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Three keys to a Washington Football Team victory vs. Buccaneers

By Jacob Troutman

Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 03: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team drops back to pass over the defense of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 03: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team drops back to pass over the defense of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Sustain drives

The Washington Football Team’s offense needs to a better job of helping out their defense than it has in the past few weeks. They can do this by simply sustaining drives. Putting together a few first downs on every drive to continue to win the field position battle and also keep the defense fresh.

However, manufacturing yards may be pretty difficult for Washington on Saturday. The initial response, given Washington’s quarterback situation, would be to run the ball. But Tampa ranks first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. They have one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL.

On the other hand, Washington has a hampered Alex Smith. In his press conference on Tuesday Rivera hinted that he might utilize a quarterback rotation with Smith and Taylor Heinicke. The quarterback situation for Washington is rather dire right now.

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To best counteract that, I believe the Washington Football Team offense should lean heavily into a small ball approach. A heavy amount of screens, that serve as an extension of the run game, jet sweeps, shallow crossers, and quick outs would help move the ball. Give Alex Smith some easy throws to get into a rhythm early. Get your playmakers in space and hope they make a play.

Then, mix in some runs with your running backs. And finally, here is the key, when the opportunity is right, you need to keep the Tampa defense honest. Some deep shots have to be taken. Throw it to Terry McLaurin on a deep post. Or Logan Thomas or even Cam Sims.

That is the main problem with the Washington Football Team offense. They rely too heavily on playing small ball. That allows the defense to play everything underneath, sit at the sticks, and swarm to the ball. Washington has to make Tampa at least consider that they are capable of beating them deep.

Sustained drives are going to be a must for the Washington Football Team offense. To do so, a reliance on small-ball offense mixed in with deep shots to keep the defense honest could be a solid plan. Help the defense out more, Washington offense, and keep them off the field to get some rest.

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