Game review

OFFENSE

QB providedfor that an C.J. began attack Beatharda sparkin neutralunder Brianand stayedHoyer. there Beathard did throw several near-picks, but flashed command and some big-play ability after entering with his team down 14-0 on the road. The protection was leaky, allowing three sacks and 10 QB hits, and there were at least three drops.

DEFENSE

Samestory: Theold run defense was stout (2.8 yards a carry), but the secondary was exposed partly because there wasn’t enough pressure (one sack) on Kirk Cousins (330 yards, 2 TDs). The 49ers have lacked big plays this season, but LB Ray-Ray Armstrong’s strip of TE Vernon Davis led to a 1-yard TD.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Robbiedrilled a Gould52yard FG, but his miss from 47 in the third quarter turned out to be the difference in the game. Trent Taylor (39-yard return) continues to resemble the 49ers’ most dynamic punt returner since Ted Ginn. Bradley Pinion dropped four of six punts inside the 20 and had a solid net average (41.3 yards).

COACHING

Kyle Shanahan was decisive. His choice to yank Hoyer in the second quarter helped the 49ers get back in the game. And Shanahan’s decision to go for the TD on 4thand-goal on the final play of the first half also paid dividends. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh adjusted after Washington consistently beat the 49ers with RB screens.

OVERALL

It looked like the 49ers, in their third consecutive road game, were running on fumes and would be overwhelmed. They deserve kudos for hanging tough and nearly pulling off an improbable comeback. Does that sound vaguely familiar?