Grasping for good news, the Redskins received some in the final seconds of the first half against the San Francisco 49ers. Kicker Graham Gano booted a 59-yard field goal, setting a new franchise record for longest kick and putting the Redskins on the scoreboard. At halftime, Washington trails the 49ers 13-3.
With an ineffective offense, the Redskins cannot afford to turn the ball over. It showed in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers. Roy Helu fumbled the ball late in the second quarter, and San Francisco scored a touchdown on the next play. Earlier in the half, a John Beck interception led to a Niners field goal.
The Redskins defense has played relatively well, though the offense seems incapable of producing points. The blame can be placed on every unit on the field: receivers dropping passes, the offensive line missing blocks, inconsistent play from the quarterback.
The San Francisco defense deserves credit too. Led by lineback Patrick Willis, who contributed to the Helu fumble with a big hit, has largely made sound tackles and played mistake free. The Redskins lack any offensive explosion, allowing the Niners defense to play tight coverage and swarm the line of scrimmage.
For more on the Washington Redskins, check out SB Nation's Washington Redskins blog Hogs Haven. For more on the Redskins vs. 49ers showdown, visit this StoryStream. For more on the 49ers, visit SB Nation's 49ers blog Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area.