The San Francisco 49ers won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, and the Redskins took the field after a touchback. Roy Helu made the start at running back and took the first down carry, breaking out for sixteen yards, the longest run by a running back against the 49ers this season. But following that, the Redskins had two runs go for short yardage followed by a John Beck incompletion to force a punt. The 49ers take over at the 17-yard line.
San Francisco got started with a 12-yard run from Frank Gore, and then a carry by Kendall Hunter and completion to Michael Crabtree gave them a second first down. But things quickly stalled out when they were called for delay of game on third and one, and couldn't convert the longer attempt when Alex Smith was brought down by Ryan Kerrigan with a huge hit. He looks shaken up, but eventually is walking around on the sideline.
Washington takes the field again and end up with a 3rd and 4, but have to call a timeout to avoid a delay of game. John Beck throws a pass to Helu, but NaVorro Bowman on the tackle forces the incompletion and they have a three-and-out. The 49ers take the field and Michael Crabtree is immediately hit for a 21-yard gain on first down, but the 49ers end up with a 3rd and 14 after Frank Gore gets tackled behind the line of scrimmage. Smith throws to Gore, but he drops the ball and the 49ers are forced to punt.
The Redskins begin at their own three-yard line, and are helped out by a call from the referees, Justin Smith is called for defensive holding one play after almost getting an interception. So the Redskins come out, and the fullback gets a 14-yard reception and they're now moving. Another 49ers penalty gives the Redskins another first down. But Dashon Goldson comes up pick and picks off John Beck, under-cutting the route and bringing the 49ers offense back on the field.
Frank Gore rushes for nine yards and the quarter comes to an end, tied at 0-0.