The
Washington Redskins, and former University of Colorado offensive lineman Tyler Polumbus, defeated the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers in dramatic fashion Sunday afternoon, 24-22, winning in the final
seconds on a Billy Cundiff 41-yard field goal.
Polumbus
has been a crucial member of the Redskins offensive line since he joined the
team midway through the 2011 campaign. This season, his role has become even more
important as he has started every game at right tackle.
The
man he is protecting is rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, who was selected
by Washington with the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Griffin threw for 323 yards and completed 74.3
percent of his passes in the win on Sunday.
After
allowing six sacks last week, Washington's offensive line put forth a much
better performance Sunday as the Buccaneers were only able to take down Griffin
twice.
Not
only was the pass protection improved, but the running game proved to be a
consistent and efficient part of the game plan.
Polumbus
and the rest of the 'big uglies' opened up holes for Washington running back
Alfred Morris all day as he ran for 113 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown
scamper. Griffin also rushed for 43
yards and a touchdown of his own.
Most
importantly, though, the 'Skins' offensive line gave Griffin all the time he
needed on the final drive to take the team 54 yards and set up the game-winning
field goal.
Cundiff
had missed three field goals earlier in the game before he drilled his final attempt.
Notable: Last Thursday, Jimmy Smith recorded two tackles and a
pass deflection in Baltimore's 23-16 win over Cleveland... Nate Solder and the New England offense produced 580 total yards of
offense and six consecutive scoring drives in the second half of their 52-28 victory
over Buffalo... Jalil Brown recorded
two tackles against San Diego, but his Kansas City Chiefs fell 37-20 to the
Chargers.
