The Washington Football Team scratched and clawed their way to a significant 23-15 win over the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
Washington’s defense was the story of the day as the unit played with playoff-caliber energy throughout the game and harrassed 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens all day.
Rookie defensive lineman Chase Young had a spectacular outing for the ages. The former Ohio State star became only the third player and first rookie in NFL history to amass a sack, two passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a fumble return touchdown. His 47-yard touchdown of a fumble set the tone for the defense and put them ahead 13-7, a lead Washington never surrendered.
Chase Young again. This young defense just makes plays when they need to. #washingtonFootball now leads 13-7 on the 47 yard fumble return for the TD.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) December 13, 2020
Not to be outdone, rookie safety Kam Curl continued his stellar play with an interception for a touchdown. Curl became the eighth rookie in franchise history to register an interception returned for a touchdown.
Kam Curl with the pick-six that extends Washington’s lead to 23-7 at the end of the 3rd qtr. the defense is carrying the load and wearing down the 49ers o-line.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) December 13, 2020
The defense had to save the day because, on offense, the unit was playing without running back Antonio Gibson and saw quarterback Alex Smith depart the game with an apparent leg injury. The 16-year veteran didn’t return to action and made way for Dwayne Haskins to come in.
Haskins was up and down with his performance but did enough to keep Washington peaking into their final three games with a four-game winning streak. The winning streak is the longest for the franchise since the 2016 season.
Washington’s defense registered two forced fumbles, two fumble recovery’s, four sacks, five tackles for losses, and a touchdown.
The defense brings it home and that’s the way this game should end. Defense played playoff football today. They will need that over the final three weeks if they are to win the division.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) December 14, 2020
The win moves Washington back into sole possession of first place in the NFC East division with an improving record of 6-7.
