49ers, Redskins Try to Save Sinking Ships

The National Football League’s top two teams from last season are on the league’s critical list in 1988.

The condition may be irreversible for Washington or San Francisco after their game tonight, with the loser sinking to .500.

The 49ers, who had the league’s best offense, defense and record in the regular season a year ago, can point to a puzzling seven-game slump on offense as the reason they are mired in third place in the NFC West at 6-5.

The defending Super Bowl champion Redskins, meanwhile, have suffered from a teamwide letdown in also dropping to 6-5 and near the back of the wild-card playoff pack.

“We just haven’t been able to grab it all year,” said Washington Coach Joe Gibbs, whose team was physically battered by the Chicago Bears in a 34-14 loss a week ago.

“First, the offense turns the ball over. Secondly, the defense has had a tough time getting the ball back. It also seems like the special teams have cost us a big play in every game we’ve lost this year,” he said.

If Gibbs wanted to make excuses, he’d have a legitimate one with the team’s injuries.

The latest to go down is defensive end Markus Koch, who likely is finished for the season with a back injury sustained against Chicago. Defensive end Charles Mann has an ankle sprain, and linebackers Neal Olkewicz, Monte Coleman and Kurt Gouveia all are limping. Coleman is doubtful tonight.

The Redskins rank No. 1 in the NFC in passing, but quarterback Doug Williams is coming off a woeful performance against the Bears, completing only 6 of 19 passes for 91 yards. He was benched in the third quarter for Mark Rypien but will start against the 49ers.