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3 things SF 49ers must do to beat Washington in Week 14

By Nathan Bannerman

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 20: Jeff Wilson Jr. #30 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 9-0. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 20: Jeff Wilson Jr. #30 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 9-0. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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Alex Smith, Washington Football Team
Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: SF 49ers must blitz Alex Smith a lot

We witnessed the SF 49ers cornerbacks completely crumble against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. It was an embarrassing effort and it doesn’t look like they’ll get better right away.

This is the time for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to light a fire under his front seven and get them to the quarterback early and often.

If Alex Smith doesn’t have much time in the pocket, he obviously won’t be able to find open receivers. So far this season, Smith’s offensive line is allowing him to have roughly 1.9 seconds in the pocket.

SF 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens is averaging two seconds in the pocket. And if you want a bit more perspective, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gets 2.5 seconds to work his magic.

Smith is showing this season his legs can be used to escape the d-line, but at age 36 and all he’s been through, he’s not as quick as he once was.

In his first start against the Lions, he was getting pressured from all angles and the Lions were feasting on a weak offensive line. The SF 49ers need to find ways to get defensive linemen Kerry Hyder and Javon Kinlaw to the quarterback.

Smith is playing with a chip on his shoulder. He wants to prove to himself, the league and anyone else he can lead the Football Team back to the postseason. He’s played lights out the last four games and Washington could easily be undefeated in his starts if it wasn’t for the last-second field goal loss to the Lions.

The SF 49ers know they’re the better team in the trenches, even without EDGE Nick Bosa and others.

This game is theirs for the taking. Go out and snatch it.