Redskins Pick'em contest

by Uncategorized

It’s the Redskins at the Ravens tonight. Make your picks in the comment section. Thanks!
Also, here’s my preview of the game:
On offense, Washington needs to make several big plays in the passing game — somehow. The Ravens will stack the line of scrimmage to stop Clinton Portis and force the Redskins to throw the ball. This is the correct strategy and will eventually force Head Coach Jim Zorn and Campbell to do what they have tried to avoid all season — take chances downfield with their inferior receiving corps. Washington doesn’t face a lot of 3-4 defenses and when they did against Pittsburgh, the result was ugly. The Ravens are ranked 2nd in the NFL against the run, so pounding it down Baltimore’s throat is unlikely to work. Sooner or later, the Redskins will have to throw the ball downfield and risk interceptions — the Ravens lead the NFL in interceptions. Zorn will have to be more creative as the Giants demonstrated for everyone just how to shut down the Redskins. 
Defensively, the Redskins need to rattle Baltimore QB Joe Flacco, which won’t be easy. However, Washington’s secondary is better than any the Ravens have faced so far. Getting past FS Laron Landry is very difficult and SS Chris Horton has been a pleasant revelation. The cornerbacks are very strong, with Carlos Rogers having easily his best season [contract year!]. Shawn Springs is a nickel back and Fred Smoot is back there, as well. DeAngelo Hall has been a playmaker since signing with Washington and has the advantage of having already played the Ravens this year as a member of the Oakland Raiders. Washington will have to blitz to get any pass rush at all and Defensive Coordinator Greg Blache prefers to avoid blitzes. He’ll try to confuse the rookie QB with exotic looks and shifting and when he does blitz, it will be from the outside and will probably use Landry and Horton and Springs. Washington will stack the line to shut down Baltimore’s strong rushing attack. This will probably work and it will be up to Flacco & Co. to beat the Redskins downfield. 
The game will probably be close and come down to a turnover or two. 
Predicted score: Ravens 16 Redskins 13

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