4 lessons SF 49ers can learn from Washington’s win vs. Steelers
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Washington’s so-so offense should be a relief for SF 49ers
The Football Team is threatening on defense, particularly within the front seven. That’s not the case on offense.
San Francisco 49ers
While Alex Smith has been a great story, and there are nice pieces like Logan Thomas and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, Washington still boasts the eighth-worst scoring offense in the league and has scored more than 30 points in a game just once this season: a Week 12 Thanksgiving rout of the lowly Dallas Cowboys and their terrible defense.
Washington wasn’t overly effective running the ball against Pittsburgh either, managing 45 total yards and averaging 2.1 yards per carry. Granted, the Steelers boast one of the league’s elite defenses, so that’s something to consider.
But this won’t be anything close to the kind of situation San Francisco endured against quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills last Monday.
Allen carved up the SF 49ers defense to the tune of 375 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, going with short gains, medium gains and long gains to keep the Niners secondary completely off balance. Buffalo’s offensive line kept Allen protected, too, so the quarterback had all kinds of time to throw.
Washington has given up 38 sacks on the season, an average of just over three per game. While it’s still pretty anemic this season considering the injuries, San Francisco should have a bit more luck in the pass-rush department.
dark. Next. 3 Niners who should see less field time after loss to Bills
The SF 49ers and Washington kick off on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4:25 p.m. ET from State Farm Stadium.