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Previewing the Washington Redskins vs. Baltimore Ravens in NFL Preseason Week 1

By Jacob Camenker

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 11: Nate Sudfeld #2 of the Washington Redskins in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 11, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 11: Nate Sudfeld #2 of the Washington Redskins in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 11, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Larry Fitzgerald (11) of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball after a catch as Su’a Cravens (36) of the Washington Redskins attempts to make the tackle during the first quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Larry Fitzgerald (11) of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball after a catch as Su’a Cravens (36) of the Washington Redskins attempts to make the tackle during the first quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Redskins defense vs. Ravens offense

For the Redskins defense, the main thing to watch is the rush linebacker rotation. With Preston Smith out, Ryan Anderson and Junior Galette will get a chance to prove that they’re capable of starting for the team. Anderson seems more likely to have a chance to do this; the Redskins may be concerned about Galette playing too much because of his injury history. But still, this will be a good chance to look at the top backup options.

The secondary will also be an intriguing thing to watch. I would imagine that the Redskins will give Kendall Fuller some action as a starter to see how he holds up. If he has made major strides, he could turn into the team’s No. 3 cornerback or could take over for Bashaud Breeland as a starter. Breeland has struggled a bit in camp, so he needs to prove himself early in the season to keep his job.

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Elsewhere, Su’a Cravens will get a chance to play at safety a bit, and Deshazor Everett should see some action too. The two have immense upside. If Cravens is ready to transition to the safety position, from linebacker, then he will be one of the stronger players in the back four. He could definitely help the team as they look to improve their coverage against tight ends. Everett, meanwhile, has a chance to win the No. 3 safety job. He is a big hitter, and his physicality should be on display against the Ravens.

The final piece to watch is rookie Jonathan Allen and the other defensive line acquisitions. Allen is going to see a good deal of action, and it will be interesting to see how he fares. He would have been a top five pick had it not been for shoulder concerns, so hopefully he will do well early on. Across the line, nose tackle Phil Taylor will get tested by the Ravens prospects on the interior, including rookie Jermaine Eluemunor. Taylor is currently favored to start at the position, so this game will be important for him.

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