Seeking their first six game winning streak since the 1997 season, the 6-1 49ers payed a visit to our nation's capital to face the 3-4 Washington Redskins in hopes of improving their undefeated mark away from Candlestick Park to 4-0. After a back and forth first quarter highlighted by three and outs, sacks and a John Beck interception, San Francisco's David Akers would begin what ended up being a busy day for the Pro-Bowl kicker who connected for the first of four field goals on the day to give the 49ers a 3-0 lead following the pick. Though neither team would showcase much offense in the first half, the Redskins knack for fumbling the ball wouldn't help their case.
After another David Akers field goal, the Skins would give the ball right back as backup running back Roy Helu was met by Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis who forced a fumble that would be recovered by the San Francisco D. The miscue would prove to be costly for Washington as Alex Smith capitalized on the turnover with a play-action pass finding his rookie fullback Bruce Miller wide open along the sideline for a 30 yard touchdown to put the 49ers on top, 13-0. After watching his team get shutout for the first time in his ?-year coaching career the week before against the Bills, Redskins kicker Gharam Gano made sure it wouldn't happen in back-to-back weeks as he set a franchise record with a 59 yard field goal to put his team on the board, trailing 13-3 at the half.
With little offense to show for in the first half, the second half would feature even less offense. Other than a pair of David Akers field goals which made it a 16-point game, the 49ers were kept in check on offense for the most part. With the clock dwindling down passed the two minute warning, John Beck and company would finally gather together a decent drive. On what appeared to be a rather lethargic drive on defense by the 49ers, Beck capped it off by reaching the end zone relatively easy connecting with an uncovered Jabar Gaffney 9 yards out for a touchdown. Washington would successfully convert on a two-point conversion to make it a one possession game. The clock, however, would prove to be a factor as coach Shanahan was forced to attempt an on-side kick with just over a minute remaining. Washington would fail to recover the ball and all Alex Smith needed to do was take a knee to give his team the victory.
The 19-11 final score made for another sloppy win for the 49ers, but a win nonetheless as Jm Harbaugh's team improved to 7-1 on the year, their best start since 1997. Though he didn't awe us with his numbers, Alex Smith managed to compile 200 yards through the air and a touchdown while playing mistake-free football. As for the running game, unlike in weeks passed Frank Gore didn't dominate like we've grown accustomed to seeing, but he did manage another 100 yard game, becoming the first 49er in franchise history to amass five consecutive games of 100 yards rushing.
Week 10 Preview With the Washington Redskins posing little threat against what's become one of the best defenses in the league, the 49ers will have their work cut out for them in Week 10 as they get set to host a red-hot New York Giants team coming off a last minute victory against the New England Patriots. With running back Ahmad Bradshaw expected to miss the game due to injury, the Giants will look to attack through the air led by first-half MVP candidate Eli Manning.
Prediction: 49ers win a close one at home in a back and forth melee, 24-20.
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