Malik Mustapha’s hard-hitting defense and intensity powered the San Francisco 49ers to a crucial 23-17 victory over the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, preserving their undefeated 6-0 record. With standout stops on Jeremy McNichols and a game-saving play on Treylon Burks, Mustapha is making his presence felt as a third-year safety out of Wake Forest, rattling receivers and setting the tone for the secondary. Romello Height’s breakout performance is turning heads, as the rookie edge rusher from Texas Tech notched five pressures, four quarterback hits, and a game-ending sack on Jayden Daniels. After a slow season start, Height’s development is sparking questions about his role in the defensive rotation, especially with another test looming against the Atlanta Falcons. Can Height’s continued rise boost the 49ers’ elite pass rush further as they eye the second half of the NFL season?