Dissecting Most Crucial Matchups in Redskins' Week 11 Contest with Buccaneers

Returning to game action after a one-week hiatus, the Washington Redskins will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.

In a contest that features two teams with a combined 14 losses, which set of matchups will Washington have to win to garner its fourth victory of the season?

Let's find out. Here are the most crucial matchups in the Redskins' Week 11 bout.

CB Bashaud Breeland vs. WR Mike Evans

Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

In the mold of the big, physical corners who have taken the league by storm in recent years, Bashaud Breeland only lasted until the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft because his skill set hadn't caught up to his physical tools.

Breaking down Breeland's collegiate tape in the lead-up to the draft, CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler echoed this sentiment. 

"Breeland needs technique work and time to develop, but his raw cover skills and size project him as an eventual starter," he said.

Forced into the starting lineup by virtue of DeAngelo Hall's season-ending injury, the rookie didn't prove Brugler to be wrong in the early part of the season. Penalties and blown assignments were staples of his game. Flagged six times, the rookie has been the most penalized Redskin in 2014.

In recent weeks, though, there's been growth from the Clemson product. Matched up with Dez Bryant for most of Washington's 20-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Breeland held the perennial Pro Bowler to three receptions for 30 yards. 

Slated to square off against Mike Evans this week, Breeland isn't the only rookie coming into his own.

After posting middling numbers to start the year, Evans has tallied 14 receptions, 249 yards and three touchdowns his past two outings.

A matchup that's sure to feature its share of hand jostling, the battle at the line of scrimmage will dictate who comes out on top here. With the Buccaneers boasting a mediocre offensive line, Breeland's job will be to disrupt the timing of Tampa's passing game long enough for Washington's pass rush to get to the quarterback.

LB Ryan Kerrigan vs. OT Demar Dotson

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

Speaking of pass rush, with Brian Orakpo injured and rookie Trent Murphy still adapting to the NFL game, the onus falls on Ryan Kerrigan to generate one for the Redskins. And after a torrid start to the season, it's something he hasn't done in recent weeks.

Kerrigan has one sack the past three games. Even more concerning, against a Minnesota Vikings offensive line that's 28th in sacks allowed, he didn't register so much as a quarterback hit. Mind you, rookie Teddy Bridgewater dropped back to pass 47 times in that Week 9 contest.

Facing a banged-up Demar Dotson, now would seem to be the time for Kerrigan to break out of his minislump. While Dotson has been one of the most consistent players along Tampa's offensive line, he does have a penchant for committing penalties. His five flags leads the team.

So whether it's actually getting to the quarterback or drawing a flag, it's crucial for Kerrigan to generate pressure with the shortcomings his team has in the secondary.

TE Jordan Reed vs. LB Mason Foster

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Whether it's because of his injuries or the carousel the team's had at quarterback, Jordan Reed hasn't met expectations in 2014. Through five games, the sophomore tight end has 22 receptions and 207 receiving yards.

More importantly, though, he's not moving the chains like he was as a rookie. 

In 2013, over 66 percent of his receptions went for first downs. This year, that number has dropped to 50 percent. With Pierre Garcon's production on this front also tailing off, it's not shocking to see Washington converting just 34.9 percent of its third downs.

Facing Lovie Smith's Tampa 2 defense in Week 11, the Redskins will be looking to Reed to attack the weakness of the Bucs defense.

A defensive scheme that takes away an offense's vertical concepts with two deep safeties, the deep zone over the middle of the field being manned by a linebacker is the chief vulnerability. Going back to Kamar Aiken's 17-yard touchdown reception in Week 6 against Tampa Bay, Stephen White of SBNation.com showed how this weakness can be exploited.

Caught looking in the backfield, not only was Danny Lansanah lacking the requisite depth, but he made the mistake of letting Aiken get behind him. By not immediately turning his hips and riding Aiken up the field, he provided Joe Flacco a big enough window to complete the pass in between Tampa's two safeties.  

While it will be Mason Foster filling this role on Sunday, as White details, this could be to Washington's benefit:

"

Moving along, we need a MLB. And no its not because Foster isnt physically capable of being a "Tampa 2" MLB. Nah his problem is either

— Stephen White (@sgw94) November 11, 2014"

"

Between his ears or the person who is supposed to be teaching him his job. I just have never seen a MLB in this defense stop running down

— Stephen White (@sgw94) November 11, 2014"

A holdover from the previous regime, Foster's struggles are likely tied to the fact that he's only played six games under Smith's direction. All told, this is a matchup the Redskins have to exploit if they're to make plays in the passing game.