Preseason Game 3 Preview: Ravens at Washington

August 27, 2021

by Steve Thomas

Here we are, on the eve of the 2021 preseason season. Weirdly – probably because neither the NFL nor the TV networks want to have the season kickoff over a holiday weekend – there’s a dead week before week one, but we’ve almost made it to the regular season.  Thank goodness, as it’s been a long, painful offseason for Redskins Washington fans.  The starting offense hasn’t scored a touchdown in 6 series over two games, with only a field goal to show for their efforts; ideally, we’ll see a dramatic improvement prior to week 1, but that seems unlikely whether or not the starters play.  The starting defense has been much better, as expected, but they haven’t exactly faced offensive juggernauts, either, in the Patriots, a team that’s a shell of its former self, and the Bengals, who are the Bengals.  This week’s opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, if they play their starters, represents a quality test in both sides of the ball to end the preseason.  The best part of this contest will likely be watching some of Washington’s back of the roster players stand out enough to play themselves onto the active roster.  Sit back, have fun, and enjoy preseason game 3.

Game time & location:           Saturday, August 28, 6:00 p.m. ET, Fed Ex Field, Raljon, Maryland; Gates open 2:00 p.m.                                                       ET; Red Zone parking lots open 1:00 p.m.; all other parking lots 2:00 p.m.

 

Television:                               NBC4/NBC Sports Washington

Television announcers:         Bram Weinstein, DeAngelo Hall, Julie Donaldson

NFL Network replay:              Sunday August 29, 4:00 am ET

 

DC-area radio:                         The Team 980 and WMAL 105.9/630 AM

Washington radio network:   click here

Ravens radio network:           click here

Satellite radio:                        225 on all platforms (Wash. Broad.); internet: 831 (Wash. Broad.)

 

Redskins roster:                      click here

Redskins depth chart:            click here

Ravens roster:                        click here

Ravens depth chart:              click here

 

All-time head-to-head record vs Ravens: 3 – 4 (last 5: 2 – 3; streak: 0 – 1)

Last regular season meeting: L, October 4, 2020, 17 – 31

Early odds: Baltimore, -4

What to Watch For

Playing time

Which players are going to get the bulk of the playing time this week?  Unless head coach Ron Rivera decides to get his starters significant snaps, it’s likely that most of the game time will be divided up primarily in such a way as to give the coaches the chance to make their final roster cuts.  Either way, this is probably the most important thing to watch out for against the Ravens on Saturday evening.  Personally, I think the starters should play the bulk of the game, but my guess is that the coaches won’t agree with me.

Offensive production

As I said above, the starting offense hasn’t done much, so to the extent that they play at all, it would be nice to see at least one solid, long touchdown drive.  The second string offense has had some success, but it’s time for Washington’s starters to get better.  Coaching staff should have a goal this week of putting the starting offense in such a position so as to have at least some sustained success.

Offensive line cohesion

A big part of the lack of consistency in the run game for the starters has been shoddy blocking up front.  The 3 of the 5 projected starters are new this year, and only playing time will allow this group to develop some cohesion.  Assuming the starters play, keep an eye out on their success or failures against one of the better defenses in the NFL.

Punt and kick return game competition

Right now, it appears as though DeAndre Carter is in the lead for the punt return job, but he has competition from others, even with the 2020 returner, Steven Sims, having been cut and landing in Buffalo.  On the other hand, the kickoff return job seems to be wide open, although it may be telling that Jaret Patterson got a shot last week against the Bengals and did well.  This week’s contest against the Ravens will resolve both questions, so keep an eye out on who achieves more success in the return game.

Standouts who make the roster

Has Jaret Patterson already done enough to earn a spot?  What about the battles between Washington’s extensive list of wide receivers?  Who will earn the backup spots in the secondary?  What about the swing guard and tackle positions?  The final few active roster spots will be resolved this week.  That’s most likely going to be the most interesting part of the contest on Saturday night.  The next one of these previews will be week one!