After suffering an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons, the Washington Redskins are now at a crossroad.
Not only did they lose ground in what appears to be a two-horse race in the NFC East, but key components of their already questionable offense are out for the season.
Pro-bowl guard Brandon Scherff (torn pectoral) and starter Shawn Lauvao (torn ACL), will no longer dress this season. And now, the ability to create a push up front is very much in question.
This has left Redskins supporters in a state of panic, for now the team’s identity may have been stripped from them. So far this season, the team has made their money with a ground and pound persona to control the clock and steal wins. But how will they do so now with a makeshift offensive line?
The remedy may come in the form of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who host the Redskins this Sunday in Florida. Losers of five of their last six, the Buccaneers may be susceptible to a loss, even at the hands of a beat-down team.
What do the Redskins need to accomplish in order to win on Sunday? Read ahead to find out.
Stop the Ambush
This game is intriguing because these teams are very much opposites of each other. Ryan Fitzpatrick holds the keys to the NFL’s number-one-rated passing attack in terms of yards. So far this season, the Buccaneers have put up 2,853 passing yards despite a musical chairs performance at quarterback.
The team generally closes drives from the air as well, producing 23 touchdown passes which stands at second in the league.

Conversely, the Redskins would dream of having those numbers. The team has nine touchdowns on the year and has a very patriotic passing total of 1776 yards on the season. These stats rank 28th and 23rd in the league, respectively.
If the Redskins are hoping to win this weekend, they must stop the aerial attack of the Buccaneers who have an array of weapons. In addition to Desean Jackson, and uber-athletic OJ Howard at tight end (5 TD’s on the season), the Bucs also have big-bodied Mike Evans on the outside.
Evans has been targeted 74 times this season, and has hauled in 47 of them. His 786 yards leads the team. He also makes the most of these receptions with a healthy 16.7 yards per reception.
If the Redskins hope to win, they must suppress the ambush from the Buccaneers arsenal. And unfortunately they may have to do so short-handed. Quinton Dunbar will miss this game with a shin injury.
Get Back to Basics
The Buccaneers have a woeful rushing attack. I said it. And the numbers back it up. For one, they don’t have an explosive threat at the position. And if you’re second-leading rusher is a 35 year-old Harvard quarterback, you’re in trouble.
Peyton Barber leads the team in rushing with 376 yards on the season. He has one touchdown and averages 3.6 yards per carry. To put things in perspective, the Buccaneers as a team averages 3.8 YPC and that places them at 30th in the league.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ronald Jones, which many Redskins fans fell in love with this off-season, will miss this game due to a hamstring injury. This further puts a blemish on what has largely been a disappointing rookie year. So far he has played in only four games this season and has only carried the ball 19 times. To his credit, the carries have averaged 10.5 YPC, so maybe it’s better that he sits out.
Altogether, the Buccaneers sport the 30th ranked rushing offense in the league with 721 yards.
If the Redskins plan to win this Sunday, they need to return to form and re-establish the line of scrimmage. Atlanta converted on way too many third downs and shredded the Redskins in the run game. Which up until last week, was unthinkable.
Atlanta averaged 4.96 yards BEFORE contact on its runs. Let that sink in.
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 5, 2018
Put Up or Shut Up
The Buccaneers have gotten into shootouts this season, and their pass defense is putrid. Like last in the league putrid. So it’s time for Alex Smith to show us something. If he doesn’t, we may not ever see him thrive in the burgundy and gold.
The Buccaneers have given up the most passing touchdowns in the league at 22. They’ve also have allowed their opponents to pass for 2,457 yards against them; which stands at 30th in the league. If things break right, this should be the game to break Smith from his funk.
He should have some help as well. Early reports have stated that slot receiver Jamison Crowder may play this week. Kapri Bibbs has been emerging. And Maurice Harris will line up outside after the loss of Paul Richardson (AC Joint) for the season.

One could argue that Harris is the most well rounded receiver on the team. He can play all three receiving positions and has arguably the best hands on the team. Let’s hope he builds off of his break out game last week, where he pulled in 10 catches for 124 yards.
If Washington wants to win this week, they may best be served by spreading the ball around in Florida. Break tendency and use quick screens and rub plays (as seen in Atlanta) to move down the field and protect Smith. If Smith’s protection appears suspect, use three-tackle sets for added protection.
Prediction
Jay Gruden can usually generate a response from his team when they have been embarrassed or have their backs against the wall. He thrives at playing “It’s Us Against The World” card. So I do think the team will be dialed in and focused to start the game. However, I think the Buccaneers simply have too many weapons on offense and we don’t match up well. I suspect the ‘Skins to hang around at first, but then the Bucs pull away. I envision the Bucs winnings 28-17 in this one.
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 234: Madman Trade Showby Full Press Coverage on June 23, 2022 at 9:36 pm
-
Ep 233: Rookie Draft Roundupby Full Press Coverage on June 9, 2022 at 2:59 am
-
Ep 232: Philosophy of Fantasy Footballby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:32 pm
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Ian and John are back to discuss the World Series of Poker, the NBA Finals […]
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 5 and what they have to do […]
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 4 and look ahead to Game 5 […]
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics Game Two win as well as if they are […]
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tom Brady non answer, Jason Alexander's weekend, […]
-
6/6 - Josh Allen Overhyped? Celtics/Warriors Game Twoby Full Press Coverage on June 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Ian and John discuss whether or not Josh Allen is being overhyped and they […]
-
6/3 - Celtics Take Game One From Golden Stateby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big win over the Warriors in game one of […]
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of actor Ray Liotta, the Warriors Game 5 […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Talkamania Episode 228by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:04 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 188 "MITB Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on June 26, 2022 at 10:25 pm
Rucker and Marty are back talking the updated Forbidden Door ppv, injuries […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 186 "Cody Did What?"by Boot 2 The Face on June 13, 2022 at 12:21 am
Boys are back talking WWE HIAC, and the crazy effort put forth by Cody […]
-
Ep 119: Sting Part One - Surf's Upby Full Press Coverage on June 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
-
Ep 234: Madman Trade Showby Full Press Coverage on June 23, 2022 at 9:36 pm
-
Ep. 4: Staying In The Southeastby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 9:13 pm
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
-
Ep. 42: What Is Going On?by Full Press Coverage on June 21, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
Ep. 29: Giants True or False w/ Nate Talks Footballby Full Press Coverage on June 20, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Ep 118: Yoshihiro Tajiriby Full Press Coverage on June 18, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 135: Packers Fan Series with Brandon Hallby Full Press Coverage on June 17, 2022 at 10:02 pm
-
EP 190 - With Warriors Title Win Is Curry Now a Top 10 All Time Player?by Full Press Coverage on June 17, 2022 at 9:42 pm
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
-
6/6 - Josh Allen Overhyped? Celtics/Warriors Game Twoby Full Press Coverage on June 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm
-
6/3 - Celtics Take Game One From Golden Stateby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:46 pm
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm