By Merril Hoge
Special to ESPN.com
First of all, I believe Redskins running back Stephen Davis will play against Tampa Bay. The way the Washington offense is structured, the running game is pivotal to its overall offensive effectiveness.
When the Redskins can run the ball successfully with two of their staple plays -- the lead and the counter trap -- that allows their big offensive line to come off the ball with angle blocks against smaller defensive linemen. If they can mix up the run, that helps them in pass protection because the line does the same thing off play-action and run action. It keeps a defensive line like Tampa Bay's from teeing off on quarterback Brad Johnson (above).
If Davis, or even Skip Hicks, is productive running the football, the Redskins can use the same action up front to get one-on-one matchups with receivers Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell down the field. That has to happen for the Redskins to have success against the Bucs defense. It starts with running the ball successfully, helping the offensive linemen get into their blocks. It gives the Bucs defense something else to be aware of and could give Tampa Bay a lot of problems.
If the Redskins have everything clicking, they can score 24 points, which could be enough to beat Tampa Bay.
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By Mark Malone
Special to ESPN.com
I like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense against the Redskins offense mostly due to Washington's injuries; tackle Andy Heck is out, center Cory Raymer is doubtful, and running back Stephen Davis is hobbled.
If the Redskins' big offensive line were healthy, they would give Tampa Bay some problems. Because of the injuries, Tampa Bay will play most of the game on the other side of the line of scrimmage, which will cause Washington some problems. Even if Davis is healthy, he will be ineffective if the Redskins' line can't allow him to move and avoid any disruptions before he gets started.
Although the Redskins get a lot of mileage out of their passing game, Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy sees Green Bay and Minnesota twice a year in the NFC Central and does a nice job of playing a soft two-deep zone, keeping plays in front of the Bucs safeties as opposed to letting things behind the safeties. Washington hurts defenses using play-action to make plays in back of the safeties. The factor is safety John Lynch: Will he get to close to the line of scrimmage to help in run support against Davis? He is good at reading the line play to determine if it's a pass or run.
Overall, Tampa Bay has one of the best front sevens in football. Given the injuries and the way they matchup based on personnel, I like the Bucs defense to come on top against the Redskins offense. |
