Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins must beat Buccaneers

The Washington Redskins square off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, and if the team is to leave the contest victorious, quarterback Kirk Cousins will have to be the player the team relies on throughout the contest. While critics, such as myself, have been hard on the young quarterback in recent weeks, the Redskins will have to rely on his arm and decision making if they want improve their record to 3-4 on the year.

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Tampa Bay, who find themselves sitting at 2-3, currently possess the NFL’s fifth overall defense in terms of yards allowed. They allow the eighth most rushing yards in the league, as their opponents average 120.4 yards on the ground against them. On the flip side, their defense allows the fourth fewest passing yards in the league with their opponents averaging a meager 202.4 yards per game.

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At first glance, Tampa Bay’s defensive statistics point towards establishing a run game. But, if you look closer at what the Buccaneers are capable on the defensive side of the ball, things become clear. While their defensive unit is very good at limiting the amount of yardage opposing quarterbacks are able to compile, they aren’t quite as good at keeping opposing pass catchers out of the end zone.

When it comes to passing touchdowns allowed, the Buccaneers are tied for fourth worst in the league with 12. On top of the amount of passing touchdowns their defense has surrendered, they’re equally as inept in terms of interceptions garnered, as they’ve only been able to intercept three passes on the year, which puts them at 25th overall in the league.

Washington will have to muster up some sort of run game if they want to be successful against the Bucs, but, if they are to walk out of the contest with a victory, Kirk Cousins and company will have to put together a strong day passing. That’s easier said than done, as the Redskins find themselves in the bottom portion of the league in most passing categories.

Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) lies on the ground as Redskins tackle Trent Williams (71) looks on after being injured against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

And while that doesn’t bode well for the Washington Redskins and their chances at victory, the fact that Trent Williams and Jordan Reed are returning from injury helps. Williams will certainly provide Cousins with strong pass protection, and Reed will give him a reliable outlet in the passing game.

I believe that the return of these two players will allow Cousins to succeed this week against the Buccaneers. I say this because Reed, before he sustained a concussion, was on pace for over 100 receptions on the year. With his Pro Bowl left tackle and young tight end returning, it’s possible that Cousins will put together a strong outing against a solid passing defense.

I foresee the Redskins relying on their run game to get into scoring position, but, make no mistake about it, if Washington is going to leave the game victorious and keep their playoff hopes alive, Kirk Cousins and company will have to find a way to succeed in the passing game.

If they aren’t able to do that, they will likely once again find themselves on the losing side of things.

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