:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1538609/GYI0062711713.jpg)
Washington enters Sunday's matchup amid turmoil, both on and off the field. They are coming off a brutal 31-7 whipping on the road to the New York Giants, effectively ending their slim playoff hopes. One big reason? They can't stop ANYBODY on the ground. Case in point? Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs ran for 197 yards and 4 TDs on a Redskin defense that lacked DT Albert Haynesworth, who's been suspended for the last 4 games of the season by Mike Shanahan for conduct detrimental to the team.
Jacobs carried 8 times for 103 yards. Yes, yes, that's correct. He ran 8 times. For 103 yards. And a pair of scores. Ugh.
Haynesworth's absence on the field and underwhelming performance on it has been a big factor in the Redskins defense ranking dead last in the NFL in total defense and near the bottom in rushing yards allowed per game at a clip of 137 yards/game. Expect to see a heavy dose of LeGarrette Blount early from the Buccaneer defense, especially if weather conditions play a factor. Rainy conditions are expected at kickoff with winds around 12 mph.
As such, the matchup to keep an eye on very well could be LeGarrette Blount againt ILBs Rocky McIntosh and London Fletcher. If the Bucs want to keep playing meaningful football in December, they'll need to win that battle up the middle.
ENJOY WITH ABSOLUT RESPONSIBILITY®