Redskins vs. Ravens: TV Schedule, Radio, Live Streaming Info, Game Time and More

Where: M&T Bank Stadium

When: Thursday, 8:00 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN, WJZ-TV, online at NFL.com (must pay $19.99 for full league-wide package), live look-ins on NFL Network, game replay: 7 a.m. Saturday, NFL Network

Hear: 98 Rock Baltimore

The Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens enter Thursday night's game on opposite sides of the spectrum. The Ravens, widely considered a top-10 team this season, are coming off a 12-4 season in which they made it to the AFC divisional round in the playoffs. They dropped several veterans this offseason including Willis McGahee, Derrick Mason and Todd Heap, but re-signed solid guard Marshal Yanda and picked up one of the best fullbacks in the league in Vonta Leach to help pave the way for running back Ray Rice.

As for the Redskins, talent-wise they had a big loss in defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, but, given his propensity to be a disruption, no less lazy, it may be for the better that he's gone. Coming off a 6-10 season that saw former quarterback Donovan McNabb disappoint, they are looking to make headway in 2011. They let go of cornerback Carlos Rogers, but picked up former Baltimore Raven Josh Wilson, so there shouldn't be too much of a drop-off there. They also signed Barry Cofield to replace Haynesworth.

Redskins Key Addition: Barry Cofield - After the loss of Haynesworth, the Redskins had a gaping hole in the middle of the defensive line and figured to go into the 2011 season with a weakness in that area. But the signing of Cofield can't be overstated, a 6'4", 306-pounder that can clog the running lanes. He's never really developed a pass-rushing game, but as far as the rush defense goes, he's a very nice addition.

Ravens Key Addition: Vonta Leach - The potential impact of Leach in the Ravens' backfield could be huge. We all know the Ravens love a physical game, on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Leach will allow them to pound the ball up the middle with Rice, and will surely help in goal-line situations. Fullbacks generally don't get the credit they deserve, but they are integral parts of a team's running game.

Redskins Biggest Loss: Albert Haynesworth - In terms of talent, few defensive tackles make the impact that Haynesworth does when he's motivated. Obviously, the Redskins will wonder what their team would have looked like with a committed Haynesworth, but that's water under the bridge now. Nonetheless, it would have been nice to have some Pro Bowl-caliber play from the big man.

Ravens Biggest Loss: Derrick Mason - It's going to be interesting if Mason's replacement, Lee Evans, can live up to his potential in Baltimore. I think there's going to be a drop-off. Out of all the veterans the Ravens let go, Mason was the biggest loss. Despite being 37 years old, Mason is still a very productive player, with 61 catches for 802 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He was also a great teammate and born leader.

What They're Saying: Former Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington wrote in the Washington Post that Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has proven him wrong in the first two games of the preseason, with wins against the Colts and Steelers. Arrington cites the offensive line, backfield and defense as the Redskins' biggest surprises.

The Redskins' newest addition and former Raven Josh Wilson has come out and said he already thinks the Redskins have a better fanbase than the Ravens.

Said Wilson, via the Washington Post:

"

“One thing about it, (the Ravens) have nowhere near the tradition of Redskins fans. My uncle is 50-so years old and all they know are Redskins and you’d almost think somebody’s died when the Redskins have lost. And now I’m getting all these phone calls asking, ‘What do you think about this?’ and they think I’m going to give them all the insight, and I’m like, ‘Get out of here!’"

"

What's Worth Watching: The quarterback battle between veteran Rex Grossman and former Miami Dolphins quarterback John Beck has been surprising, given Beck wasn't expected to even contend for the starting spot. It didn't help Grossman's cause when he showed up to training camp out of shape.

As for the Ravens, I still believe the season Lee Evans has will determine how far they go. If he can step up his game, he could give them the needed boost to get past their AFC foes and make a run at the Super Bowl. Also, Leach springing free Rice after bull-rushing defenders is always fun to watch.

Biggest Storyline: The Redskins quarterback battle. Shanahan has already surprised a lot of people with how he's managed to bring the team together this preseason after a disastrous 2010. It's still the preseason, but it's clear the team is more solid mentally. If Grossman or Beck can step in and even be decent this season, the Redskins may surprise football. Of course, that may be asking for a lot.

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