

Robert Griffin III. (AP)

The Washington Redskins take on the San Francisco 49ers at 4:25 p.m. Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.

The Redskins will try to snap a two-game losing streak and get the bitter taste of last week’s embarrassment against Tampa Bay out of their mouths.

The 49ers, who are nine-point favorites, have defeated Washington three straight times (27-6 in 2013, 19-11 in 2011 and 27-24 in 2008). The Redskins’ last win over San Francisco was a 52-17 blowout in 2005.

1. Griffin’s rebound: Robert Griffin III is coming off one of the most trying weeks of his career. He played poorly against the Buccaneers, unwittingly rubbed his teammates – most notably receiver DeSean Jackson – the wrong way with his post-game comments about needing everyone else to play great for him to play great, received a harsh, public critique from his head coach, and has since tried to remain “focused on San Francisco” despite scrutiny from every angle. Griffin needs a strong performance. It will not be easy against this defense, but he needs to develop better timing, settle into a rhythm and play with confidence. He can’t afford to second-guess himself or his receivers or the offense. Griffin needs to clean up his footwork, field vision and decision-making. His teammates already are beginning to lose confidence in him, and he must show them he still has an ability to lead. Meanwhile, he must prove to his coach and Redskins brass that he still does have franchise-saving potential, but that it’ll just take some time. However, the progress has to start showing. “We don’t have a lot of time,” Gruden said, “and he’s at a stage right now in his career where we need to see improvements.”

2. Team focus: Griffin isn’t the only player in need of some mental fortitude. The Redskins had far too many mental errors against the Buccaneers — penalties, turnovers and blown assignments. The mistakes kept the offense from ever finding a rhythm. On defense, they led to a second-half collapse that helped put the game out of reach. They must take care of the ball on offense, lock in on defense, nail their assignments and force turnovers. The Redskins have said they understand the sense of urgency they need, but they didn’t show it last week.

3. Left tackle: Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams has yet to be ruled out, but things look bleak as he continues to nurse a sprained right MCL. Williams has demonstrated an ability to play through pain, but he admitted this injury is more serious. The Redskins have prepared rookie Morgan Moses, who did a solid job last week when he took over for the veteran, to start in case Williams can’t play. Moses would have to protect Griffin’s blind side from linebacker Aldon Smith. Washington’s line has struggled to protect Griffin, whose tendency to hold onto the ball too long has put more pressure on the men in front of him. Moses must be at his absolute best, and his coaches must give him some help from tight ends or a chipping back. If the rookie struggles, it could be a long day for him, his quarterback and team.

4. Redskins pass rush: The defense has struggled mightily in this department, and the challenge only intensifies this week as Washington faces a mobile quarterback in Colin Kaepernick. Ryan Kerrigan has been the most consistent pass-rusher, but he too has struggled as of late. Jason Hatcher hasn’t provided the steady force of disruption that the team needs, either. Rookie Trent Murphy has recorded sacks in back-to-back games, and he needs to continue to improve. Look for Jim Haslett to use all kinds of tactics to generate pressure on Kaepernick. He’ll move his linebackers around and send help from his safeties. The Redskins can’t let Kaepernick get comfortable in the pocket, where he – like Griffin – has struggled. However, they have to be smart. They can’t let him break the pocket and torch them with his legs as Russell Wilson did earlier this year.

5. Rushing attacks: Both teams have reliable workhorse backs, but neither has consistently used them this season. However, Alfred Morris and Frank Gore still rank among the top 10 in the league (Morris ninth, Gore 10th) and big performances from them would go a long way toward easing pressure on their quarterbacks while helping ensure the offenses settle into a rhythm. The 49ers have in recent weeks made a renewed commitment to running the ball, and that has helped them go on a two-game win streak. Morris has fared better since Griffin returned two games ago, but Washington hasn’t won either matchup because both times, Washington has fallen behind and has had to abandon the run. On defense, Washington must contain Gore and force Kaepernick to shoulder a heavier load. Offensively, they must commit to using Morris. That will help keep the 49ers defenders from being able to key on Griffin, and also will set up the play-action attack, which could lead to big plays from Jackson.

More from The Post:

Jackson doesn’t clarify target of controversial quote

Redskins gear up to face Kaepernick | Lauvao returns to practice

T. Williams wants to play | Bog: When Theismann vowed to be quiet

Jets at Bills may be moved | Fancy Stats’ playoff projections: Cowboys out

More NFL: Home page | Sports Bog | Early Lead | Fancy Stats | Fantasy

Follow: @MikeJonesWaPo | @lizclarketweet | @JReidPost | @Insider