The Baltimore Ravens are home to take on the Washington Redskins, Thursday, August 25. The game will be televised on ESPN at 8:00pm.
Opponent Preview:
The Redskins have a quarterback competition. Former Ravens quarterback John Beck put on an impressive performance last week against Indianapolis throwing 14 of 17 passes for 140 yards. The previous week versus the Steelers QB Rex Grossman threw 19 of 26 for 207 yards. Both will see playing time in this match-up.
The team strengthened their ground game with fourth round running back Roy Helu and in a trade with Arizona, the Redskins acquired Tim Hightower. The number one wideout Santana Moss has additional support with the acquisition via trade of Jabar Gaffney and former Ravens free agent Donte Stallworth. Adding depth to the receiving core, the team drafted receiver Leonard Hankerson.
Gone is DT Albert Haynesworth, who’s stay in D.C. was mired in controversy. Still, the team has good playmakers such as third year linebacker Brian Orakpo, LB Rocky McIntosh, NT Barry Cofield, CB DeAngelo Hall, and S LeRon Landry. The team’s top draft pick LOLB Ryan Kerrigan has had a solid preseason and second-round pick DT/DE Jarvis Jenkins has shown promise.
What to Evaluate During the Game:
Ravens Offense:
O-Line: The storyline has been the offensive line this preseason. Rookie Jah Reid improved in his second game, but the Ravens added support by signing Mark LeVoir and center Jason Murphy. Expect the veteran LeVoir to get a lot of playing time.
Quarterback: Rookie Tyrod Taylor made progress in his second preseason outing. He showed that he can make plays, is elusive and has a better understanding of the playbook. The team is still evaluating to see if Taylor can be the full-time back-up.
Receivers: WR Lee Evans had an impressive showing and demonstrated he can be an effective weapon. David Reed should see more reps this game.
Rookie WR’s: Torrey Smith, second round pick has one reception in two games. The next two games for Smith will be crucial as to where he fits in the depth chart. Rookie Tandon Doss has been impressive. Undrafted rookie LaQuan Williams continues to dazzle coaches.
Tight Ends: After Dennis Pitta had a strong showing in game one, the position has gone without much attention. Ed Dickson is getting more playing time, but Pitta has improved in his blocking.
Rushing Attack: FB Vonta Leach has been rock solid. Ricky Williams should see more carries as he acclimates to the offense. Power running back rookie Anthony Allen had a good outing last game. Against Kansas City Allen had 5 attempts for 34 yards. Jalen Parmele remains in the mix. Damien Berry, undrafted rookie, was out last game but has been practicing this week.
Ravens Defense:Fiery Pagano: Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano has the defense attacking and fans like what they see. We see much more blitzing off the edge by safeties and cornerbacks.
Rookie to watch: DE/OLB Pernell McPhee (5th round draft pick) has been sensational and continues to make plays. He can rush of the edge or through the middle and consistently disrupts the opponents backfield.
Cornerbacks: Pagano likes having two big bodied CB’s in Cary Williams and rookie Jimmy Smith. They are physical and are able to press or jam receivers. Williams has earned a starting spot on the first team. The fourth year corner has been one of the most improved players. In his first start Rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith was matched up on one of the better receivers in the league in Dwayne Bowe and had a decent showing.
Linebackers: The battle for who plays next to Ray Lewis continues. Jameel McClain, Dannell Ellerbe and Jason Phillips are battling it out. Tavares Gooden may be losing some ground in the competition.
Related Factoids:
Familiar Faces: Former Ravens who play for the Redskins: QB John Beck, CB Josh Wilson, TE Edgar Jones, WR Donte Stallworth and OG Chris Chester. K Graham Gano signed as a undrafted free agent by the Ravens in 2009 to compete with Steven Hauschka.
Numbers: This “match-up will mark the seventh time and the third consecutive year that these nearby rivals meet in the preseason. Baltimore leads this series 4-2, including victories the last two years: 23-3 at FedEx in 2010 and 23-0 at M&T in 2009.”
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