The NFC East is there for the taking, but Washington has been unable to mount any movement in the standings following a Week 4 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. It's come close, though. Washington led the Atlanta Falcons at halftime in Week 5 and the New York Jets at halftime last Sunday as well. But the team has been outscored by a combined 46-19 in the second halves of those contests.
Buccaneers vs. Washington 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Though Jameis Winston has struggled at times in his rookie campaign, he has a chance to even the Bucs’ record up at .500 against a reeling Washington squad.
Now Washington stands at 2-4, and faces what appears to be a must-win game if it wants any chance at preserving its fleeting playoff chances. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has struggled with turnovers once again this season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns for the second time in his four-year career. In six games as a starter, Cousins has found the end zone six times and tossed eight picks.
Though Cousins continues to stumble, Robert Griffin III remains plastered to the bench. He dressed for the first time this season in last Sunday's loss to the Jets, but head coach Jay Gruden hasn't given any indication he's ready to call RGIII's number. It doesn't seem like backup Colt McCoy will be given an opportunity to start any time soon either.
So for now it's up to Cousins to right the ship, and he'll probably be working with a depleted receiving corps Sunday. No. 1 wideout DeSean Jackson isn't expected to play with a lingering hamstring injury, which has kept him out of every game except the season opener.
On the other side of the field, the 2-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return to the field after spending last week on a bye. Tampa Bay defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.
No. 1 pick Jameis Winston played well in the win, completing 13 of 19 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. But the real star for the Bucs was running back Doug Martin, who rushed for 158 yards and three touchdowns. He could have another big day against Washington's defense, which has been gashed on the ground in each of the last two weeks. Washington surrendered 153 yards on the ground to Devonta Freeman two weeks ago, and allowed Chris Ivory to rush for 146 yards last Sunday.
A consistently strong running game would be a boon for Winston, who has had a so-so rookie campaign. He’s completed 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,174 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in five games. His quarterback rating is a paltry 77.6.
But to Winston’s credit, he’s saying all of the right things. When asked Wednesday if he notices whether defenses are preparing for him differently, he deflected the question and talked about the performance of the team as a whole.
“I’m really nobody in this league yet, so they don’t have to worry about me,” Winston said, per ESPN. “I have great teammates that do a great job, and we have a great team.”
That might be a stretch, but if the Buccaneers win Sunday, they’ll be .500, which means they’d be a mediocre team. That’s a far cry from being championship caliber, but you have to walk before you can run. It seems as if Winston is learning that.
How to Watch
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Md.
TV: FOX
Commentators: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin
Online: NFL Game Pass
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