Ravens Preseason Questions For Saturday Vs. Redskins
How do the the Ravens bounce back after the worst preseason loss under Harbaugh?
Let's make no qualms about it, the Ravens looked terrible a week ago. The starting offense sputtered and Flacco was intercepted twice. The defense gave up far too much ground to Sam Bradford and the Eagles offense. You can blame it on Chip Kelly's complicated offense but this week there won't be those excuses. The Redskins run an interesting offense behind Jay Gruden but it looked like RGIII couldn't get rid of the ball fast enough. This week they'll likely be working on quick passes and getting the ball out before RGIII gets hurt.
Does the Ravens defense go after a fragile RGIII?
Following heavy criticism of Terrell Suggs for going after Sam Bradford, whether it was deemed a legal hit or not, will they hold back or go after Robert Griffin III who was bounced around like a pinball last week in their game against the Lions? The Redskins QB was concussed, then he wasn't (it was his shoulder), then he was and then he wasn't again... It may have all been a ploy to keep Griffin away from a media beating after being pummeled on the field. They don't seem to know what's wrong with Griffin but it seems like their turnstile offensive line might be more to blame. Can/will the Ravens defensive line take it to them?
Can a depleted offensive line protect Flacco?
The left side of the offensive line will be missing Monroe and Osemele and Wagner is a question on the right side. The Redskins defensive front is pretty solid even though they lost Junior Galette for the season (torn Achilles in practice). Flacco will play but if his protection is leaky and he gets hit, expect coach Harbaugh to pull him quickly.
Which WR will step up with rookie Breshad Perriman out since day 1 of training camp?
Aiken, Brown, Butler, Campanaro, Carter, Robinson, and Waller will all be looking to fill the gaps. Steve Smith Sr. is the only guy who doesn't have to worry. We hope that Campanaro can stay healthy because he looks like he has real potential. Marlon Brown has had flashes in the past and his size makes him a great target for Flacco. Waller has size as well. Aiken and Butler are both real contenders. The Ravens coaches will be looking for someone to step up and make some plays. Flacco will be throwing to them for the entire first half so this is probably the coaches opportunity to get the best look and the players chance to stand out.
How will the secondary hold up without Webb?
It shouldn't surprise anyone that Lardarius Webb, who hasn't played in a preseason game in 2 years, won't be on the field on Saturday. The bigger concern is that he didn't initially pass his conditioning test. Will he be ready to go when the season begins in just over 2 weeks? The secondary was not good last year after the loss of Jimmy Smith. The Ravens will either need Webb to get healthy and play well or another corner to step up quickly.
Who's playing in their final game with the Ravens?
The cut down to the 75-man roster is Tuesday, September 1. For all those players that are on the bubble, Saturday is their last shot. It will be interesting to see what happens, then we can predict who makes the cut.
