Redskins vs. 49ers: Week 7 Q&A with Niner Noise

Questions 3 through 5

Question 3

Ian Cummings: San Francisco has a defensive front that’s stocked to the brim with top-level talent. DeForest Buckner headlines a fearsome interior, and Nick Bosa and Dee Ford are the two defensive ends with the highest pass rush productivity ratings so far this season. How important is this front to the defense’s extraordinary start to the 2019 season, and do you expect them to sustain this success?

Peter Panacy: The 49ers defensive line has been the “bread and butter” of the team’s success this season. By only having to rush four most of the time, the 49ers are permitted to drop seven players back into coverage. As a result, San Francisco owns the No. 1 pass defense in the league.

Keeping it sustainable is largely thanks to the offensive rushing attack, which rests the defense and keeps it fresh. But San Francisco is also employing a good rotation. I mentioned the five first-round draftees up front, Buckner, Ford, and Bosa included, but there’s also defensive tackles Solomon Thomas and Arik Amstead, the latter of whom is having arguably his best season as a pro. Deeper options, such as defensive end Ronald Blair, have also improved in situational roles.

Question 4

Ian Cummings: Which 49ers players have been particularly impressive this season? Which non-household names do Redskins fans need to know?

Peter Panacy: Tight end George Kittle might not be putting up the eye-popping and record-setting numbers he enjoyed last season, but a lot of that is due to more offensive mouths to feed and the 49ers focus on the running game. But Kittle does so much more than just catch passes, and he’s instrumental with his blocking.

Outside of Kittle, keep an eye on defensive backs Emmanuel Moseley and Jimmie Ward. Moseley is filling in for injured starting cornerback Akhello Witherspoon, who’ll be out for a few more weeks. Moseley is playing well, and Ward was a force in the 49ers’ win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6.

Question 5

Ian Cummings: What matchups will be key in Sunday’s game? How about a score prediction?

Peter Panacy: I hate to say it to you guys, but it’s probably going to be a lopsided affair in San Francisco’s favor. The 49ers have held their last two opponents to a combined 10 points, and one would expect that prowess to continue. Keep an eye on Kittle versus safety Landon Collins, which should be fun to watch. And Niners fans are eager to see the defensive line match up against what Washington will bring up front on offense.

Panacy’s Score Prediction: SF 27, WAS 10

This is Kyle Shanahan’s first chance to earn legitimate revenge against the front office that ruined his father’s storybook ending, and left him without a job. He has a 5-0 team firing on all cylinders, while the Redskins are wallowing in limbo. This is Shanahan’s chance to drive the nail in further. Will it happen?

Be sure to watch the game live when it kicks off at 1:00 PM EST today. We’ll keep you in the loop with halftime takeaways, a post-game recap, and other comprehensive content.