Redskins Challenge: Jay Gruden, it’s time to ‘Put up your Dukes’

As the old adage goes, players play and coaches coach. If the Redskins are to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they’ll need Jay Gruden to coach his best game of the season.

It has been a rough week for Jay Gruden and the Redskins. After being thumped at home by the Atlanta Falcons 38-14, Washington once again was bitten by the injury bug. On Tuesday, the team announced that guards Brandon Scherff, Spencer Lauvao, and wide receiver Paul Richardson were done for the season. Injuries decimated Washington’s roster last year, but with the Redskins leading the NFC East at 5-3, the pressure is on Gruden to maintain first place within the division.

It’s easier said than done to replace a guy like Brandon Scherff, who was without a doubt the best player among the three. Not only was he playing at an All-Pro type level, but you could clearly see his worth to the Redskins offense. On Adrian Peterson‘s 64-yard touchdown against the Giants a few weeks ago, it was Scherff’s block that ultimately propelled Peterson to daylight. Immediately after the game, Jay Gruden called him the best ‘puller’ in the NFL.

Fortunately for the Redskins, the guard position is one of the easiest to fill in the NFL. If you need proof, just look at the aforementioned Falcons as an example. Atlanta lost both their starting guards, but it didn’t stop them from rushing for a season-high 154 yards while averaging 6.2 yards per rush. Heading into last week’s game against Washington, Atlanta had the No. 30 ranked rushing offense, averaging 83.3 yards per game.

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If the Redskins are to survive the recent rash of injuries, Jay Gruden needs to hone in on his offensive gameplans. If I’m Gruden, I’m getting running back Kapri Bibbs more touches. Bibbs isn’t a household name, but since he arrived last year, he’s shown his value as a receiving threat. In the final three games of 2017, Bibbs had 14 catches. This season, he’s added two rushing touchdowns along with a receiving touchdown. Bibbs has some big-play potential and it will be up to Gruden to get him more involved going forward.

Another wrinkle Jay Gruden can add is deep play-action on first down. Washington has the tendency to run the ball often on first down but can catch teams off guard. Washington can get some favorable matchups in their two and three tight end sets. Vernon Davis still has the ability to attack teams down the seams, while Jordan Reed can work the short and intermediate routes. Some deep shots to Josh Doctson and Maurice Harris wouldn’t hurt either. With teams focusing more on the increased shots downfield, the Redskins can keep fewer defenders in the box, and open up lanes for Adrian Peterson.

As far as coaching up the newcomers along the offensive line, it’s business as usual. In 2017, the Redskins used 36 different offensive line combinations. Right now, it’s Gruden’s job to get the best five linemen available for the Buccaneers game. Dan Quinn and the Atlanta Falcons did it last week and we all saw that ending result.

The good teams find a way to win on the road in the NFL. A win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would improve the Redskins record to 6-3 and increase their division lead. Lose it, and there’s the possibility of sharing first place with a surging Philadelphia Eagles team at 5-4. Since 2015, the Redskins are 16-7 following a loss.

A win against the woeful Buccaneers would provide some relief at Redskins Park. A loss, however, would warm the temperature on Gruden’s hot seat. So, Jay Gruden, I challenge you to ‘Put up your Dukes‘, be a leader of men, get your team ready to play, and earn a victory as you make your return to Tampa Bay.