This is no Dolphins game redux. The Washington Redskins return home from their first win of the year to face the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. Can they make it two W’s in a row? Here’s what to watch for.
Opponent: San Francisco 49ers (5-0)
Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Md.
When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m.
Television: Fox
Radio: The Team 980, ESPN 630AM
What to watch for:
- Adrian Peterson had his best outing of the season with 118 yards on 23 carries (5.1 yards per rush). After offensive line coach Bill Callahan was elevated to interim head coach and announced he wanted a heavier focus on the run, should fans be surprised by this output? No. The real question is whether that was a one-time fluke against a Dolphins team that can’t do anything right, or whether the Redskins can replicate that effort.
- Speaking of Callahan, the signs at FedEx Field will no longer say “Fire Jay Gruden” — but they might still say “Fire Bruce Allen.” One win surely won’t appease a home crowd hungry for big change. Even in Miami last week, a Washington fan paid to have a plane fly a “Fire Bruce Allen” banner over the stadium. Will Redskins fans wear bags over their heads, as some did a week ago? As the season nears its midpoint, taking the fan base’s temperature is a worthwhile exercise.
- The 49ers, quarterbacked by Jimmy Garoppolo, are 5-0 and the surprise of the year in the NFL. They’ve gotten there with sound all-around football — the 49ers are second in the league in total defense and fourth in total offense, including second in rushing offense. Garoppolo is rarely sacked and averages 8.0 yards per attempt. Shanahan, Washington’s offensive coordinator once upon a time, said this week that the only good thing about working for the Redskins was working for his father — the worst part was “everything else.” Yikes.
Pre-game reading:
Alex Smith reveals he had more leg surgeries than first reported - a lot more, @thomloverro writes. #Redskins https://t.co/8fekCnfqDW
— WashTimes Sports (@WashTimesSports) October 16, 2019
#Redskins reporter @Matthew_Paras dives into 5 rumored candidates to be Washington’s next coach https://t.co/mjHKGvKALa
— WashTimes Sports (@WashTimesSports) October 18, 2019
The #Redskins are finally generating pressure after a slow start to the season. @Matthew_Paras https://t.co/kai6OciWCo
— WashTimes Sports (@WashTimesSports) October 17, 2019
Kyle Shanahan throws shade at #Redskins ahead of showdown with his undefeated 49ers, by @Matthew_Paras https://t.co/kQHnZcsRWQ
— WashTimes Sports (@WashTimesSports) October 17, 2019
In the midst of a #Redskins season that couldn’t be much worse, thank goodness for Terry McLaurin, @DeronSnyder writes. https://t.co/OFyATbtuN9
— WashTimes Sports (@WashTimesSports) October 15, 2019
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