| Redskins QB Robert Griffin III has been taking too many big hits as a runner, but without the threat of him running the ball via the zone read or the triple option, the offense doesn't move. (US Presswire) |
Redskins at Buccaneers -- Week 4
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla. (grass)
When: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox)
Spread: Bucs by 3
2012 records: Redskins (1-2); Bucs (1-2)
Past results: Two most recent meetings Dec. 12, 2010: Bucs 17, Redskins 16; Oct. 4, 2009: Redskins 16, Bucs 13 Series record: Bucs lead 9-8.
What matters: The Redskins continue their pattern of a year ago by allowing too many big plays. Each week the coaches say it’s only a handful of plays that doom them, but those plays always happen. Against St. Louis, the Redskins’ run defense allowed gains of 53 and 20 yards. A week ago they stopped the run, but allowed seven pass plays of 20 yards or more. It’s what they’ve consistently done under defensive coordinator Jim Haslett.
Who matters: QB Robert Griffin III. The problem for Washington is that Griffin is taking too much of a pounding. But without the threat of him running the ball via the zone read and/or triple option, the offense doesn’t move. Griffin can help himself by becoming a better pocket passer, but that takes time and experience.
Key matchups: The Redskins will focus on stopping Tampa’s running game, but in the passing game WR Vincent Jackson is the target. It’s not just on DeAngelo Hall because of his slot duties, but he will be on the tall, athletic Jackson quite a bit. The Redskins' interior OL -- Gs Kory Lichtensteiger and Chris Chester and C Will Montgomery -- must handle Bucs’ DTs Gerald McCoy and Roy Miller.
Injuries of note: LT Trent Williams bruised a bone on his right knee and spent the week limping around Redskins Park and not practicing. Jordan Black replaced him last week and, although he mostly played fine, he had some big issues after not having played since the 2010 season. WR Pierre Garcon, out since the opener, is again dealing with a bruised right foot. The Redskins need his big-play ability back in the lineup. He’s been limited in practice. CB Cedric Griffin, their third corner, injured his hamstring and hasn’t practiced all week.
Inside stuff: Rookie RB Alfred Morris has impressed but continues to make mistakes that lead to sacks. Last week he had two such blunders. First, he bumped into Griffin’s arm as he was throwing a bubble screen to the right, causing him to lose the ball and get sacked. Second, he cut in front of LT Jordan Black as he was about to engage the defensive end, slowing Black enough that it allowed the end to turn the corner unimpeded for the sack.
Connections: Redskins secondary coach Raheem Morris served as the Bucs’ head coach from 2009-11 and was on their defensive staff from 2002-05 and 2007-08. Redskins GM Bruce Allen served as the Bucs’ GM from 2004-08. Redskins WR coach Ike Hilliard played for Tampa from 2005-08. Redskins WR Dez Briscoe caught six TD passes for Tampa in 2011.
Stat you should know: Third downs continue to be a problem for the Redskins, especially when passing. They have attempted 25 passes when in third-and-3 or longer and have converted only seven. They’ve failed to convert any third-down throws on all 11 plays of third-and-8 or longer.
Looking ahead: The Redskins host Atlanta and Minnesota in consecutive weeks before facing some potential problems, with road games at the Giants and Steelers. A win Sunday isn’t about trying to become a playoff contender but about avoiding a potential big slide in Mike Shanahan's third year.
Prediction: Redskins 20, Bucs 17
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskins and @John_Keim.