The Washington Redskins were pumped to play the defending Super Bowl Champs and started the game playing very well. The Redskin offense moved the ball with short controlled passes and throwing in a run or two to keep the Bucs defense honest. They dominated the first quarter of play only allowing the Bucs 1 offensive series that was 3 plays and a punt. Thanks to a RE Simeon Rice sack and fumble recovery of QB Patrick Ramsey the Bucs defense was able to hold the Skins to only 3 points in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter the score was Tampa Bay 0 and Washington 3. The second quarter was not as one sided and saw both teams trade touchdowns. First QB Brad Johnson connected on a 2-yard touchdown pass to TE Todd Yoder. That touchdown capped off a very impressive 16 play, 85-yard drive. Later in the half QB Patrick Ramsey threw a touchdown pass to TE Darnerien Mccants. That drive took more than 3 minutes and covered 62 yards on 12 plays. The halftime score was Tampa Bay 7, Washington 10. The third quarter was also very competitive with both teams battling for control of the ball game. The Redskins scored first early in the quarter on a 51-yard field goal from John Hall. Late in the quarter QB Brad Johnson ended an 80-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to TE Todd Yoder. That was the second touchdown reception to Yoder and both were rollout play action pass plays from Johnson. The Redskins over pursuing defense never saw it coming, and when they did it was too late. Johnson completed the pass for an easy 6 points. At the end of the third quarter, the score was Tampa Bay 14 and Washington 13. The Score may have been close, but the Bucs dominated the third quarter and continued to roll in the fourth. QB Brad Johnson, for the third time of the game, threw a 4-yard touchdown pass on a rollout play action pass this time to TE Will Heller. This was the third time in the game that we ran the same play for a touchdown. On the Bucs next possession QB Brad Johnson hooked up on a 39-yard touchdown pass to WR Keyshawn Johnson. Keyshawn may have been playing a possum game with the Redskins defense leaving the field limping just 2 plays earlier. LB Derrick Brooks joined the scoring fest in the fourth quarter scoring on a 44-yard interception return for a touchdown to finish off the Redskins. The final score was Tampa Bay 35 and Washington 13. QB Brad Johnson and RE Simeon Rice both had outstanding games and earned the NFC offensive and defensive players of the week Johnson completed 22 of 30 passes for 268 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He had a completion rate of 73% and a quarterback rating of 139.99. Rice had 6 tackles and 4 sacks. He also forced and recovered a fumble. The best news for Buccaneer fans is that the Bucs next match up against the 49ers is a road game. The Bucs have looked very impressive on the road this year and I don't expect anything less in this game. The 49ers aren't playing very good football right now and QB Jeff Garcia and WR Terrell Owens just can't seem to see things eye to eye. Plus the Bucs look to get healthier on defense with the return of LB Shelton Quarles and CB Brian Kelly. My prediction Tampa Bay 27 and San Francisco 10. |
