The Washington Redskins 16-3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was one they needed badly. It was shaky for a short while and that’s something that should have been expected with the injuries along the offensive line. But at the end of the season, some won’t remember the roiling in their stomachs every time former Redskins WR DeSean Jackson took the field or Redskins Alex Smith scrambled away from pressure. What they’ll remember is the “W” and, while the defense gave up some yards, when it needed to make a stop, it did.
The Redskins took the lead first with a field goal and, as has been history, never lost it (although technically, they were tied for a time) and won the game. They are now 6-3.
The Bucs top-ranked offense was held to just three points and they lost the ball six times (the Redskins recovered four of the turnovers). It’s crazy to think that Fitzpatrick racked up 403 yards passing and RB Peyton Barber logged 61 yards rushing. But when they got close to the end zone, either CB Josh Norman intercepted a pass or Ha Ha Clinton-Dix assisted on a pass defense or Preston Smith and Ryan Kerrigan combined to cause a fumble and then recovered it. Just when things were getting precarious, the defense showed up big.
Winning the turnover battle was significant in the game.
As well as the Norman INT, linebacker Ryan Anderson caused a fumble on Bucs RB Jacquizz Rodgers. Fellow linebackers Mason Foster and Zach Brown each caused fumbles. Rookie CB Greg Stroman, although he was picked on all game-long by Fitzpatrick, logged his first career interception.
Of course, the Bucs made their plays. Anyone who knows the NFL knew they would.
Wideouts Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson caught some nice passes and even Bucs running back Peyton Barber looked like a Pro Bowler early in the game. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick slung the ball all over the field and managed 28 first downs. But neither Evans nor D-Jax got in front of Washington’s rookie DBs for the multiple back-breaking plays that have helped Tampa Bay up to this point. And as the Buccaneers got closer and closer to the end zone, the Redskins defense got tighter and tighter.
The Bucs first drive ended on Norman’s INT on a pass thrown from the Washington 19-yard line. Anderson’s fumble recovery came just as Rodgers crossed over into the red zone.
It must be noted that Tampa Bay did their part to lose the game in the form of two missed field goals after long drives and some stupid mistakes (like the time the ball hiked over Fitzpatrick’s head so he could be tackled for a 10-yard loss).
Alex Smith and his offense did what was necessary to win with him logging 178 passing yards and a TD. The QB didn’t turn the ball over and he avoided negative plays. He threw the ball down the field enough to keep the Bucs defense honest, even with his offensive line so beat up. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan was his usual genius self, getting the new offensive linemen ready and recently-signed guard Jonathan Cooper did an admirable job. RB Adrian Peterson churned out 68 yards on 19 carries (his longest was 18 yards) and tight end Jordan Reed caught some critical passes for first downs. WR Josh Doctson showed why he was a first-round draft pick, catching a couple of jump balls that illustrate his impressive vertical leap, height and long arms and scoring a touchdown.
Punter Tress Way continues to make a bid for the Pro Bowl in 2018, booming the ball down the field with precision and setting up opposing offenses with horrible field position.
As the Redskins head into Week 11 and prepare for the Houston Texans, fans should have a renewed sense of confidence. The defense is stout and determined, the offense has work to do but Smith seemed more at ease passing downfield and was more accurate. Peterson continues to amaze with his speed and running savvy. The special teams have become an asset to the team rather than a liability. Even as a work in progress, 6-3 is a good place to be.