The box score was unsightly, but the final score tells the only story that ultimately mattered in Washington's road win at Tampa Bay Sunday, George Wallace explains.
Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass as he is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) intercepts a pass by Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) intended for wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson (26) eludes a tackle by Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Jordan Whitehead (31) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio
Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson (26) eludes a tackle by Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Jordan Whitehead (31) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio
Washington Redskins defensive end Jonathan Allen (93) stops Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber (25) on a run during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Washington Redskins’ Dustin Hopkins (3) kicks a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Washington Redskins wide receiver Michael Floyd (17) reaches for the ball after getting around Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio
Washington Redskins cornerback Greg Stroman (37) runs after intercepting a pass by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) fumbles as he is hit by Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Anderson (52) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) makes a reception in front of Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau (31) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) grabs Washington Redskins cornerback Greg Stroman (37) by the facemask after a reception during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is tripped by Washington Redskins inside linebacker Mason Foster (54) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
TAMPA, FL — NOVEMBER 11: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins during a game at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) blocks against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass while under pressure from Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
WASHINGTON — It doesn’t matter how you win a game on any given Sunday, all that matters is that you win it. That’s what the Redskins did on Sunday.
They came into the game missing three starting offensive lineman and a host of other starters, were out-gained by 215 yards, gave up almost 400 yards passing and 501 total yards.
None of that mattered as they beat the Bucs 16-3 and are now 6-3 while maintaining a lead in the NFC East for a sixth consecutive week. Tampa Bay committed the unforced errors and cost themselves a chance at a win, while the Redskins’ defense had the ultimate bend but don’t break mentality and came out on top.
Tampa Bay had five trips to the red zone and had only a field goal to show for it.
The Redskins forced four turnovers, watched Tampa miss two field goals and — more importantly — didn’t commit a turnover themselves.
The talk all week was about the offensive line losing two starters for the season due to injury and already missing Trent Williams. The patchwork line held up quite well as the Redskins ran for 116 yards, with Adrian Peterson accounting for 68 yards on 19 carries. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan deserves a ton of credit getting this unit ready to play with all the new pieces.
Jay Gruden and his entire staff deserve praise for having this team prepared to play this week. They were coming off an embarrassing 38-14 loss at home to Atlanta and dealing with the loss of starters left and right , but somehow they were prepared to go on the road and play a football game that very well could be the turning point of their season.
Help is on the way as Trent Williams, Chris Thompson and Jamison Crowder should all be set to return to the lineup shortly. The real question is, can this team hold on and use this formula to continue to win games?
Only time will tell, but right now the formula is working and there is no need to apologize for it.
