Monday Night Football Season 19 Episode 12 Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers
- November 21, 1988
Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers is a highly anticipated episode of the 19th season of Monday Night Football. Taking place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the game promises to be an exciting showdown between two NFL powerhouses.
The Washington Redskins, led by veteran quarterback Alex Smith, will be looking to improve upon their record of 4-4 thus far this season. Despite an early season swoon, they have won three of their last four games and look to continue trending upwards against the 49ers.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most surprising teams of the NFL season thus far. After winning just four games last season, they have already surpassed that total in just eight games this year. Much of their success can be attributed to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been a revelation since being traded to the team mid-season in 2017.
This Week 12 matchup will be a battle between two teams with different strengths. The Redskins have a strong defense, allowing just 19.4 points per game thus far this season. They will be tasked with containing Garoppolo and the 49ers' high-powered offense, which is averaging 29.5 points per game.
On the other side of the ball, the Redskins offense has struggled at times this season. They are averaging just 20.8 points per game and will be facing a 49ers defense that has allowed just 24.8 points per game.
The game will see a number of key matchups that will dictate its outcome. Redskins running back Adrian Peterson, who has been a revelation this season with 604 rushing yards and four touchdowns, will go up against a 49ers defense that has been solid against the run, allowing just 102.9 yards per game.
In the passing game, the Redskins will look to get their leading receiver, tight end Jordan Reed, involved early and often against a 49ers defense that has been susceptible to the pass at times this season.
On the other side of the ball, the 49ers will look to exploit a Redskins defense that has struggled against the pass, allowing 256.5 yards per game through the air. Garoppolo will look to connect with his favorite target, tight end George Kittle, who leads the team in receiving with 692 yards and three touchdowns.
The game will also see a number of storylines playing out in the background. This will be the first time that Smith, who played for the 49ers from 2011 to 2012, will return to play in San Francisco since being traded away from the team. His former team will be looking to contain him and show that they made the right move in trading him away.
Furthermore, both teams will be looking to keep pace in their respective playoff races. The Redskins are currently in second place in the NFC East behind the Dallas Cowboys, while the 49ers are in third place in the NFC West behind the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks.
Overall, Monday Night Football's coverage of Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers promises to be a thrilling matchup between two top NFL teams. With both teams looking to make a statement and keep their playoff hopes alive, this game is sure to be filled with plenty of excitement and intrigue.