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Redskins vs. Ravens: Preview, matchups to watch, score prediction for NFL Preseason Week 4

By Jacob Camenker

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins passes in the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins passes in the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 22: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins passes in the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 22: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins passes in the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Redskins offense vs. Ravens defense

Case Keenum will be sitting on Thursday night. That means that Dwayne Haskins will get the first start of his NFL career. And that’s the most interesting storyline of this contest.

Haskins was the 15th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and he is the quarterback of the future for the Redskins. Keenum beat him in the team’s quarterback competition and it seems that Haskins needs some time to develop. Still, Haskins has shown growth during the preseason and in extensive action, he could continue to build upon his positive progress with a solid performance.

As I noted in a recent article, Haskins’ performance in the pocket will be of particular interest. Here’s my explanation for that.

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"The big thing to watch in this contest will be Haskins’ pocket presence and poise. He looked shaky in that area in his first start but has gotten more comfortable as the preseason has gone along. If he can continue to show well in that area and prove to be more mobile than people initially thought, he will do a lot to showcase his upside and show the coaching staff that he will eventually have a chance to be the starter."

The good thing is that Haskins will be tested in the pocket. The Redskins don’t have a lot of offensive line depth and the Ravens have some interesting young players that should see action on the defensive line including Gerald Willis III, Zach Sieler, and Jaylon Ferguson. If Haskins can stand up to the pressure, that should demonstrate that he is improving with his pocket presence and ability to read the field.

Speaking of the offensive line, Timon Parris should get his chance to make a case for being on the 53-man roster. Parris currently looks like a developmental fourth tackle and he has flashed some this preseason. If he can help keep Haskins upright, he could make the team and challenge Geron Christian for the swing job (though Christian is still probably in the lead for that role).

As for the weapons on display in this game, Darvin Kidsy, Cam Sims, Jehu Chesson, and tight end JP Holtz will all be battling for spots in the receiving corps. If Haskins shows chemistry with some of them and gets them involved, they could make the team.

In the running game, it’s all about Samaje Perine and Craig Reynolds. Can Perine build on a solid performance last week to take the fourth running back spot? If not, can Reynolds take it, or is he destined for the practice squad? We’ll soon find out how they can do in the preseason finale.

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