The Redskins' defense entered Sunday's game against the Buccaneers knowing that they would need a stellar effort minus two key starters.
As expected, the team deactivated safety Sean Taylor and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin prior to the game. Taylor, a second-year player, missed his first NFL game due to an ankle injury, while Griffin sat out his second consecutive game with a hip injury.
Although the defense stepped up against the run, limiting the Bucs to just 61 rushing yards, the unit struggled to get pressure on 3rd-year quarterback Chris Simms and allowed 279 passing yards.
The Buccaneers won 36-35 as Simms guided the Bucs to a late touchdown. Mike Alstott's 1-yard plunge on a 2-point conversion gave the Bucs the win.
The Redskins went into Sunday's game with just three available safeties in Ryan Clark, Matt Bowen and Pierson Prioleau. Veteran Omar Stoutmire was also inactive as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Prioleau started at safety, replacing Taylor in the lineup. Bowen also saw playing time in several defensive packages.
With Griffin sidelined and Cedric Killings also inactive, assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams again used several defensive linemen to replace Griffin. Joe Salave'a saw significant playing time at one tackle spot, while converted end Demetric Evans, Ryan Boschetti and Aki Jones shared playing time at the other spot.
The Redskins' complete list of inactives was as follows: center Cory Raymer, running back Nehemiah Broughton, tight end Robert Johnson, Griffin, Stoutmire, Taylor and Killings.
The Redskins listed their third quarterback as Jason Campbell.
Tampa Bay was without two of its starters: wide receiver Michael Clayton and safety Dexter Jackson. In last year's game between the Redskins and Buccaneers, Clayton recorded seven catches for 53 yards in his first NFL game.
Veteran wide receiver Ike Hilliard, formerly with the New York Giants, started in place of Clayton. Second-year player Will Allen started in place of Jackson.
Tampa Bay's complete inactive list was as follows: safety Donte Nicholson, linebacker Wesly Mallard, Jackson, offensive lineman Chris Colmer, defensive tackle Anthony Bryant and wide receivers Clayton and J.R. Russell.
The Bucs listed their third quarterback as Tim Rattay.
