Fresh off a bye week, the Washington Redskins will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Robert Griffin III is set to get just his fourth start of the season after dealing with an ankle injury for most of the season’s first half. He’ll have the opportunity to get back on track against what has been one of the weaker pass defenses in league despite recent signings in the secondary like Alterraun Verner and Dashon Goldson. Injuries have played their part, as both Verner and fellow 2014 signing Michael Johnson have missed time. It’s hardly the sole reason Tampa has allowed the second most passing yards per game this year though. The offense hasn’t helped the defense in that regard though, and the result is a 1-8 record despite residing in a weak division.
Washington isn’t in much better shape at 3-6 and all but out of the playoff race. Both injuries and poor play have forced them ride the quarterback carousel once again in 2014. With Griffin’s contract set to expire after the 2015 season, Washington will soon have to make a decision on their young signal-caller. How he closes out 2014 will drive that decision, and a strong (and healthy) performance at home will be just what he needs to show he can be the Redskins’ franchise quarterback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans – With back to back 100-yard games, the Bucs’ first round pick has been on a hot streak. He now leads all rookie receivers with a +7.0 grade and is second in Yards per Route Run at 2.17.
Lavonte David – The young star hasn’t been the monster pass rusher that he was a year ago, but he’s as reliable as ever in run defense. He leads all linebackers with 37 defensive stops against the run.
Bobby Rainey – The slippery third-year halfback has forced 18 missed tackles on just 87 rushing attempts and 14 more on his 27 receptions, coming out to one miss every 3.6 touches.
Washington Redskins
Chris Chester – He’ll see plenty of Gerald McCoy on Sunday, but Chester is one of the better pass protecting guards (+4.3 in pass protection) with a Pass Blocking Efficiency of 97.7.
Roy Helu – Of the 34 running backs who have caught at least 15 passes, Helu has the second-highest yards per catch figure at 11.9. He has the highest catch rate of those backs too, reeling in 26 of the 27 passes thrown his way (96.3%).
Jason Hatcher – Many questioned his fit in this defense when he signed with Washington this offseason, but Hatcher has been unstoppable as a pass rusher. He has recorded multiple pressures in eight games this year, trailing only J.J. Watt in Pass Rush Productivity from the 3-4 defensive end position.
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