By Troy Jefferson (Follow @troy_jefferson on twitter)
The Washington Redskins traveled to Raymond James Stadium to take on the 1-2 Buccaneers. The Redskins looked as if they would cruise to an easy victory on the road but after a second half Buccaneer’s surge the Redskins were in trouble.
Pierre Garcon recovered an RG3 fumble in the end zone to end the first quarter. The Redskins padded their 7-3 lead, with an Robert Griffin keeper for a touchdown. The Buccaneers looked completely lost in the first half, thanks to a big time performance from Ryan Kerrigan.
The front seven was able to cover up the Redskin’s secondary shortcomings for the most part early. Alfred Morris broke off a 39 yarder and gave Washington a 21-3 lead. Morris finished the game with 113 yards and continues his bid to be rookie of the year.
Tampa Bay woke up in the second half, after Josh Freeman threw a beauty to Mike Williams for a 65-yard touchdown cutting Washington’s lead to eight. The Redskins have had trouble covering receivers when the front seven does not apply enough pressure this season.
The Buccaneers broke away from their usual conservative play calling and attacked Deangelo Hall and Josh Wilson in the third quarter.
Tampa drove the ball down the field late and Connor Barth gave the Bucs a 22-21 lead. Robert Griffin to that point had done everything but complete a fourth quarter comeback. The last two weeks possible game winning drives were stalled by penalties that cost Washington the game. Robert Griffin threw passes to Fred Davis and Santana Moss that set up a field goal.
Cundiff salvaged a pathetic day with a game winning field goal. The Redskins improved to 2-2 with this win and travel back home for the next two weeks.
Griffin completed 26-for-35 passes for 323 yards and a rushing touchdown.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Redskins take on the undefeated Atlanta Falcons at home next week.