The Baltimore Ravens were able to put things together after a rough start offensively as they beat the Washington Redskins 23-17. The game got off to a sloppy start as neither team was able to put together a drive. Both the Ravens and Redskins went three and out twice at the start of the first quarter. The Ravens lost Bernard Pierce to what is said to be a possible concussion after he took a hit from Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather.
This was the last action of the preseason for most of the Ravens starters. Some of the players that were on the field today may have played their last downs as a Raven. Here are some Ravens vs Redskins post game notes:
- Steve Smith Sr. showed up in a big way today. He exhibited the tenacious style of play that was a trademark back in his days as a Carolina Panther. Smith ended the day with six receptions for 80 yards including a 30 yard touchdown. He showed that even at 35 years old, he can still run by defensive backs. The route was a pure go route and Smith was able to make a sliding catch in the end zone after getting behind E.J. Biggers. Smith also broke a few tackles as he converted on a third down. Get used to Steve Smith Sr. being the go to guy for Joe Flacco in the clutch.
- The running game couldn’t get going for a change as the Redskins held the Ravens to only 82 yards rushing. That’s a far cry from the 194 yards per game that they were averaging during the preseason. Ray Rice didn’t see the field. Pierce took the reps with the first team and only had four carries for minus three yards before being taken out due to injury.
- Terrence Brooks really showed up. He had an early interception that was called back due to a pass interference call on Dominique Franks. He also flashed his athleticism when he closed in on Griffin as he scrambled. Griffin couldn’t get away from Brooks because he tracked him down like he was shot out of a cannon. Brooks seemed to have a better grasp of the defense and it showed by how fast he was on the field.
- Timmy Jernigan also continued to show that he is a very athletic big man. He got his first sack when Robert Griffin III was trying to escape as the pocket collapsed. Jernigan ran parallel to Griffin step for step and prevented him from turning the corner. He forced Griffin out of bounds for a loss. Jernigan was also able to utilize that patented swim move of his to get by offensive linemen and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
- Brandon Williams stood out on the defensive line. He was able to consistently make his way into the backfield and be very disruptive on running plays. Williams solidified his spot at the zero technique. The power that he brings along with the leverage that he is able to get against offensive linemen greatly improve the Ravens rush defense. A good example of how he can break up plays was when the Redskins went for it on fourth down in the third quarter. Williams was able to penetrate four yards into the backfield and took the running back down for a five yard loss.
- The running game couldn’t get going for a change as the Redskins held the Ravens to only 82 yards rushing. That’s a far cry from the 194 yards per game that they were averaging during the preseason. Ray Rice didn’t see the field. Pierce took the reps with the first team and only had four carries for minus three yards before being taken out due to injury.
- Dominique Franks and Chykie Brown got the start at corner due to injuries to Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb and Asa Jackson. They both held up well, preventing the Redskins receivers from any big gains. Desean Jackson was actually shut out despite being targeted a few times. Franks saw most of the action as Kirk Cousins seemed to go to the receivers that went against him. Griffin was held to five completions for eight yards and one interception. The interception came on a play in which Darryl Smith deflect a Griffin throw and C.J. Mosely caught the deflection. He was also sacked three times.
- The Ravens were in the red zone three times and didn’t score a touchdown on any of their drives. They failed to score a touchdown three times in the red zone and came into this game having scored touchdowns in four of their five previous red zone visits.
- Kyle Juszczyk once again was a legitimate weapon out of the backfield. He collected five catches for 53 yards.
- Deonte Thompson made another push for a roster spot. This time his speed flashed when he made his only reception count for a 21 yard touchdown on a nine route from Tyrod Taylor.
The Ravens will need to reduce their roster to 75 players by Tuesday. This is the end of the road for the players that will not be asked to stay with the team. Roster cuts are always a hard thing for a personnel staff. This will especially be the case because of the intense competition at wide receiver. Jeremy Butler, Kamar Aiken, Thompson and Campanaro will have to fight for one, maybe two roster spots left on the roster.
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