49ers 86 Redskins, 19-11

Don’t let the scoreboard fool you. San Francisco thoroughly whipped Washington’s ass. It got so bad, at one point Washington just started putting the ball on the ground. Be it dropped passes or fumbles, the Redskins were serving it up. The one good thing about this game was to finally get a look at Frank Gore. I’ve been excited to see him come back from a myriad of injuries to be a very productive RB in the NFL. I’m so proud of him. Heck even Clinton Portis made a comment about how he wasn’t surprised that Gore was tearing it up. Gore is just another player from the "U" doing their thing. But the guy that I was so proud of and happy to see finally getting some props was Alex Smith.

It is amazing what a coach can do for a player. Alex Smith was a running joke in the NFL. Smith is in his 7th Season from Utah and was the #1 Overall Draft Pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He has struggled mightily over the past few years. Smith has had a few coaches come and go in San Franciso. From Mike Nolan, to "Samauri" Mike Singletary and now Jim Harbaugh, Smith has gone through his fair share of chiefs. But his Offensive Coordinators have changed more than his coaches. Smith has had Mike McCarthy, Norv Turner, Jim Hostler, Mike Martz and now Greg Roman calling plays for him. I’ve always wondered what would happen if Alex Smith actually got some coaching, you know from a Quarterback, and vote of confidence from his head coach. He’s had guys like Tim Rattay, Trent Dilfer, Shaun Hill and even Troy Smith, taking the reigns during his tenure. But with a Head Coach who has actually played in the NFL and played the position that Alex Smith is playing, it make his job easier for him to pick up. And Harbaugh has given Smith the vote of confidence missing over the past 6 years. Sure Smith is only managing the game right now, but he is doing one heck of a job and is making me look like a genius. I’ve always thought that he was a starting QB in the NFL. And now he has the San Francisco 49ers at 7-1 and poised to win the NFC West, which is long over due if you ask me. But as there is separation in the NFC West because of the wins by San Francisco, Washington is separating themselves from the pack in the NFC East by stinking it up on the field.

Now at 3-5 what do you do? Do you go back to Rex Grossman? Do you stick with John Beck? Do you bring in another veteran QB to finish the season and compete for a job next year? Or do you play out the season with Grossman or Beck and hope to draft a QB in the 1st Round next year? Does it make sense to start scouting Offensive Linemen? Does Terrell Owens help bolster a WR corp that is struggling right now? With how bad Washington looks now, T.O. might actually help. Is Mike Shanahan on the hot seat? Is Kyle Shanahan on the hot seat? Was it a smart move to let Jason Campbell get away? Is playing musical RBs helping right now? Can Washington salvage this season and finish at .500 (8-8)? One thing is for sure as the losses mount and the temperature continues to drop, you will see more and more of the opposing team’s fans at FedEx Field. There’s nothing I hate more than having the visitors outcheering us at home. But hey, at least Mr. Snyder will make money either way. Washington is staring down the barrel of a 3-13 season, and that is sad seeing as though they started 3-1.

This week’s game ball goes to Alex Smith, who completed 17 of 24 passes for 200 yards and 1 TD pass. Good job Alex. But keep in mind, Patrick Willis could have easily gotten a game ball as well.