Written by John Keim at ESPN.com
The sensible way to approach the Washington Redskins’ preseason opener is to understand what it means: nothing. The Baltimore Ravens defense unloaded looks the Redskins weren’t prepared for, making life more than difficult with the starters on the field. Maybe, in a real game, they would have adjusted.
But sensible isn’t the only way to view the Redskins’ 23-3 loss to the Ravens. Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins played only six snaps and threw two passes. In those two series, the Redskins gained minus-1 yard. So forgive him if he’s not taking that sensible approach. The defense, for the most part, played well. But the offensive struggles overshadowed all.
“It showed us that as much as we have been making plays in camp and feeling good about what we’re doing, it’s a realization that we have a long ways to go,” Cousins said. “It can be a good thing in the long run. It could be good to have that wakeup call. It could be the best thing we need right now.”
The Redskins’ starting offense allowed one sack and produced 2 yards on three runs in its six plays. It was hardly the sort of debut Washington wanted. The Ravens front did whatever it wanted. That’s where the problems begin.
Washington’s defense has thrown a lot at the offense during training camp. But Cousins said this was different: Baltimore was using more man coverage than they’ve seen; the Ravens also were using different stunts and blitzes. It wasn’t about who was missing — tight end Jordan Reed; receiver Jamison Crowder — as much as it was about what the Redskins couldn’t do.
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