The (5-3) Washington Redskins will travel to Tampa Florida to take on the (3-5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Washington once again will be facing another offense that presents challenges worthy of attention. The Buccaneers have the NFL’s second-best offense averaging a total of 446.8 yards per game.
The Burgundy and Gold are now 0-3 this season against teams with potent offenses giving up a grand total of 102 points, 1,219 yards total yards, and 14 touchdowns in those three games. The Buccaneers offensive may be third worst in their ability to run the ball ( 90.1 yards per game) but has a quick-strike ability with several dangerous receivers in DeSean Jackson, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, plus tight end O.J. Howard. This may present a big problem for a Washington defense that has struggled against yet another team with significant offensive firepower through the air.
One thing the Redskins have proven this season is there ability to be resilient when faced with adversity. Each time Jay Gruden’s team has had a terrible loss they have followed it up with a dominant winning performance.
Let’s examine three keys that if executed could lead to a Redskins victory at Raymond James Stadium.
1. 3rd down conversions
The Redskins defense had done an admirable job of getting teams off the field on third down, creating extra opportunities for their offense. Against the Atlanta Falcons, however, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s unit lacked cohesion. That was extremely evident on third down’s as the Falcons converted on 76 percent (10 of 13) of their third downs. This resulted in Washington allowing touchdowns on four of the Falcons first five drives.
The Redskins will have their hands full again this week as the Buccaneers are ranked eighth in the NFL over their last three games in third-down conversions per game (7.0). If the Redskins want to have a chance to win the defense has to get stops on third-down.
2. More Three Tight End Formations
The three tight end formation for the Redskins is one of the most unique weapons Jay Gruden offense possesses. When the tight ends are on the field it can force the defense to think a run play is imminent. Washington’s tight end group has vastly improved in their blocking which allows RB Adrian Peterson the ability to get healthy runs on the ground.
With the Redskins tight ends being great pass catchers this group can line up in a variety of ways that will give the offense the ability to get favorable matchups. With the changes in personnel along the offensive line, this formation would give the Redskins an establish and balanced attack covering over any potential deficiencies of a newly assembled offensive line grouping.
Redskins trio to watch vs. Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are one of the league’s worst defensive teams, especially against the pass. They are giving up over 300 yards per game through the air to their opponents. Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mark Duffners unit is 15th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (107.1).
3. Limit Penalties
Penalties can be just as detrimental as turnovers. Last week Washington was penalized 10 times for 147 yards; that makes it virtually impossible to have any type of success.
With Quinton Dunbar’s ability to play a full game in question, the Redskins will be relying on two rookie corners in Greg Stroman and Danny Johnson to help defend a Buccaneers wide receiver group that can put pressure on a secondary with their big-play abilities. Offensively for Washington, cleaning up the penalties may be challenging as guys are getting used to one another and understanding the different protections and blitz pickups.
The Redskins have to find a way to limit these penalties that have killed several drives for their offense and negated critical third down stops on defense.