Bill Callahan is a perfect 1-0 as Washington's interim coach since taking over for the fired Jay Gruden. But he knows facing the undefeated 49ers will be a bit different than going up against the winless Miami Dolphins.
That's especially true when it comes to San Francisco's defensive line. Callahan knows his offense could be in for a long day if they don't have a great game in the trenches.
“Yeah, the challenge is great,” Callahan said in a conference call with reporters on Wednesday. “And the matchups, yeah, we’re going to need a lot of help, to say the least.”
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The 49ers' defense ranks second in yards allowed per game (237.4), first in passing yards allowed per game (150.2), sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (87.2) and second in points allowed per game (12.8). Washington, on the other hand, has one of the worst offenses in the NFL. Through six weeks, they rank 28th in yards per game (286.5), 26th in passing yards per game (205), 25th in rushing yards per game (81.5) and 30th in points per game (15).
San Francisco's defensive line is stacked with former first-round draft picks, while Washington's best offensive lineman -- Trent Williams -- has sat out the whole season so far over a contract dispute.
Whether it's Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, DeForest Buckner or Arik Armstead, the 49ers can attack the QB in multiple ways. Callahan knows he can't focus on just one player.
“When they line up across the board, there’s just not one individual you can hone in on,” Callahan said. “Like when we played the Bears, you have Khalil Mack that you’re focused on. But this is a little bit different because there’s so much quality depth and outstanding players.
San Francisco 49ers
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"It will be a real challenge for our protection unit.”
The 49ers have 17 sacks this year, and will look to increase that number on Sunday.