Redskins vs. 49ers: Keys to victory in Week 7 of the 2019 season

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Matthew Ioannidis #98 of the Washington Redskins celebrates a sack on quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers (not pictured) during the first quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Matthew Ioannidis #98 of the Washington Redskins celebrates a sack on quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers (not pictured) during the first quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 06: Tim Settle #97 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Jonathan Allen #93 after a sack against the New England Patriots during the first half at FedExField on October 6, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 06: Tim Settle #97 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Jonathan Allen #93 after a sack against the New England Patriots during the first half at FedExField on October 6, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

 5. Redskins must have another strong performance from their defensive line

As famed defensive line coach Jim Tomsula once said, “Everybody’s gonna eat!” and eat they did against Miami. It seemed like everybody got in on the action as the team finished with five sacks on their day. After a slow start to the season, this game was the second in a row in which the defensive front got outstanding pressure on the quarterback.

After being limited by an injury early in the season, Jonathan Allen had two sacks as he continues to be a leader and a force in the interior. The Redskins’ defensive line is supposed to be the strength of this team. They are going to need to step again this week, and they have an excellent opportunity as the 49ers line is currently battling injuries. Starting tackles Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey are both out.

Edge rushers Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan must take advantage of their matchups at tackle this week and apply pressure to Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo has played good, but not great so far this year. If the defensive front is able to generate a solid pass rush and get to him, the Redskins will be in an excellent position to shut down a good 49ers offense.

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They must also shut down their potent running backs as they currently have the second-best running game in the league at almost 180 yards per game.