1The run defense is outstanding »
San Francisco, which runs a 3-4, ranks fourth in yards a carry allowed and has not surrendered a 100-yard day on the ground to an opposing back for 29 straight games. It has yet to allow a rushing touchdown. Yes, linebacker Patrick Willis is a tackling machine and one of the game’s best. But second-year linebacker NaVorro Bowman, a Suitland High School alumnus, may be having just as good a season as Willis. Bowman is not a big guy (6-foot, 242 pounds) but is a sure tackler. Rookie Aldon Smith helps the pass defense as a situational rusher; he has 6? sacks.
2
Quarterback Alex Smith has turned his career around » So far, at least. The seventh-year quarterback operates the two-tight end offense well, with a 95.7 passer rating (his career average is 74.7). Smith is efficient running the play-action passing game and loves throwing to tight ends Vernon Davis (27 catches) and Delanie Walker (11). Smith has a 128.9 passer rating against the blitz.
3
They can run the ball well » Since 1970, only four backs have rushed for at least 125 yards in four straight games. The Niners’ Frank Gore is one of them. He’ll look for his fifth such game Sunday. Gore has excellent patience and vision, allowing holes to develop and then finding them. He’s excellent at breaking tackles, and the Redskins have missed too many tackles. Gore is averaging 6.5 yards a carry in those four wins. He likes running behind the left side of the line, left tackle Joe Staley and left guard Mike Iupati.
4
The special teams are outstanding »
Ted Ginn averages 13.2 yards on punt returns and 29.8 on kickoff returns. He has a touchdown in each category. Punter Andy Lee is second in the NFL with a 50.9-yard average and first in net average at 44.2 yards. The kick coverage unit is solid (it ranks eighth at 22.2 yards allowed a return), and kicker David Akers has made 15 of 17 field goals.
