CT: Redskins, Ravens Look Ahead to Openers

[bubba9497]

Redskins, Ravens Look Ahead to Openers

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/wire/sns-ap-fbn-redskins-ravens,1,7486567.story?coll=sns-ap-football-news

BALTIMORE -- It's got all the elements of an intense rivalry: both teams play their home games in the same state, Washington and Baltimore are separated by a 40-minute drive on I-295, and each team enjoys unwavering support from its fans.

Yet, when the Redskins and Ravens conclude their preseason schedule Thursday, they will be far more focused on getting increased production from their struggling offenses than establishing bragging rights in a series that has evoked little emotion from the participants.

"Although we are playing the Washington Redskins, we have to keep a mindful eye to the opener -- how much certain people play or how much the starters go," Ravens coach Brian Billick said.

In other words, winning the game stands about 48th on Billick's list of priorities. Most of all, he wants quarterback Kyle Boller to hone his game and running back Jamal Lewis to get a whiff of action before the Ravens (1-2) turn their full attention toward the Sept. 11 opener against Indianapolis.

"Offensively, we want to be efficient," Boller said. "Anytime you get in a game situation, it's a great opportunity to go out and try to execute and move the ball and get points on the board."

The Redskins, similarly, are seeking to improve an offense that has sputtered throughout the preseason. Washington (1-2) has totaled 44 points in three games, and Patrick Ramsey has twice as many interceptions as touchdown passes (4-2).

Ramsey, who has been outplayed by backup Mark Brunell, hopes to solidify his grip on the job by performing better than he did last week against Pittsburgh (12-for-19, 141 yards, one interception, one TD).

"We only had a couple of plays of 20 yards or more, and you always want to add to that," Ramsey said. "Finish the drive, things like that. You can always look at something that can make you better."

With the final cutdown day looming, Redskins coach Joe Gibbs hopes his team's performance will shed light on a few individual battles.

"It's a chance for the guys to make a last statement on the field," he said.

Santana Moss, David Patten, Antonio Brown and James Thrash are virtually assured a spot at wide receiver, and Kevin Dyson hopes a big game against the Ravens will enable him to join that list.

"I think I've had a pretty good camp as far as health and speed and catching the ball. I started off slow, but once I got that rust off of me, I feel like it's been pretty good," Dyson said. "It's a business, and I understand it. You can't keep everybody. They've got to let somebody go, and hopefully I'm not one of those guys. If I am, I feel like I did everything I needed to do to stay around."

If the Redskins' offense sputters, Gibbs will at least get the chance to gather information on the punting game. Tom Tupa was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, so newly signed Chris Mohr and Andy Groom will share the punting duties against the Ravens. Whoever fares better will get the job for the regular season opener against the Chicago Bears.

Redskins safety Ryan Clark couldn't care less that Washington is playing Baltimore. He just wants to hit someone in a different color uniform after missing the last two games with a knee injury.

"I have to play," he said. "I'm just looking forward to getting out there and hitting somebody, throw my body around like a crash dummy."

Lewis, tight end Todd Heap and linebacker Peter Boulware probably feel the same way. Lewis hasn't played during the preseason because of a sore right ankle; Heap has been held out because of shoulder and ankle injuries; and Boulware was signed last week.

"We have a lot of priorities," Billick said "First and foremost, we have got to get a good look at some players. This is our last chance. We don't want to let a good player leave here

"The second is that we need to get some good players some playing time: Todd Heap, Jamal Lewis if possible, and Peter Boulware. Finally, we need to get ourselves ready for the opener."

[MonkeySkin]

Billick's making excuses ahead of time.

[footballhenry]

Wow, #2 offense in preseason yet weve 'sputtered' throughout and the guy writes as if Ramsey had a BAD game last week :doh:

[freakofthesouth]

Yeah...a sputtering offense.

Sure, we've thrown picks. But our offense has been relatively potent. What matters though, is getting the points, and that's something that we must capitalize on.

[NYCskins]

Yeah...a sputtering offense.

Sure, we've thrown picks. But our offense has been relatively potent. What matters though, is getting the points, and that's something that we must capitalize on.

Uh, while we've improved, I would not exactly describe the offense of potent. It has potential, no doubt, but potential and $3.00 gets me a tall latte at Starbucks.