After allowing an average of 34 points per game in their first three outings, the Washington Redskins travel on Sunday, Sept. 30 to Tampa, Fla., to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Even before the injuries to star defensive players Brian Orakpo and Adam Carriker, defense was an issue because Washington gave up 32 points in their only victory. However, in this past Sunday's 38-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in their home opener at FedEx Field, Washington's defense was very susceptible to the big play, giving up points on short offensive drives by the opposition.
"It's very frustrating," said Washington linebacker London Fletcher after the loss to the Bengals. "It was a long pass here and there. The offense is putting enough points on the board, but we have to do our part. We have to make plays."
But in going up against the Bengals, the Redskins offense took a half to get going as they battled back from 10 points down to tie the game at 24 after three quarters. Quarterback Robert Griffin III, who led the team with 221 yards passing and 85 yards rushing, said that the second half performance echoed his defensive teammates' mantra about making plays, adding that it also applied to the offense.
"We've got to continue to make plays," said Griffin III. "We all have to step up and make big plays.We're not going to quit. We're going to keep fighting."
Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan praised the character of his football team even after the tough loss to the Bengals.
"We have a lot of character on this team," Shanahan said. "We just have to keep working to make things better and we are going to do that."
The Buccaneers will also come into this game with a record of 1-2, and will also be trying to bounce back after a loss.The Bucs fell on the road to the Dallas Cowboys 16-10.
