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NFL Week Five Preview: Washington Redskins vs. Baltimore Ravens

By Eric Robinson

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) celebrates after making a first down during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) celebrates after making a first down during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Baltimore Will Win

Quietly, the Ravens have fielded the best defense in the league arguably so far with a unit that is ranked first overall in total defense. In three of their four games played this season, the defense has allowed 261 yards or less, including 160 yards in a week one victory over Buffalo. Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs and lineman Timmy Jernigan are both tied for three sacks while linebacker C.J. Mosley leads the team in interceptions with two to go along with three pass deflections and 23 total tackles. The defense is also seventh in scoring defense and first in the NFL in first downs allowed per game while also allowing just 80 rushing yards a game, good for fifth in the NFL.

For years, the defense has been the calling card in Baltimore and things don’t seem any different.

The offense hasn’t been a force this season and the one element that truly needs a spark is the run game. The running back position was incredibly deep during the preseason but now just relies on former Cleveland Browns back Terrance West. His 113 yards and a touchdown was a positive sign against Oakland and is the most reliable for the Ravens at the moment. Quarterback Joe Flacco is averaging 268 passing yards per game while completing 63.5% of his passes. After playing in just seven games the past two seasons, tight end Dennis Pitta has already collected 21 catches and deep threat receiver Mike Wallace leads the team in touchdown receptions with three while adding 14 catches for 210 yards.

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