The Washington Redskins needed to get back to the formula that has put them atop of the NFC East with strong defensive play coupled with a brand of turnover-free football on offense. This past Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s unit would once again make an impact by taking immediate advantage of errors made by the Bucs offense in their 16-3 win.
Washington decided to go with a game-plan that would protect their young cornerbacks Greg Strowman and Danny Johnson. Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has done a great job this season finding his deep threats wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans. The Redskins played various coverage’s that allowed them to keep everything in front of them avoiding the explosive deep pass that could’ve resulted in quick touchdowns.
The Redskins secondary led by their emotional leader D.J. Swearinger has played with a chip on their shoulder’s all year but that chip was clearly bigger on Sunday.
“It was definitely bigger,” Swearinger said in a post-game interview with Fox Sports reporter Shannon Spake. “Anytime we get blew out on our home turf, we give up a few plays on the back in we want to come out and show the world that you aren’t a joke”.
Ugly or not, Redskins keep winning: Defeat Buccaneers 16-3
The Redskins secondary came away with six passes defended along with two of Washington’s four turnovers against Tampa. The Redskins were very aggressive in attacking the football and never gave up even when positive plays were made by the Buccaneer offense.
Despite Tampa Bay’s dominant performance in between the 20’s outgaining the Redskins 501-286 in total offensive yards for the game, Manusky’s group finished with only allowing three points in five red zone trips for the Buccaneers. That’s pretty impressive considering that the Redskins defense had to man-up in the red zone three out of four times in the first half and was on the field for nearly 20 minutes.
The Burgundy and Gold are clearly built to win in a way that may be unconventional to most but has been tried, tested and proven. Sound aggressive defense that leads to turnovers and an offense that may not wow through the air but doesn’t turn the football over. Washington’s defense will need to continue to play with that chip on their shoulder as they will face a Houston Texans team who possess a versatile offense led by QB Deshaun Watson.