Redskins Preview vs. Ravens
The Washington Redskins travel north, up Interstate 95, Saturday evening to face the Baltimore Ravens in both teams’ third preseason game. Each team enters the match up with an identical 2-0 record. The Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys 37-30 last Saturday evening in Dallas. The Redskins pulled out a close victory on Monday night over the visiting Cleveland Browns 24-23.
The Redskins enter the game hoping to improve on a lackluster performance by the first team offense. The team struggled to put points on the board against the Browns’ starters as a result of three turnovers and a goal line stand. Head Coach Jay Gruden announced Wednesday via the Redskins twitter feed that, “the starters will play ‘at least’ the first half Saturday vs Baltimore.”
Gruden: Starters will play “at least” the first half Saturday vs. Baltimore.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 20, 2014
Redskins Quarterback Robert Griffin, III is facing both the pressure of adapting to Gruden’s new offense but and one of the league’s best defenses in the Ravens. Griffin must use what will probably be his last start before the regular season begins (September 7 in Houston) to continue to build confidence with his receiving corps of Pierre Garcon, Desean Jackson, and Andre Roberts.
On the defensive side of the ball the Redskins have announced that Defensive End Jason Hatcher will make his debut with the club Saturday night. Hatcher, a Pro Bowl player last season with the Cowboys, signed with the Redskins in the off season and has been on the team’s Active/Non-Football Injury list since June after having arthroscopic surgery performed on his knee.
Gruden said DL Jason Hatcher will play Saturday vs. the Ravens. “He’s fired up and ready to go.”
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 20, 2014
While the defensive line and linebacking corps have thrived throughout the preseason; although, the secondary still has many question marks. This week’s task will be quite a challenge for Cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and David Amerson as they must keep up with the speedy Ravens’ receivers, Torrey Smith and Steve Smith.
On special teams the punting position is still up in the air. Blake Klingan was released Tuesday and former Chicago Bears punter Tress Way was claimed off waivers. Way will now battle with Robert Malone to make the active roster.
As with every year the, third preseason game serves as the best determinant of what a team will look like come week one of the regular season. The Redskins must eliminate the turnovers and missed opportunities on the offensive side of the ball. The defense will face their toughest challenge of the preseason versus quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens balanced offense.
