The WFT defense has been the NFL’s worst on third down this season.
Tom Brady had just connected with Mike Evans from 40 yards, reducing the Washington lead to a mere 23-19. 10:55 remained on the clock and the Washington offense had to respond, or the defense would be forced to stop Brady from stealing the game.
Third down being critical, how did the WFT offense execute under the pressure?
From the WFT 28 on 3rd & 2, Heinicke being pressured, ran to his left and was forced out of bounds at the 31, just enough to move the chains.
In a nail-biting 3rd & 1 from the Tampa 33, Antonio Gibson behind Brandon Scherff and Charles Leno was able to get low enough for two yards and the drive’s fourth first down. BTW, did you notice on that play, both tackles Leno and Lucas lined up to the right of Scherff?
Facing 3rd & 4 from the Tampa 25, throwing from the right hash mark, Heinicke put enough on his pass across the field connecting with Adam Humphries on the left sideline, just beyond the first-down marker to the 20.
On 3rd & 5 from the 15, Terry McLaurin paid the price in the middle of the field but held on to Heinicke’s pass for another first down at the Tampa 9.
From the Tampa 4, on 3rd & Goal, John Bates and Leno surged ahead, leading Gibson to the one, setting up a 4th & Goal. Bates and Leno then sealed the left side and Gibson was untouched putting away the game.
The team that had struggled in the Red Zone in recent games, converted four third downs and one fourth down on this epic final drive (burning 10:26) to defeat the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-19.