San Francisco controlled every phase of the game in their 27-10 win over Washington at Northwest Stadium on December 31, 2023, outgaining the Commanders by nearly double in yards and dominating time of possession. The 49ers ran the ball effectively, amassing 184 rushing yards compared to Washington’s 62, while quarterback Brock Purdy completed 22 of 28 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns without turning the ball over.
Purdy’s two-yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel gave San Francisco an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter. After Washington’s Sam Howell connected with Terry McLaurin for a 3-yard touchdown late in the second quarter to tie the game at 10-10, the 49ers responded with a 22-yard field goal by Jake Moody just before halftime. San Francisco then pulled away in the second half, with Purdy’s 17-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Aiyuk putting the game out of reach with just over nine minutes remaining.
The Commanders struggled offensively throughout, with Howell limited to 169 passing yards and throwing two interceptions. Washington’s offense was on the field for only 21 minutes and 47 seconds, while San Francisco controlled the ball for more than 38 minutes. Elijah Mitchell led the 49ers’ ground attack with 80 yards on 17 carries, and Aiyuk finished with 114 receiving yards on seven catches. For Washington, McLaurin was the top receiver with 61 yards, and Brian Robinson Jr. gained 44 rushing yards on nine attempts.
The defeat dropped Washington to 4-12, deepening concerns about the team’s direction and head coach Ron Rivera’s future. After the game, Howell was asked about the scrutiny surrounding Rivera and whether it was difficult to put those distractions aside. Howell replied, “Everyone knows the business we're in. If you're not doing your job, things happen.” The comments came amid growing speculation that Rivera’s tenure as Washington’s Head of Player Personnel and Head Coach could be coming to an end.
San Francisco improved to 12-4 with the victory, strengthening their position as the NFL season enters its final stretch. Washington’s next game looms as a potential turning point for Rivera, with the outcome likely to influence decisions about the team’s coaching staff moving forward.
According to Yahoo Sports.
