Skip to main content
Advertising

Niners take advantage of RGIII, continue to win ugly

Anquan Boldin put the 49ers on his back Sunday, hauling in nine passes for 137 and a touchdown to lead the 49ers to a 17-13 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Our takeaways:

  1. Outside of a decisive 10-play, 61-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter, it was another week without progress for Robert Griffin III. The Redskins' passing game lacks structure because Griffin struggles to read defenses and is only completing dumpoffs, screens and crossing routes. His footwork and pocket presence are out of sync. Jay Gruden's hands are tied from a scheming and play-calling perspective with Griffin under center. Don't be surprised if Gruden turns back toColt McCoy.
  1. Although Michael Crabtree is finally starting to re-emerge as a playmaker over the past three weeks, Vernon Davis remains the picture of ineffectiveness. He had a bad drop Sunday and ran his routes a yard short of the sticks on a pair of third-down receptions. Boldin is the offense's only consistent week-to-week threat. He came up huge with three catches on the game-winning touchdown drive.
  1. Alfred Morris had his first 100-yard game of the season against a 49ers defense that entered the game sixth in run defense. Morris ran hard, and Gruden clearly didn't want the game in Griffin's hands.
  1. The 49ers have saved their season with three consecutive wins against opponents that shot themselves in the foot. While Aldon Smith, Aaron Lynch, Chris Borland and Antoine Bethea are making plays on defense, the offense has lacked rhythm all season. Colin Kaepernick couldn't consistently take advantage of a Redskins secondary that was down to one healthy cornerback for a portion of the second half.
  1. If the Niners are going to make the playoffs, they need to find an identity on offense. They draw the suddenly healthy Seahawks' defense in two of the next three weeks and finish the season against the division-leading Cardinals.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps every Sunday game from Week 12 and discusses Ryan Tannehill's progression. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content