SANTA CLARA – The 49ers are 5-0 and have thoroughly beaten the Dallas Cowboys, causing excitement among the fan base.
The 49ers’ dominant game to start the season begs the question: Can they possibly keep up this pace?
Linebacker Fred Warner had the perfect answer.
“It’s one of those things where you have too much time on your hands, so you have to try to catch up on things a little bit,” Warner replied with a laugh.
“I honestly don’t think we’ve reached our peak.”
As impressive as the 42:10 victory over Dallas appeared to the outside world, the film criticism among the 49ers’ coaches and players was not necessarily positive.
“If you saw how we rated this tape, you would see that we were taking this really seriously,” Warner said.
Next up is a date with the Cleveland Browns, who have had their bye week.
Since the Browns will be without quarterback Deshaun Watson (rotator cuff bruise), 28-year-old PJ Walker is expected to start. The 49ers defense is expected to approach shutout territory.
Meanwhile, the team’s offense will be tested against a Browns defense that is one of the best in the league.
Here are five 49ers to watch:
5, LB Fred Warner
After his performance against the Cowboys on Sunday night, Warner moved up the list of NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidates.
He had a forced fumble, a sack and an interception and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
And now it’s back to work to face the Browns.
“Fred is the same every week whether he has a big game or not,” 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said. “He knows every single detail, no matter what. And that’s what makes him great.”
Warner plays with a lot of verve, and more could be asked of him on Sunday with fellow linebacker Dre Greenlaw dealing with a hamstring injury.
4, LT Trent Williams
The 49ers were tested against Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons last week. The O-line took care of Parsons and kept quarterback Brock Purdy well protected in the pocket.
Next up: A date with Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett.
Garrett plays primarily at right defensive end. He is expected to face Williams for most of the game.
This is an All-Pro matchup.
Williams is the best left tackle in the game. Williams has allowed just four hurries (no hits or sacks) in the first five games of the season.
Garrett produced 5.5 sacks and 23 pressures.
It’s a heavyweight fight to keep an eye on.
3, DE Randy Gregory
If the 49ers have one area that hasn’t consistently performed at a high level since Week 1, it would be the edge rusher spot opposite Bosa.
Drake Jackson had a great Week 1, recording three sacks in a 30-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since that game, Jackson has not scored on the quarterback.
The 49ers acquired highly talented veteran Randy Gregory in a trade from the Denver Broncos last week to provide a boost in that area.
After taking the practice field for the first time on Wednesday, Gregory has put himself in position to step on the field and contribute in a limited role against the Browns.
Expect him to initially fit into the mix as a situational pass rusher and show if he can add some oomph to the team’s pass rush.
2, QB Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy has been so good in his 13 healthy NFL games that he has raised the bar to absurd levels.
Even his worst game statistically – an 87.4 passer rating against the Cowboys in the playoffs – would be considered a good performance by many other NFL quarterbacks.
Purdy faces a stout defense against the Browns. They have a good pass rush and are particularly talented in the defensive backfield.
However, Purdy has faced many good defenses and no team has really slowed him down yet.
Purdy leads the NFL with a passer rating of 123.1 this season and has completed 72.1 percent of his pass attempts with nine touchdowns and no interceptions.
Five games into the season, Purdy is considered one of the favorites for NFL MVP.
And if he can manage to avoid giving away gifts – something he’s done so well since he took over – the 49ers should go home with a win on Sunday afternoon.
1, FS Tashaun Gipson
Tashaun Gipson spent the first four seasons of his 12-year NFL career with the Cleveland Browns. During his time there, he intercepted 14 passes and made one Pro Bowl.
Now in his second season with the 49ers, he’s one of general manager John Lynch’s better, under-the-radar signings.
Gipson thought his career might be over. The 49ers called last August. He traveled to Minnesota, where the 49ers were practicing against the Vikings. He completed training and Lynch signed him immediately.
“Since then, he’s been one of the most important leaders and key components of our defense, and people don’t talk about him much,” Warner said. “He is one of the best players on our team.”
Gipson was so good last season that he replaced Jimmie Ward as the team’s starting player. He had five interceptions last season and picked up his first of the season on Sunday night against the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott.
It looks like the Browns will select Walker, who has thrown five touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his 15 career games (seven starts).
There could be some opportunities for Gipson and the 49ers’ defense to celebrate on Sunday.
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