Andrew Astleford 8y

Buccaneers lined up incorrectly before crucial onside kick in Washington

TAMPA, Fla. -- According to Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith, a crucial onside kick recovery by the Washington Redskins on Sunday was made possible because of a failure in alignment.

On Monday, Smith said his team didn't line up properly on the surprise play, which resulted in Redskins safety Trenton Robinson recovering the ball at Washington's 49-yard line with 11:10 left in the third quarter. It marked the first successful recovery of an onside kick by an NFL team this season.

"It starts with us first, as coaches," Smith said. "We didn't have the guys lined up in the right position on that play. It's kind of as simple as that. Great kick whenever you get it. Big play in the game."

Before the kick, linebacker Danny Lansanah placed his left foot on the Bucs' 45-yard line -- 20 yards from where Dustin Hopkins kicked off and four yards behind the nearest Bucs defenders. Hopkins' kick landed in the open space in front of Lansanah, allowing Washington players to scramble for the loose ball.

The play helped build the Redskins' momentum. Washington went on a seven-play, 51-yard touchdown drive after the recovery, cutting Tampa Bay's lead to 24-21. The Redskins went on to win 31-30 after trailing 24-0 in the second quarter.

"We didn't have the guys lined up right," Smith said. "I don't know what else to tell you besides that. There's a strategy behind it. You can look at it and see we weren't lined up right on that play."

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