The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Why To Watch

Can the 49ers beat anyone other than the Cardinals? Despite playing without first-team quarterback Tim Rattay and running back Kevan Barlow, the offense had success in Week 14. Was it because of the opponent? We'll find out in this Saturday game.

Maurice Hicks started in place of Barlow and had a breakout game. Ken Dorsey quieted critics with a solid game while filling in for Rattay. Can Hicks and Dorsey reprise their performances? The defense took a step backward against a rookie quarterback. It must play better. ...

While their offense doesn't scare opponents, the Redskins' defense continues its strong play under coordinator Gregg Williams. Week 14's showing against the Eagles was typical, displaying an aggressive, attacking style. How will the defense play on short rest for this Saturday game?

The offense shows progress, but it continues to find ways to lose. Quarterback has been a problem all season. Is Patrick Ramsey the long-term answer? At times, Ramsey shows the toughness and smarts to be a starter. Then he makes a bonehead throw into coverage, just as he did in the closing minutes against the Eagles.

The biggest improvement on offense has been in the running game, thanks to switching to a zone-blocking scheme to fit running back Clinton Portis and his slashing style. The question is: Can the offense play a complete game? ...

These proud franchises could not be more different. The Redskins under owner Daniel Snyder are a win-now, quick-fix bunch that will do anything to compete for a championship. Niners owner John York is in a severe cost-cutting mode and is determined to rid the team of high-priced players and rebuild slowly under the salary cap. How will this game affect the teams' decision-making process? Niners coach Dennis Erickson appears to be on his way out; will his players quit on him or work hard to make an impression for future employment?


Redskins Keys For Success


1. Make Ramsey comfortable. Short throws on the perimeter and down the seam will take precedent in the passing game. Look for Portis and H-back Chris ey to figure in the plan by getting one-on-one matchups that stretch the defense. If linebackers must account for Portis and ey, they won't have time to rush Ramsey.

2. Blitz to disrupt offensive rhythm. Consistency and the Niners have been strangers all season. Look for pressure defense to keep it that way. The Redskins will use both run and pass blitzes early to create turnover opportunities and keep a struggling offense off balance.

3. Finish things off with the running game. Portis is key to offensive success. The ideal scenario for Joe Gibbs' team is to get the lead early and use Portis to control the game. Ramsey must take care of the ball and has made improvements in the passing game, but Portis remains the bellwether player.


49ers Keys For Success


1. Establish the running game. The Redskins' defensive front is aggressive and tends to over-pursue. The best plan of attack is to run right at the defense and trap players up field as they shoot the gaps. Expect to see power stretch plays and delayed draws to achieve this goal.

2. Work play-action for short passes. Success from deep-set pocket passing plays? It won't happen against this high-pressure defense. In addition, rookie safety Sean Taylor has become a playmaker and takes away the deep middle areas. The Niners' best tactic, then, is to use short passes as an extension of the running game and count on getting after-catch yardage. Dorsey must use play-action to buy an extra second or two to get room for receivers.

3. Corral the running game. Until proven otherwise, it's best to make the Redskins beat you with their passing game. Their offensive success comes when they make things happen on the ground. Ramsey will make mistakes, and the Niners can use those errors to get favorable field position.

The Bottom Line

Washington's defense will be the difference in this game. It will apply too much pressure and make enough big plays to overwhelm the 49ers. Throughout their troubled season, the Niners have not been consistent. They won't change their ways against the Redskins' capable defense. A couple of big plays early by the defense will set the tone for this Redskins victory.

Pick: Redskins 27, 49ers 17

Redskins SS Ryan Clark vs. 49ers Tight end Eric Johnson


Johnson is the Niners' most consistent receiver and key to success in the short-passing game. He knows how to set up defenders and has great hands. He has a huge athletic advantage over Clark, who is not a good coverage guy. For Clark to have success in this matchup, he must be physical with Johnson at the line of scrimmage and alter Johnson's route.

Clark became a starter in Week 6 when Matt Bowen was injured. He is a physical run defender and hitter, but because of his limited coverage skills he must win this matchup at the line of scrimmage.

Look for the Niners to work Johnson over the middle. That will keep Clark from playing in the box and create running room.

Advantage: Johnson.

Redskins RB Clinton Portis vs. 49ers MLB Derek Smith


Portis wasted away early in the season, but the team's shift to a zone-blocking ground game fit his style. As a result, Portis has ripped off some nice runs in recent games. Basically, Portis' game is to see the hole and hit it hard. To stop him, opponents must hit him squarely in the hole.

Smith is aggressive and physical, playing mostly between the tackles. He is instinctive, takes on and sheds blocks well and takes good angles to the ball. He must force Portis wide to win this matchup.

Advantage: Portis.


49ers C Brock Gutierrez and LG Eric Heitman vs. Redskins DT Cornelius Griffin

Gutierrez makes his second start in place of Jeremy Newberry, who is out for the season. Gutierrez is a hard-working battler with a mean streak and a solid pass protector. He isn't an explosive run blocker and must team up with Heitman in combo blocks to neutralize Griffin. Heitman also is a proficient pass blocker. He takes good angles and has good feet.

Griffin has an explosive first step and excels at shooting the gap. If Gutierrez can neutralize Griffin by himself, it will be huge for the Niners' running game success. Most likely the offense will rely on combo blocks and pull quite a bit to handle Griffin. This will allow more opportunities for underrated and active tackle Jermaine Haley.

Advantage: Griffin.