NFL news: San Francisco 49ers vs Washington Commanders preview – Brock Purdy to make history
The undefeated San Francisco 49ers host the struggling Washington Commanders in week six’s edition of Monday Night Football.
Both sides have battled with key injuries of late, but the 49ers seem more used to it and are coping better.
However, the Commanders’ one win came in a close game against a tough Seattle Seahawks, so could they end the 49ers’ streak?
Here, Sports News Blitz writer and NFL fan Luca Salmasi takes a look at Monday’s much-anticipated match-up.
Purdy to make history
The visit of the Commanders comes at the perfect time to showcase Brock Purdy’s chances of being a frontrunner in the race for NFL MVP honours this season.
Purdy leads the 5-0 49ers into tonight’s game with an opportunity to make history with his fifth attempted pass, which will be his 1,500th throw and make him the NFL career leader in passer rating.
His current rating, measured by five statistics, is 105.4.
Indeed, in his fifth season, Purdy is well ahead of Lamar Jackson, who has a rating of 102.7.
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Daniels’ dual threat awaits
Like any dual-threat quarterback, Jayden Daniels can hurt San Francisco both through the air and on the ground when the passing game starts to break down.
The 49ers’ challenge is to pressure him without leaving gaps to escape into.
Veteran Fred Warner will likely track his movement, although that would limit his coverage responsibilities.
Washington’s struggles in pass protection add another layer to the task, but quick passes and moving out of the pocket could still help Daniels to avoid pressure, keep the offence moving, and become a regular nuisance that disrupts the strong 49ers defence.
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McCaffrey vs Washington defence
Washington’s run defence has become one of their strongest assets, especially when compared to pass coverage, making Christian McCaffery’s impact on the ground an interesting battle.
If San Francisco can establish the run, they could shorten third downs and make the play-action pass more effective.
It’s not just McCaffrey’s legs that make him a problem, though.
His receiving ability and yards after catch offer another route to influence the game as Washington must account for him moving out of the backfield as well as taking hand-offs.
Ultimately, if Washington can limit McCaffrey’s rushing yards, they can neutralise him as a threat, keep him from contributing to San Francisco’s offence, and limit their options.
Commanders’ offensive line problems
Washington’s protection problems could become a major factor in the game.
Left tackle Brandon Coleman has struggled, meaning San Francisco will most likely be looking to target his side of the line.
Daniels has also struggled to read blitzes before the snap, which only adds to the challenge of handling the pressure the 49ers’ defence can bring.
If San Francisco can generate pressure with just four defenders and focus on having more in coverage, that will limit Daniels’ options, increase the time he holds onto the ball, and create more opportunities for sacks.
While Washington could bring in more personnel, like a tight end or running back, to block, that would leave Daniels with fewer receiving options.
His best opportunities to surprise San Francisco and potentially create plays out of nothing will be through quick throws and shooter routes.
But third downs are the main area to focus on.
If Washington end up in a third-and-long situation, San Francisco can attack more aggressively.
With seemingly limited options and poor pass protection, Daniels will then have to use that aggressiveness against them.
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