What 49ers Fans Are Most Thankful For This Season As Playoff Push Heats Up

What 49ers fans are most thankful for this season as playoff push heats up originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The 49ers’ Thanksgiving plate is pretty full right now — and fans know exactly who deserves the biggest helping of gratitude.

Ahead of San Francisco’s 26-8 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, NBC Sports Bay Area asked the Faithful: What are you most thankful for during this 49ers season?

The winning choice? Robert Saleh’s return, earning 38.2 percent of the vote.

Saleh’s homecoming to the 49ers’ sideline — after four years as the New York Jets’ head coach — has brought back the fiery defensive identity he helped build during his first tenure. And Sunday’s performance was another reminder of his impact: San Francisco’s front tallied three sacks on Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders — two by Clelin Ferrell and another from Keion White — while allowing just one touchdown.

Right behind Saleh in the poll was “Healthy Christian McCaffrey” at 36.4 percent — and the star running back continues to show why. McCaffrey found the end zone again Sunday, recording 20 carries for 53 yards and a rushing touchdown as he remains one of the NFL’s most reliable, dynamic weapons.

Quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle also contributed to the win, with Purdy bouncing back from last week’s struggles to throw for a touchdown and rush for another, while Kittle led all receivers with 67 yards.

Fans also appreciated the 49ers’ strong 8-4 start before Sunday’s win moved them to 9-4, as well as the contribution of backups stepping up, who rounded out the poll voting.

As San Francisco pushes toward January football, the Faithful have plenty to be thankful for — a resilient defense, a healthy MVP candidate in the backfield, and a team that continues answering the bell despite adversity.

Whether you cast your vote for the coach, the record, the roster depth, or the guy in the No. 23 jersey breaking tackles every week, the message from 49ers fans is clear:

This group is giving them a whole lot to celebrate.

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