49ers vs. Redskins: 5 Halftime Adjustments Washington Must Make

This is a big game for both teams in D.C. today. The Redskins look to bounce back and get themselves back into the playoff conversation. The 49ers don't want to get upset and lose momentum going into their big home game against the New York Giants next week.

The Skins are going to have to get some semblance of the passing game going today, because with Tim Hightower out, they are going to have a rough go against the 49ers' ferocious run defense. The 49ers will also have to get something going through the air, because they've scraped by so far on Frank Gore's back.

Here are five halftime adjustments the Redskins must make to secure a big home upset:

1. Screen Passes

The Redskins really need to get John Beck going today, because the 49ers' run defense is one of the best in the NFL. Even if that means just dumping it off to a tailback who has a host of blockers, it's going to be an essential aspect to beating this San Francisco team. 

They aren't going to be able to just rely on the run game because the Niners haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in almost two full seasons. You know they hate to rely on Beck and the passing game, but there are ways to get around it by throwing screens and short passes to gain small chunks of yardage.

2. Blitz Smith

49ers' QB Alex Smith has had a resurgent season at the helm, but he's still prone to mistakes. That being said, the offensive line isn't exactly great, so blitzing Smith and forcing him out of the pocket might mean a fumble or a forced throw for an interception.

Even better for the 'Skins would be if they can hurt Smith's confidence. That's been a huge reason for his improved play and one little mistake floors him for the rest of a game. If the passing game is taken away, the Redskins' D can key on Gore and control this game.

3. Stack the Box

On obvious running downs, the Redskins must get a bunch of guys in the box. Gore's running game consists of just wrapping the ball and going full steam ahead. It will usually take a couple guys hitting him to bring him down.

So, when the 49ers show run, the Redskins really need to get some bodies up in the box and try and wrap him up. If the 49ers start getting the running game going, they will control the tempo and slowly drain the clock.

4. Protect Beck

If the Redskins are to get this passing game going, they need to protect their QB. He's still growing with the offense and has already looked a little nervous when pressured. If they can give him a good pocket and some time to throw, they may be able to get a complete offensive effort going.

The Niners' front seven has a lot of sack men in it, and the last thing the Redskins want on passing downs is for Beck to be scrambling or having to make a forced throw because there's a guy in his face. They can't afford any more interceptions.

5. Limit Mistakes

Last week is something the Redskins want to forget. One way to do that is to limit mistakes. Even small things like catching a punt inside the five, or dropping passes is going to be huge for this team. They can't give the ball away on interceptions or fumbles to a defense with a double digit takeaway difference this season.

If the 'Skins are going to get back in the NFC East race, they need to have this game, even if just for the confidence factor. And if they give the ball away at all, they are giving a 6-1 team good field position and free opportunities to get points on the board.