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Redskins Reality Checks Week 10: Where does the team stand heading to Tampa?

By Tim Payne

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins is helped off the field due to an injury in the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins is helped off the field due to an injury in the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Head Coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Head Coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

6. The Reality Is, Gruden needs to muster another miracle result.

In Seattle last year, the Redskins went in with about the same offensive line circumstances and somehow managed to take advantage of all the breaks and hang around long enough for a miracle at the end to beat the Seahawks. Given the circumstances, it was one of the most improbable results of the entire season.

In 2015, the Redskins were down 24-0 to Tampa Bay and they mounted an improbable comeback to win the game 31-30. In both instances, the odds were stacked against the Redskins. In both cases, they overcame significant hurdles to get a win.

In this game, the Redskins are on the road against a legitimate offense. They are missing both of their Pro Bowl offensive linemen and will likely be down two more starters (or maybe 1.75 with Moses out there on one leg and with limp arm).

I’ll be watching to see if Gruden coaches this game like he has his back against the wall or like he has a 1 game cushion in the division. I’ll be watching for some sign of life from the return game. I’ll be watching for some creativity in the pass-rush and the passing game.

I’ll be watching for some anger from the defense after getting punked last week, and to see if the defensive line can out-scheme the Buccaneers’ offensive line. I’ll be watching for the Redskins to win the discipline battle – positive turnover ratio, positive penalties breakdown, positive field position, and positive game and clock management.

Prediction: Once again, the Redskins face the opportunity to fold, and once again, the leadership won’t allow it to happen. The Redskins play better on the road than at home, and they play better when the expectations are low. I think the Redskins get back on the win-loss roller coaster with a win in Tampa Bay. They’ll win a nail-biter 26-25 with the defense or special teams scoring or gifting the offense one of their touchdowns.

Next. Midseason look at Redskins 2019 offseason. dark

Can they do it? Join the conversation @TheRealityIs__ on Twitter or in the comments below.

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