San Franciso 49ers: Defense Dominates Forcing 3 Turnovers Against the Redskins

The San Francisco 49ers' defense dominated another opponent, forcing three turnovers against the Washington Redskins.

The final score of 19-11 was much closer than the true flow of the game, as the Redskins were able to score a touchdown and two-point conversion in garbage time as the game wound down.

Until that last-ditch effort and score, the 49ers led 19-3. 

This defensive effort marks game No. 30 in a row that 49ers' opponents have failed to have a 100-yard rusher. Roy Helu, rookie out of Nebraska, was held to just 41 yards for the day. 

Fred Davis, the talented tight end for the Redskins, was denied a single catch until the fourth quarter. NaVorrow Bowman and Patrick Willis stuck to him like glue the entire day. He ended up with only four receptions for 42 yards and was a non-factor.

Speaking of Bowman and Willis, the two of them swarmed the field and once again showed why they should be considered the best middle linebacker tandem in the league.

Patrick Willis had been playing second fiddle to Bowman on the stat sheet this season, but his play against the Redskins is a stark reminder for the rest of the league that he is undoubtedly the top dog. He recorded nine tackles today while forcing two fumbles. 

Dashon Goldson continued his impressive play this season as he recorded another interception. 

If there is one thing to be concerned about, it would have to be that the team only managed to record a single sack on the day, recorded by Ahmad Brooks, who managed to do it with his helmet on this time.

It was the first game in five weeks that rookie Aldon Smith failed to record a sack. 

The Redskins came off a game last weekend where they gave up nine sacks, so either our guys had a bad day or their offensive line made the right adjustments. The thing that gives me hope is that John Beck was harassed all day, despite the low sack total. 

The offense wasn't too shabby, either.

Frank Gore is now the first 49er running back to have run for over 100 yards in five straight games. He ran the ball 19 times for 107 yards. 

Alex Smith was rock solid once again. His line of 17-of-24 for 200 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions won't impress those who seek Rodgers-type numbers, but he is doing everything he has been asked to do and must be considered as a top 10 quarterback in this league.

There is one player who must be frustrated, however, and that is Vernon Davis. He missed a perfectly thrown ball from Smith in the third quarter, though, as it went right through his hands for a potential 25-plus-yard play. In the end, he came away with four catches for 41 yards.

I'm sure that Jim Harbaugh wishes things didn't get interesting at the end of the game, but he has got to be thrilled to have his team at 7-1 winning another road game on the East Coast.

The 49ers' defense is undoubtedly one of the top three squads in the league. The offense continues to hammer the ball and run down the clock with Frank Gore. The special teams unit, with David Akers and Andy Lee, is one of the tops in the NFL.

All three phases of the game are working at high levels, and the coaching staff is superb. 

Next week will be an even bigger test as the New York Giants come to town. But, until then, let's just enjoy another weekend of 49er glory.