5 bold predictions for Redskins vs. Ravens in preseason Week 3

5. The Redskins commit five or fewer penalties in this contest

I’m not confident that this will happen at all, but imagine how good of a story this would be. If the Redskins can clean up on their errors and the coaching staff lead a bunch of third and fourth-stringers to a solid performance, that would build some nice momentum leading up to the season opener.

Often with Jay Gruden‘s team, preparedness, discipline, and energy go together. That can be said of a lot of NFL team’s, but with Gruden’s squad, energy is important. Too often, they have come out flat in big games and put up terrible performances where the team lacks discipline in coverage, tackling, and regarding penalties. If they can change that in the final preseason game, a meaningless contest, that would bode well for Week 1.

Of course, it should be noted that Gruden isn’t a great motivator like his brother. That much has been clear based off the team’s effort in key games that could have gotten them into the playoff hunt in the past two seasons. But one thing that he can do is help his team to be more disciplined. And that can offset a lack of energy — or better yet, create energy for the team.

Again, predicting a bunch of lower-level players to put forth a disciplined performance is risky. But why can’t it happen? Expect the Redskins to have a solid showing in the final preseason game discipline wise. If they’re able to commit less than five penalties, that should back up the narrative that this team should have a chance to do well this season.