reaction, he knew he messed up”, Pettine said. “He did a lot more good than he did bad”. He also threw an interception that was so heinous that when he got back to the sideline and saw visual evidence how heinous, he repeatedly smashed the evidence-carrying tablet against his head.

Manziel was given plenty of time to throw and pick out open receivers to build a 10-0 lead.

Armonty Bryant (two sacks), Nate Orchard (two sacks), Desmond Bryant (one and a half sacks), Christian Kirksey (one sack), Jordan Poyer (one sack), Donte Whitner (one sack), and Xavier Cooper (half sack) all took turns plastering Blaine Gabbert in the backfield of the 49ers.

It is an odd phenomenon, even by Cleveland’s standards, as Manziel has become something of a Teflon player for the Browns – nothing is ever his fault and only his accomplishments can be celebrated.

“A huge blow”, left tackle Joe Staley said, “I’ve been right next to Alex all year and he’s done a great job for us….” “Winning doesn’t heal everything, but it helps”.

Only after Josh McCown suffered a first-quarter concussion in the season-opener did Manziel get to play. “I tell the guys all the time, ‘When you win, there is an overreaction, and when you lose, there is an overreaction.’ When you had the streak that we had of losses, that overreaction, there is a multiplier to it. People are driving by the building to see if it is on fire”.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Desmond Bryant reacts after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback B …

But Manziel redeemed himself in the second half as the Browns improved to 3-10, won for the first time since October 11 and prevailed for the first time in December since Dec. 9, 2012. Hartline had eight catches for 107 yards before getting hurt…. “I think it has shown in the way he is playing on the field, in practice and in the game”.

After having his best start of the season in a win over the Chicago Bears last week, Gabbert and the San Francisco offense looked atrocious against a stern Cleveland defense. Six plays later, the Browns settled for Coons’ field goal. The 2 quarter was one he would probably like to forget, but one he can learn from, as he acknowledged in his postgame presser. There’s not a man in that locker room that doesn’t own some part of this, starting with me.

Duke Johnson had a nice day in a complementary role, running for 78 yards on 13 carries.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline (83) runs after a 49-yard pass as San Francisco 49ers … The 49ers are now just 1-6 on the road this season.

“Offensively and defensively it was as complete a game as we’ve played”, said.