'Skins Week 14 Preview: @ Baltimore
That’s What He Said: Last week, the Ravens creamed the Bengals as expected, while the Giants creamed the Redskins, which everyone should have expected. Defense, as usual, is the backbone of the Ravens’ organization – not good news for a ‘Skins team that managed only one touchdown Sunday against the Giants. The Ravens rank even higher than the Giants defensively (Baltimore is second overall). Meanwhile, Jason Campbell has been sacked more than any quarterback this year save 3, and running back Clinton Portis is still questionable for Sunday’s game against the Ravens because of a sore neck, a sprained knee, and various other injuries -- though he says he’s going to play. Should Portis not play, Campbell showed himself capable of picking up the slack Sunday – he had 34 rushing yards to Portis’ 22 Sunday and actually led the 'Skins on the ground. We’re pretty sure that wasn’t in the game plan.
Baltimore has finally become more than one dimensional on offense thanks to rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. But a bigger shout out goes to Baltimore’s running game, which is third in the league with a triplet running back system similar to the Giants. And last week, Mark Clayton led NFL wide receivers with five catches for 165 yards and one touchdown. The Ravens also rank tenth in points per game – a stat the Skins can only dream about right now. But Washington has the sixth best defense in the league, and rookie quarterbacks can always be pressured into making mistakes. DeAngelo Hall could make things interesting for Flacco. Hall’s interception Sunday against Manning the Younger ties him for the second most interceptions this year with 5. And we’re ready for a big game from Chris Horton, who is currently first in Pro Bowl fan voting for the NFC’s strong safety position. London Fletcher, who led the NFL in tackles last week, will be a game time decision due to his foot injury.
The 'Skins aren’t breaking the record books this year, but they have excelled in getting the job done. So if it takes a little smoke and mirrors from Devin Thomas to win Sunday, why not?
Let the Best Rookie Win: Both head coaches are rookies at their positions, but John Harbaugh has the Ravens at 8-4 and situated for a Wild Card spot, while Zorn is trying to keep his 'Skins in Wild Card contention at 7-5.
For the Chips N’ Dip Crowd (those of you there for the food, the beer, or because your boyfriend gave you no choice): Want to feel even more disgusted watching the game Sunday? Compare your starting salary to Baltimore's rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. This summer, Flacco signed a five-year, $30 million contract with $8.75 million guaranteed. But even Flacco could whine "unfair" compared to fellow rookie quarterback Matt Ryan's sweet deal of $72 million over six years (with $34.75 million guaranteed). We're surprised the auto industry hasn't tapped them for handouts already.