REDSKINS (2-2) VS. RAVENS (3-1)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, M&T BANK STADIUM, BALTIMORE uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 709
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin
About the Redskins: QB has rebounded from two awful performances with two solid showings, and it’s no coincidence that the Redskins won both. RB
had a big game last weekend against the overmatched Cleveland Browns, and the Redskins were able to force some turnovers to avoid what would have been a bad loss. The Redskins need to be better against the run and consistently run the ball better to open up the passing game. WR and TE
are Cousins’ top playmakers, and Reed caught two touchdown passes last weekend. The Redskins have the offense to get back to the postseason if Cousins can avoid turnovers and keep the Redskins moving. In this winnable game, they’ll need their quarterback to deliver an A+ performance.
About the Ravens: The Ravens faltered late last weekend in a home loss to the Oakland Raiders for their first defeat of the season. The offense has made its share of explosive plays but has struggled to run and to finish drives with touchdowns instead of field goals. QB appears to be recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and has been solid but not great. WR and TE will make plays, and they hope WR can continue to beat defenses deep. Defensively the Ravens have forced turnovers and have forced opponents into must-pass situations, but their secondary has given up too many big plays. With young players playing key roles and the offensive line going through growing pains, the Ravens are satisfied with their start and believe this team Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, coming off Achilles surgery, is off to a good start.
has plenty of room for improvement.
While Reed is Cousins’ security blanket and WRs Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder have been productive, Jackson remains one of the league’s best deep threats and the key to making the Redskins’ offense dangerous. Smith has struggled against opposing No. 1 receivers. The Redskins will test him.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Suggs, 33, is coming off a second Achilles tendon surgery, but he remains an impact player. He’s sharing the team lead in sacks but is tutoring some of the team’s younger pass rushers. The Ravens think their championship window is open, and a productive Suggs is a big reason.
The Ravens have allowed nine first downs via the rush in four games. They’ve been able to make opponents one-dimensional, and that’s a trap the Redskins have fallen into over the last two seasons. The Redskins will need to be able to run to win.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Force turnovers: The Redskins let off the gas last weekend after building an early lead on the Browns, and they trailed in the third quarter before forcing turnovers on three consecutive possessions and turning two into touchdowns. The Ravens have been bitten by turnovers the last two weeks.
2. Keep it moving: The Ravens rank near the top in every major defensive statistical category, but they have been susceptible to big plays in the passing game. Reed’s presence in the middle of the field opens things up outside and down the field for Cousins, and the Redskins will see chances to attack in the passing game.
3. Mix it up: The Ravens need more out of their running game, but Flacco has chemistry with a number of receivers. If the Ravens can achieve balance, they can move the chains.
Zac Jackson