Washington beats 49ers, now 1st place in NFC East

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Washington Football Team has moved into sole possession of first place in the NFC East after beating the San Francisco 49ers 23-15.

Alex Smith started the game for Washington, but after after injuring his leg in the first quarter, Dwayne Haskins took over quarterback duties in the second half. It was the Football Team's defense that was responsible for all of Washington's touchdowns.

The game, played in Arizona's State Farm Stadium instead of the 49ers' Levi's Stadium because of Santa Clara County COVID-19 restrictions, went in San Francisco's favor early on. Jeff Wilson Jr. scored on a one-yard touchdown run to give the 49ers a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

After two made field goals by Dustin Hopkins in the second quarter, Washington went ahead with the help of its defense. Defensive tackle Daron Payne stripped the ball from quarterback Nick Mullens and it was recovered by defensive end Chase Young, who converted the turnover into a touchdown and put Washington ahead 13-7 in the second quarter.

Washington's defense struck again in the third quarter when safety Kamren Curl intercepted Mullens' pass for a pick-six, putting the Football Team ahead 23-7 in the third quarter.

The 49ers shrunk their deficit to eight points in the fourth quarter with a six-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Juszczyk, followed by a successful two-point conversion, but Washington held on to win 23-15.

Next up for Washington is a home game against the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday.