Redskins vs. Ravens: Preview and Predictions for the Week 3 Preseason Game

When the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens meet on Thursday night, there will be more than just pride at stake as there are a few players that can secure staring jobs with good performances.

For the Redskins, they have narrowed down the search for a starting quarterback to John Beck and Rex Grossman. Beck has been impressive this preseason and has the inside track on the job, but one bad performance tonight, and a good one from Grossman, could cost him the job.

The Ravens’ starting lineup is set and the key for this game will be just to get through it without any serious injuries. This is a big year for this team as they have built a team that they hope will overtake the Steelers in the AFC North.

Redskins’ Key Additions

One of the reasons that the Redskins were able to dump Albert Haynesworth, aside from his inept play on the field and poor attitude off it, was the signing of Barry Cofield.

Cofield is a solid defensive tackle who had good success for the New York Giants last season with 54 tackles and four sacks. In Washington, he will be relied on to be the anchor in the middle that this team hoped it was getting when Haynesworth was signed three years ago.

Ravens’ Key Additions

The one thing that the Ravens’ offense was missing in 2010 was a receiver who could stretch the field and give them big plays down the sideline. By acquiring Lee Evans from Buffalo, they took care of that problem and increased Joe Flacco’s potential exponentially.

Evans does not have to be the No. 1 receiver for the Ravens since they already have Anquan Boldin. Those two will make a great duo because they are so different. Evans stretches the field with his speed, while Boldin is a physical receiver who can go underneath and create yardage after the catch.

Vonta Leach was not a glamorous signing, but he will help Ray Rice get back to his 2009 form. He is a terrific blocking fullback who will create openings for Rice to run through all season long.

Redskins’ Key Loss

The Redskins defense struggled in 2010 and losing Carlos Rogers will put more pressure on DeAngelo Hall and Phillip Buchanon. This team has to get better production out of young players like Byron Westbrook and LaRon Landry.

Rogers was not a star, but he provided good depth for a team that does not have a lot of it.

Ravens’ Key Loss

After the Lockout was resolved, the Ravens did some house cleaning by releasing Derrick Mason and Todd Heap. Losing Mason is not that big of a deal since they were able to replace him with quality players like Lee Evans.

But losing Heap is a big blow to this offense. He has battled injuries last year, but he was still putting up numbers that put him in the upper echelon of NFL tight ends. They are banking on Ed Dickson, who has potential but is still developing, to become the player that Heap was for the last 10 years.

It is a gamble that could blow up in the face of the Ravens’ front office.

What They Are Saying

According to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post, the Redskins newly acquired defensive tackle Barry Cofield is expected to be the lynchpin that holds the defense together.

"

“That’s the No. 1 position,” said defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. “That’s the most important position.. . . It’s like a catcher in baseball. You kind of build from that, from in to out.”

"

Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun wrote that new Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano is going to make the defense more unpredictable this season.

"

The biggest change from Mattison to Pagano has been the emphasis on the pass rush.

The Ravens gave up the fewest offensive touchdowns in the NFL the past two seasons (52), but Mattison was criticized for playing it too safe and relying on four-man fronts to create pressure. The Ravens recorded 27 sacks last season, a low in the franchise's 15-year history.

"

Who To Watch For Redskins

The quarterback position is the most important position on the field and the Redskins are still deciding who is going to be the signal caller for the regular season.

John Beck will get the start, which seems to indicate that he has the inside track on the job, but a poor performance from him and inspired play by Rex Grossman will cause Mike Shanahan to rethink things.

Beck is the key to this game for the Redskins. How he plays will determine what direction this team goes as we head into the final preseason game and into the regular season.

Who To Watch For Ravens

Ed Dickson has big shoes to fill and this is the first preseason game where he will see significant time on the field. He needs to show that he is capable of handling the starting spot and putting up numbers as good as, if not better than Todd Heap.

The Ravens offense should be better this year with the additions of Lee Evans and Torrey Smith. But the tight end has become an important position and if Dickson struggles the offense will take a step back.

Predictions

Beck will not play well, but he has done enough through the first two games of preseason to give Mike Shanahan confidence in him heading into the regular season. Well that and the fact that the backup is Rex Grossman.

The Ravens are one of the best teams in the AFC and the Redskins are one of the weakest in the NFC. With the starters for both teams likely playing three quarters, expect a blowout by the Ravens.

Final Score: 30-10 Baltimore