San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins Preview

By John Onan | Saturday, October 22, 2005 | ( 0 )

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Alex Smith is officially "the man" for the San Francisco 49ers, as quarterback Tim Rattay, who started the first four games, was dealt to the San Diego Chargers earlier this week. This also means the team is now looking towards 206 and beyond. In a totally different situation is their opponent on Sunday at Fed EX Field, the veteran Washington Redskins. After beginning 3-0 on the season, they've dropped their last two games and are looking to feast on the young Niners.

After a tough outing in his first career start, Smith has another tough assignment this week against one of the top defenses in the NFL. He was under constant pressure against the Indianapolis Colts two weeks ago and finished only 9-of-23 passing for 74 yards, while turning the ball over five times in a 28-3 loss. The 49ers offense will have to establish their running game early to keep the rookie signal caller upright, and that duty falls on Kevan Barlow.

He had his best rushing day of the year in that loss, as he gained 99 yards on 18 carries. Head coach Mike Nolan may have to give it to him 25 to 30 times for the San Francisco 49ers to have a chance for the upset.

While their opponent is green at quarterback, the Washington Redskins have a grizzled veteran in Mark Brunell. He hasn't played like an old man this year, after looking as though he was showing his age in 2004. He has an excellent nine touchdowns to only two interceptions, while completing 58 % of his throws for 1240 yards. He will try to feast on a pass defense that ranks dead last in the NFL, as the 49ers are yielding 343 yards through the air per game.

Running back Clinton Portis has been steady, if not spectacular, out of the backfield. He is still seeking his first score of the season, but has gained an impressive 443 yards on 104 carries in the Redskins first five games. He emerged as a weapon out of the backfield in the passing game in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, hauling in four receptions for 51 yards. He continues to be one of the best in the league at moving the chains.

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