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Three takeaways from Redskins loss to 49ers in NFL Week 7

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 20: Interim head coach Bill Callahan of the Washington Redskins looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 20: Interim head coach Bill Callahan of the Washington Redskins looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 20: Levine Toilolo #83 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after the catch against Cole Holcomb #55 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 20: Levine Toilolo #83 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after the catch against Cole Holcomb #55 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. The Redskins adjusted well to the elements

Coming into this game, the Redskins were expected to lose by 10 points. At least, that’s what most spreads said. They did end up losing 9-0, but all things considered, they adjusted well to the elements and did what they could to slow down the 49ers.

On offense, the team set the tone right away with a dominant ground game. In fact, on the first drive, they didn’t throw the ball once. They just pounded the rock with Adrian Peterson. They actually were able to set themselves up for a 39-yard field goal, but the weather made it impossible for Dustin Hopkins to make the kick.

Throughout the afternoon, Callahan’s team continued to run the ball well and did what they could to tire out the 49ers strong defense. And by running so much, they negated one of the team’s biggest strengths, the pass rush. They even got more touches for Steven Sims Jr. in hopes that the speedster could get something going in the rain.

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That was a sound strategy and while it didn’t lead to any points, the team did sustain some drives and realistically, they could’ve scored had it not been for the weather and an untimely Peterson fumble.

On the defensive side of the ball, the bad weather afforded them the opportunity to stack the box and slow down the 49ers’ excellent running attack. Though the Niners were able to total 137 rushing yards, the Redskins held them to just 3.5 yards per carry. The defensive front, including Matt Ioannidis and Daron Payne, were very active and they made a lot of plays to limit the 49ers early.

The weather ultimately ended up helping the Redskins to an extent, and it was a big part of why they were able to hold the 49ers without a touchdown. That said, the coaching staff’s ability to adjust to the weather shouldn’t be ignored either. They came in with a good gameplan that afforded them the opportunity to keep it close. Until the end, the Redskins were never really out. And that’s because their plan was a solid one.

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