Washington Redskins: 6 Players Who Need to Shine vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Washington Redskins face a difficult task in attempting to overcome the 6-1 San Francisco 49ers this Sunday.  A win is a matter of urgency for the Redskins, who must even their record as they enter the tough part of their schedule.

After three-straight defeats and hampered by an offense that is unable to run the ball or sustain drives, the signs do not look good for Mike Shanahan's team.

But the Redskins still possess enough talent to pull off the upset.  Key players on both sides of the ball need to deliver standout performances to help Washington topple the NFC West leaders.

Here are six players who must produce strong displays against Jim Harbaugh's fired up squad.

6. LaRon Landry

This is definitely the game for Jim Haslett to maximise the athleticism and aggressive instincts of strong safety LaRon Landry.

Usually this author is not an advocate of the Redskins blitz happy approach to defense, but against the 49ers, Landry needs to be blitzed from all angles.

The Redskins should bring Landry off the edges at will and let him disrupt the San Francisco rushing attack and play action passing game.

Landry must make himself a consistent force on the 49ers side of the line of scrimmage for the Redskins defense.

5. Barry Cofield

Nose tackle Barry Cofield must draw and command regular double teams, if the Redskins are going to have a chance of stopping Frank Gore.

The 49ers love to overpower teams at the point of attack on both sides of the ball and Cofiled simply cannot let this happen to the Washington defensive line.

Haslett should consider letting Cofield attack the center-guard on occasion, as well as his normal 2-gap responsibilities.  This will help create confusion amongst the 49ers interior blockers and create holes for the linebackers to fill.

4. London Fletcher

London Fletcher is the unquestioned leader of the Redskins defense and in the midst of a slump, the Redskins need players like Fletcher to lead by example.

Fletcher must use his speed and instincts to quickly shoot the gaps and penetrate into the 49ers backfield.  The intelligent veteran often confines himself to a more read and react type of role, but Fletcher needs to play aggressively in order to disrupt the San Francisco offense.

Fletcher's smarts and nose for the ball can help the Redskins defense generate the turnovers which are sure to be crucial in what promises to be a closely fought, defensive struggle.

3. Chris Chester

Right guard Chris Chester needs to be at the top of his game and spark a revival for the whole Redskins offensive line.

Washington's front five should still be smarting following last week's revolving door horror show in Toronto.  Chester can use his speed, athleticism and technique to counteract the stout 49ers front seven.

Chester must use his speed to get into space and neutralise San Francisco's fearsome inside linebacker tandem, Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis.

Both Bowman and Willis are outstanding blitzers and Chester's excellent footwork and balance can help the former Baltimore Raven quickly come off his initial block and pick up the threat.

2. Roy Helu

The Redskins badly need a spark in the running game and it's time for highly touted rookie Roy Helu to provide it.

Helu has been a disappointment thus far after being tabbed as one to watch, when the Redskins snared him in April's draft.

The former Nebraska standout has the size and straight ahead quickness to pick up good yardage and the Redskins must design some running plays more suited to Helu's more natural, north-south style.

The 49ers are one of the toughest defenses in the league against the run.  But without at least some production on the ground, John Beck will be at the mercy of San Francisco's powerful and athletic pass rushers.

1. Trent Williams

The Redskins need Trent Williams to return from injury and play like the player who the organisation felt was worth the fourth overall pick in 2010's draft.

Sean Locklear proved against the Bills that he is a makeshift left tackle at best.  The Redskins will need a better option against a 49ers defense that is able to attack the left side of the Washington line with greybeard pass rusher Justin Smith and rookie pressure specialist Aldon Smith.

Redskins.com reports that Williams has a chance to be passed fit for Sunday and if he plays he will need to be more accomplished and consistent than he has managed at times this season.

Any game against the 49ers has to be won in the trenches and the Redskins need a strong showing from both lines.

They must also find a way to cultivate a decent rushing attack and avoid leaving the game in Beck's hands against the smart and physical San Francisco defense.