The Washington Redskins are coming off of a forgettable 38-14 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The Burgundy and Gold for the third time this season have shown a trend of struggling against teams that present a versatile offensive attack that can generate chunk plays in many different facets.
Today, Washington will face a Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that may not present problems in the running game but has a high powered passing offense led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Washington is 3-2 in there last five games against the Buccaneers. However, Washington has not fared well in their past four road games at Raymond James Stadium coming into this matchup with a 1-3 record.
With that in mind let’s take a look at three Redskins to keep an eye on against the Buccaneers.
1. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
During his first game as a Redskin, Dix made some plays but was clearly still grasping the understanding of the team’s defense. With another week of practice and study of Washington’s scheme, the former first-round pick should be able to have more of an effect against the Bucs passing game.
Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick loves to get the ball downfield to receivers Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson. Tampa Bay does an excellent job creating mismatches especially down the middle of the field with budding TE, O.J. Howard. What will be intriguing about Clinton-Dix this week against the Buccaneers is his ability to create turnovers in the passing game.
What to watch for in Redskins Week 10 matchup vs. Buccaneers
Fitzpatrick applies a lot of pressure on opposing teams secondaries with his attacking style of play. While he can and will push the ball down the field, he also makes questionable decisions with the football resulting in turnovers. It will be interesting to see how Clinton-Dix affects a Washington secondary that has seven interceptions this season.
2. Redskins Offensive Line
Washington finds themselves in a situation that has become all too familiar in recent years as Bill Callahan’s unit suffered significant losses in last weeks loss to the Falcons. The Redskins lost three starters along the offensive line to season-ending injuries.
“It’s something you don’t want to go through, but it is pro football and you have to go through it,” Coach Jay Gruden said in a press conference after Wednesday’s practice. “Fortunately we have a very good offensive line coach in coach (Bill) Callahan and we’ll figure it out and make it work. … We have to move some people around that are already here, we can do that. But, we can’t slow down, the train doesn’t stop.”
There is no doubt that the foundation of the Redskins offense begins with physically imposing their will via the rushing attack led by future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson. However, with the injuries along the offensive line, It will be interesting to see what combination of guys the Redskins will roll out on Sunday especially with the uncertainty of Morgan Moses who is nursing a knee injury.
3. RB Kapri Bibbs
Bibbs has been likened to his teammate and fellow running back Chris Thompson due to his ability catch passes out of the backfield and his shiftiness once the ball is possessed. Bibbs, when given the opportunity, has shown his versatility and ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
In Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against the Buccaneers, Bibbs elusive skills in the open field could be a huge advantage of adding another wrinkling to the Redskins passing game. The Colorado State product could have bigger runs, especially in the screen game if he were more patient in allowing his blocks to set up in front of him.
With a flux in the personnel along the offensive line, Bibbs would provide an ability to do some creative things to simulate the run. Engross yourself in watching to see if he can display a better level of patience in the passing and running games that can create explosive plays in the Redskins offense.