Under Nolan, the 49ers played what they called a hybrid defense. From down to down, the 49ers never knew whether they'd be in a 3-4 or a 4-3. The 49ers finished the season with more of an identity.

"From a player's perspective, it's easier on them because they know what to expect when they come into the building each and every Monday," Manusky said. "And if you have consistency with little tweaks here and there, that isn't bad. But when you make vast changes, it's tough on them."

Defensive end Justin Smith, who at times would play seven different positions in the course of a game, has lined up exclusively at right defensive end on base downs.

"I think we're just becoming more simple in what we do and just basically sticking with what we do and do it well," Smith said. "I think Manusky's approach has been good, and he's really relayed that to us and what he expects from us. I think it's really helped us."

PLAYER NOTES

--LB Patrick Willis leads the 49ers with 120 solo tackles, 50 more than anyone else on the team. Willis also is tied with Nate Clements for the team lead with 11 passes defensed this season.

--DE Kentwan Balmer, a first-round draft pick, had a disappointing rookie season. Balmer was tied for 15th on the team with 20 tackles. Balmer has not recorded a quarterback sack or a pressure in 15 games. He did knock down one pass at the line of scrimmage.

--WR Jason Hill has done a good job as the 49ers' No. 3 receiver since taking over for injured Arnaz Battle. Hill has 26 receptions for 289 yards while seeing significant action in seven games this season.

--RB DeShaun Foster has started the past two games in place of injured Frank Gore. Even if Gore returns to action Sunday, Foster is likely to see extended playing time. Foster has just 190 yards rushing on 67 carries this season. He has added 13 catches for 113 yards.

--DE Justin Smith is second on the 49ers with six sacks this season. He has 53 quarterback pressures, according to stats compiled by the team's coaching staff. Smith is fourth on the 49ers with 95 tackles.

GAME PLAN: The 49ers figure to get Frank Gore back this weekend for the season finale. Gore tried to play in last week's game, but his sore ankle was still not ready to go when he tested it during pregame warmups. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz will want to get the ball in Gore's hands early to give him a good chance at gaining 22 yards and becoming the first player in 49ers history with three consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards rushing. With Gore back, it should be easier for Martz to set up play-action pass for Shaun Hill. Martz's instinct is to try to get the ball down the field, but Hill is at his best when he's throwing the short and intermediate routes. The 49ers must stay in third-and-manageable situations. That will allow Hill the opportunity to get the ball to his favorite target, Isaac Bruce, to keep moving the chains. Rookie receiver Josh Morgan came up big last week with a leaping 48-yard touchdown grab in the final two minutes to defeat the Rams. The 49ers would like to feature Morgan a little bit more in the season finale. Defensively, the 49ers have been pretty sound in recent weeks as the players appear to have settled into their roles. The Redskins have a strong rushing attack, and the middle of the 49ers' line will be tested. Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin will move a lot, as he no longer plays as much two-gap as he did earlier in the season. Inside linebackers Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes will try to attack the line of scrimmage to slow down that run game.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: 49ers QB Shaun Hill vs. Redskins FS LaRon Landry - Hill threw three interceptions before rallying the 49ers to a victory last week against the Rams. Landry has two interceptions and 11 passes defensed.

49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Redskins MLB London Fletcher: Gore is expected to return to action after missing time with an ankle sprain. Fletcher leads the Redskins with 135 tackles.

49ers WR Bryant Johnson vs. Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall: Johnson has come on in recent games after getting healthy. Hall was a midseason pickup by the Redskins after being cut by the Raiders.

49ers FS Mark Roman vs. Redskins TE Chris Cooley: Roman gave up a deep pass for a touchdown against the Dolphins two weeks ago. Cooley leads the Redskins with 77 catches for 792 yards.

49ers CB Nate Clements vs. Redskins WR Santana Moss: Clements is the 49ers' top cover man. Moss needs just 24 yards receiving to go over the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

49ers OLB Parys Haralson vs. Redskins right tackle - Haralson has a team-leading eight sacks for the season. Injured Jon Jansen has been replaced the past two weeks by Jason Fabini.

INJURY IMPACT:

--RB Frank Gore saw limited practice time on Wednesday and used Thursday to continue treatment on a left ankle sprain that has kept him out of the lineup for two-and-a-half games. Gore said he believes he will be able to play in the 49ers' season finale against the Redskins. He needs just 22 yards to become the first player in franchise history to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive games.

--RT Adam Snyder (ankle) did not play last week. If he is ready to go, he will likely get the start over veteran Barry Sims.

--S Michael Lewis (abdomen) and center Eric Heitmann (abdomen) both missed practices early in the week, but are expected to be available for Sunday's game.