Redskins Ingredients for Improvement: Make offensive opportunities count
By Ian Cummings
No. 3 – Mix up defensive coverages based on receiver skill sets
The Redskins only allowed three points against the Buccaneers’ high-octane offense, but the end result does not correlate with the facts. The Redskins allowed over 400 passing yards to the much-maligned journeyman, Ryan Fitzpatrick.
One reason why? They were playing soft coverage for much of the game. The Buccaneers’ wide receivers often found ample separation off of simple curl and hitch routes. Against receivers such as DeSean Jackson, Chris Godwin, and Adam Humphries, who thrive with quickness, playing soft coverage is just asking to let them find space.
Greg Manusky needs to be more creative, and more adaptable, with his coverages in the future. This isn’t the first time the Redskins’ cornerbacks have been methodically picked on this season. That isn’t necessarily a knock on the players, but it’s not all Manusky either. Manusky needs to put them in the right position, but the players need to recognize enough on their own to be effective.
One thing is certain: In the NFL, the bend-but-don’t-break method the Redskins used to squeak by on Sunday isn’t sustainable in the slightest. The Buccaneers helped Washington win just as much as Washington won for themselves, and in the weeks to come, being so passive in coverage could wind up being of detriment to the team’s chances. These cornerbacks can be aggressive. And sometimes, they need to be.