Quote:
Originally Posted by MTRedskinsFan
I just read last night Sellers is doubtful for the game, which is a huge negative for our rushing attack. I'm way less confident about this Sunday now. Maybe, as others have suggested in the past, we should have Betts and Portis in at the same time and create some misdirection for the defense. Betts could also lead block for Portis in certain situations too.
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From CBSSPORTSLINE:
Washington fullback Mike Sellers missed practice Thursday with a back injury and is questionable. That's significant because the Redskins have no reserve fullbacks or H-backs on their roster. Wide receiver James Thrash (high-ankle sprain) is also hurt, as is safety Sean Taylor (sprained knee). Neither is expected to play. Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin missed Thursday's practice with an ankle injury.
The Redskins will keep feeding Clinton Portis in hopes of wearing down the opposition. (AP)
Tampa Bay running back Michael Pittman aggravated a sprained ankle in practice this week and could miss Sunday's game. Fullback B.J. Askew (ankle) did not practice Thursday and his status is questionable. If Pittman is unable to play, look for the club to activate Michael Bennett.
The story: Funny thing about these Bucs -- they were supposed to have as much life as midnight in St. Pete, yet they look like they'll wind up winning the NFC South. One reason is Jeff Garcia, their quarterback. He's playing error-free football and doing just enough to keep the Bucs out of trouble. Another is wide receiver Joey Galloway, who seems to get faster as he gets older. But the biggest reason is the defense, which is keeping opponents close and quarterbacks frazzled. Only once in five home dates have the Bucs allowed more than 14 points, and that was to Jacksonville.
Tampa Bay will make it hard on the Redskins, but I liked what I saw from Washington in its loss to Dallas a week ago. This club isn't designed to blow out opponents; it's built to wear them down, and that could happen if Clinton Portis continues to make the tough yards. Jason Campbell isn't a terrific passer, but he's good enough to beat you -- and he can confound the Bucs if Washington's running game is going. Remember, when Portis rushes for 100 or more yards his teams are 26-9.
The Redskins have lost three of their past four and must make something happen in a hurry if they're serious about making it to the playoffs. When Joe Gibbs says "you measure yourself against the real good teams," Washington doesn't look all that bad. I'm serious. It came close to Dallas and should've beaten Green Bay.
That means the Redskins, in all likelihood, are battling Detroit, Arizona and Philadelphia for wild-card spots. It also means that the battle starts with a Tampa Bay team that has exceeded all expectations -- particularly because it's doing this without star running back Carnell Williams. There is nothing extraordinary about the Bucs other than they find ways to win. Garcia has been efficient; Galloway has been extraordinary and Earnest Graham has been a surprise. The Redskins are vulnerable to the pass, especially with Taylor missing, so expect Garcia to try to exploit them with Galloway and Ike Hilliard.
One other thing: The Bucs have won their past six regular-season games vs. Washington here, but the Redskins won the one that mattered most -- a 17-10 victory in the 2005 playoffs. Expect this one to be close, with Washington pressing to straighten itself out.