Washington Redskins-Baltimore Ravens Battle of the Beltway

As bitter fans living in the same area, Redskins and Ravens fans alike have created a rivalry between Washington and Baltimore. Although there is no real rivalry beyond the geographical positioning of the two teams, the “Battle of the Beltway” is always good fun.

Perhaps the most interesting and intriguing preseason game for the Redskins this season, we have composed a list of things to watch for in this weekend’s dual…

Brandon Banks

After returning a punt 77 yards for a touchdown in the team’s first preseason game, all eyes will be on the generously listed 5’7" rookie return man. Wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell has said that, to all the people claiming Banks cannot offer enough at the wide receiver position, playmakers will make this team. And it’s certainly no secret that Banks is a playmaker with breakout capabilities.

Although it appears that Banks will have a spot on this team (or at least the practice squad), if he were to return a punt in Saturday’s game then we can call that a "lock."

Redskins Against Tougher Competition

No disrespect to the Buffalo Bills, but they’re awful. And while we understand that this is still a preseason game, the Redskins will be up against much tougher competition when they face the Ravens this weekend. 

The Baltimore offense has taken on a whole new appearance and they are suddenly recognized as a potential top-10 unit. How does the Redskins 3-4 scheme handle the challenge? Pay close attention to the pass-rush (Orakpo) and turnover opportunities.

From on offense standpoint, the Redskins are going up against a Ravens defense that has ranked tops in the league for the past 10 years. While the secondary may be banged up, the Ravens front seven is some of the best in the league. Watch to see how the Redskins’ questionable offensive line handles the Ravens’ pass-rush and the HUGE defensive lineman.

Devin Thomas Re-Claiming the Job 

Before the team’s first game, third-year receiver Devin Thomas was reportedly battling for a job. While the rumors came off as a little far-fetched, Thomas apparently took it to heart. Against the Bills, Thomas led the Redskins in receiving and pulled in a touchdown pass. With a small vote of confidence from Mike Shanahan, let’s see if DT continues to impress.

“He has been great,” Shanahan said, speaking of Thomas. “He’s working hard. I think he said it best—you’ve got to go out there every day and prove yourself. You’ve got to do the little things the right way and he’s gone out there and worked. He’s tried to improve in every area. I like his attitude and his work ethic.”

The Battle at Outside Linebacker

Workhorse Lorenzo Alexander has been nothing but impressive in camp thus far. After dropping weight and playing yet another position, Alexander has been noted to be competing with veteran Andre Carter for a starting job.

After switching from defensive end to outside linebacker in Jim Haslett’s new scheme, Andre Carter looked a bit uncomfortable last week against the Bills. Again, this is preseason and it’s meant to be a time in which the team learns, but we all know that Shanahan is not afraid to go with the hotter player when the season begins.

Regardless of who is actually deemed the "starter," it seems like both Alexander and Carter will receive ample playing time. Known as an impressively hard-worker, let’s see how Andre Carter looks after another week of practice and familiarity.

Running Back By Committee 

Mike Shanahan will give Larry Johnson the start this weekend at running back, after Clinton Portis received the start last week against the Bills. While we continue to be strong supporters of CP, many analysts tend to think that Larry Johnson could be the Redskins starter when the season begins.

Although Johnson will likely only receive about 10 carries this weekend, it will be interesting to see what he does with them. Willie Parker will get the start next week and each veteran will have to show a whole lot with a limited number of carries.

In our opinion, the starting job is Clinton Portis’ to lose. Shanahan knows Portis and Portis knows Shanahan. This system is perfect for a player like Clinton and his conditioning is the best it has been in years.

HTTR!