MustangSteve
January-7th-2006, 02:45 AM
http://www.superbowl.com/news/story/9149017
Are the red-hot Washington Redskins going to keep their roll going against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Yes.
Despite the high-scoring, back-and-forth nature of the Buccaneers' 36-35 victory against the Redskins in November, this game should take on a more physical, grind-it-out tempo. It probably will be decided by the team that will run the ball more effectively, and that team appears to be the Redskins.
Although Bucs running back Cadillac Williams was a deserving recipient of NFL rookie-of-the-year honors, he is unlikely to have the success he has enjoyed on the ground in recent weeks. That is because Tampa Bay's offensive line figures to be overmatched against the Redskins' talented and smothering defensive front. The Bucs simply do not have the power and bulk in the interior of their line to consistently neutralize Cornelius Griffin, the super-quick and strong disruptive force in the middle of Washington's defensive line.
Brian Kelly and the Bucs will have their hands full keeping Clinton Portis in check.
Tampa Bay offensive tackles Anthony Davis and Kenyatta Walker can play exceptionally well at times, but likely they are to find themselves struggling against Washington defensive end Phillip Daniels, who is performing at the top of his game, and outside linebackers LaVar Arrington and Marcus Washington, who possess a highly effective combination of size and aggressiveness. If the Redskins are able to minimize Williams' impact, they will be in perfect position to turn up the heat on young Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms, who will be making his first playoff start. Simms threw for three touchdowns when the teams previously met and he does not rattle easily. He shows an increasing understanding of defensive concepts and is making better reads with every outing. But if Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is able to crank his blitzing machine into high gear, minus the concern about heavy damage from the run, the results don't seem promising for the Bucs.
Clinton Portis, who has surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in five consecutive games, has never played better since joining the Redskins. He is attacking the line of scrimmage, showing greater power and persistence than he did in his earlier days in Washington, but also possesses the ability to explode for long gains outside. His superb cutback skills should serve him well against a Buccaneers defense that tends to overpursue. Washington's massive offensive line also should take full advantage of his considerable size advantage over Tampa Bay's smallish defensive front.
Mark Brunell still has some issues with a sore knee, but he won't be asked to win this game with his throwing arm or running. He often should find himself in favorable down-and-distance situations, and will rely on his vast experience, which includes playoff appearances, to make plays when necessary.
Are the red-hot Washington Redskins going to keep their roll going against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Yes.
Despite the high-scoring, back-and-forth nature of the Buccaneers' 36-35 victory against the Redskins in November, this game should take on a more physical, grind-it-out tempo. It probably will be decided by the team that will run the ball more effectively, and that team appears to be the Redskins.
Although Bucs running back Cadillac Williams was a deserving recipient of NFL rookie-of-the-year honors, he is unlikely to have the success he has enjoyed on the ground in recent weeks. That is because Tampa Bay's offensive line figures to be overmatched against the Redskins' talented and smothering defensive front. The Bucs simply do not have the power and bulk in the interior of their line to consistently neutralize Cornelius Griffin, the super-quick and strong disruptive force in the middle of Washington's defensive line.
Brian Kelly and the Bucs will have their hands full keeping Clinton Portis in check.
Tampa Bay offensive tackles Anthony Davis and Kenyatta Walker can play exceptionally well at times, but likely they are to find themselves struggling against Washington defensive end Phillip Daniels, who is performing at the top of his game, and outside linebackers LaVar Arrington and Marcus Washington, who possess a highly effective combination of size and aggressiveness. If the Redskins are able to minimize Williams' impact, they will be in perfect position to turn up the heat on young Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms, who will be making his first playoff start. Simms threw for three touchdowns when the teams previously met and he does not rattle easily. He shows an increasing understanding of defensive concepts and is making better reads with every outing. But if Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is able to crank his blitzing machine into high gear, minus the concern about heavy damage from the run, the results don't seem promising for the Bucs.
Clinton Portis, who has surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in five consecutive games, has never played better since joining the Redskins. He is attacking the line of scrimmage, showing greater power and persistence than he did in his earlier days in Washington, but also possesses the ability to explode for long gains outside. His superb cutback skills should serve him well against a Buccaneers defense that tends to overpursue. Washington's massive offensive line also should take full advantage of his considerable size advantage over Tampa Bay's smallish defensive front.
Mark Brunell still has some issues with a sore knee, but he won't be asked to win this game with his throwing arm or running. He often should find himself in favorable down-and-distance situations, and will rely on his vast experience, which includes playoff appearances, to make plays when necessary.