Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the air, not a creature was stirring, except for the Bear. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Washington Commanders in a Christmas Eve matchup. Both NFC teams look to continue their quest for the playoffs, but the 49ers continue to make a push for that number one spot. If the 49ers want to continue their seven-game win streak, they must perform these five keys to victory.
UNLEASH the Bear
Last week, the Commanders gave up three sacks to the New York Giants in a 20-12 loss. Rookie edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux had one of the season's most impressive strip-sack fumble touchdown recoveries. Expect the 49ers' pass rush to turn up. Nick Bosa is seven sacks away from breaking the sack record. Look for Bosa to move closer to that goal against the Commanders. The Commanders will be facing the number one defense in the league and expect the Bear to go wild.
KEEP the QB at BAY
The 49ers continue to struggle against mobile quarterbacks. The 49ers are 0-3 against teams that gain over 100 yards rushing, and they were 0-4 against mobile quarterbacks (Fields, Wilson, Mariota, and Mahomes) Last week, Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke rushed for 33 yards on three carries against the Giants, and the team rushed for a total of 159 yards. The 49ers defense is number one against the run giving up 74.7 yards per game. With the return of defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, expect the 49ers to remain dominant against the run. If the 49ers want to win, they must eliminate the quarterback runs.
TAKEAWAY
The Commanders are ranked 16th in giveaways (11 interceptions + 6 Fumbles). Against the Giants, Heinicke fumbled twice, one leading to a touchdown. The 49ers defense is ranked seventh in takeaways with a total of 22 (14 interceptions + 8 fumble recoveries). Expect the 49ers defense to swarm on every play. The more takeaways for the defense, the more opportunities there are for quarterback Brock Purdy and his offense. Win the turnover battle, win the game.
STAY HUNGRY
The 49ers' offensive line has looked like the best in football over the last three weeks. Against the Seahawks, the offensive line gave up four pressures (one hit, one sack, and two hurries). They will be facing a tough defensive front from the Commanders. Chase Young will play, and Montez Sweat has seven sacks. Expect the 49ers to eliminate Young, which may leave Sweat in one-on-one matchups with Mike McGlinchey. McGlinchey has been playing great football over the last few weeks but will be up for his most formidable challenge of the season. Expect tight end George Kittle and full back Kyle Juszczyk to help out in pass protection. Expect left tackle Trent Williams to have his best game against his former team. It's not business; it's strictly personal. If the offensive line stays hungry and aggressive in both pass protection and run blocking, the team will be celebrating its eighth straight victory.
Let BROCK ROCK
Head coach Kyle Shanahan trusts and has faith in his rookie quarterback. Does the play "Hollywood" ring a bell? Quarterback Brock Purdy continues to prove the naysayers and the doubters wrong week in and week out. It seems with Brock, the defense has to play a little bit more honestly because of his ability to scramble and throw on the run. Purdy can also extend plays by moving outside the pocket, allowing his weapons to get open and make plays. If Shanahan continues to let Brock Rock, the 49ers will improve their record to 11-4, and Purdy will have three straight wins as a rookie starter for the 49ers.
In conclusion
The best present that Santa can bring is a win to The Faithful on Christmas. If the 49ers perform these keys, it will be Christmas to remember. Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.