Redskins vs. 49ers: Keys to victory in Week 7 of the 2019 season
By Kyle Hundley
2. Redskins must handle the talented 49ers’ pass rush
As mentioned earlier, San Francisco has five first-rounders on their defensive front. They traded for talented end Dee Ford, plus their homegrown talents Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas, DeForest Buckner, and rookie Nick Bosa. Each one of them brings a little something different, and the Redskins must be ready to handle such a talented front.
Bosa and Ford have been the most productive pass rushers in the league through the first six weeks of the season. They bring speed, explosiveness, and can collapse the pocket quickly. Donald Penn and Morgan Moses must be ready for them. The return of Brandon Scherff and Chase Roullier definitely helped last week (as did playing the Dolphins). Ereck Flowers has been a pleasant surprise so far this season. They must handle the interior rush as a unit.
The 49ers have too much talent to double everybody, so Washington must win their matchups and keep Keenum upright. San Francisco has had four sacks each of the last two weeks while allowing just ten total points against talented quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff. If the Redskins do not handle the 49ers’ pass rush, and Keenum is unable to go through his progressions, the Washington offense is likely going to stall against this talented defense.