Washington at Baltimore, Week 14
Sunday, 8:15 p.m. (WRC-4, WBAL-11)
First things first: Be sure to check washingtonpost.com's full Gameday preview.
However much this matchup of teams based 32 miles apart might matter to the fans -- and, let's face it, primarily Ravens fans -- its significance to the players was, as the Associated Press reported, written all over Ravens QB Joe Flacco's chest. He wore a "Battle of the Beltway" T-shirt during an interview session, and was why.
"They made me wear it," he said.
Fact is, since it's an inter-conference game, the teams don't play often enough to develop any genuine enmity. The stakes between two teams playing to improve their playoff standing will have to do. The Ravens have lifted themselves into postseason contention by beating the teams they're supposed to, going 6-0 against teams with losing records. Those days are gone, as the follow today's matchup against the 7-5 Redskins with games against the 9-3 Steelers and 8-4 Cowboys.
The Ravens, however, appear well prepared for a step up in competition. Since being dominated, 30-10, by the Giants on Nov. 16, has outscored its two opponents, the 6-5-1 Eagles and 1-11-1 Bengals, by a total of 70-10. The defense has scored two touchdowns in that span while allowing one. It's hardly a dream matchup for a Redskins offense that has averaged one touchdown per game over its last four and appears to have grown increasingly frustrated. Guard Pete Kendall told reporters that facing the Ravens' aggressive 3-4 formation -- one that recently bedeviled Washington on losses to the Steelers and Cowboys -- is "like a trip to the dentist."
QB Joe Flacco has been at the heart of the Ravens' surprising renaissance, but he is hardly the only youngster stepping forward in the team's backfield. The combination of second-year RB-FB Le'Ron McClain, who had all of eight carries for 18 yards last season, and rookie RB Ray Rice is not only filling in for injury-dogged Willis McGahee, it might be forcing him to the bench. McGahee, a Pro Bowler last season, didn't play at all in last week's 34-3 rout of Cincinnati even though he was active. In his absence, McClain and Rice combined for 127 yards on 36 carries.
"It's like a positive right now," McGahee, told reporters. "The injuries I have, it just gives me a chance to heal my body and let it rest even more, just adding on another couple years to my football span."
"I guess everybody has to wait until Sunday" to find out who will carry the load against the Ravens, who leads the team with 545 rushing yards and six touchdowns, to McGahee's 489 and five and Rice's 423 and none.
By
David Larimer
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December 5, 2008; 8:00 AM ET
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Game Previews Week 14
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