The Washington Redskins will play their final preseason game on Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. In the fourth game, most of the team’s starters will not play as coaches are trying to get a final look at those players that will round out the final 53 man roster and practice squad.
Victory in the preseason isn’t super important but the product on the field and its quality are. There is still plenty of work to be done as the Burgundy and Gold looked abysmal on the offensive and defensive side of the ball in preseason week three against the Denver Broncos.
Let’s examine three important factors for the Redskins to have a chance to secure a win in the last preseason game before the beginning of the regular season.
1. Third down conversions
Washington has struggled mightily through three games converting only 7 of 34 third downs for a horrific 20.58%. In 2017, they finished the season ranked 31st in the NFL on converting third downs offensively (32.35%). Their inability to convert on third down has become a bad habit that has been a detriment to the team’s success.
Sustaining drives not only kill time on the clock but normally leads to points scored or at the very least, allows the Redskins to win the field position battle. Friday night against the Denver Broncos, Washington was a putrid 9% on third down. If the Redskins want to have an opportunity at winning their final preseason game against the Ravens that has to be rectified.
2. Eliminating big plays on defense
The Redskins had a difficult time tackling and covering against the Broncos in Week 3. Whether it was through the air or on the ground the Redskins were simply manhandled allowing 7.4 yards per play early in the contest. From the starters to second and third stringers, players were missing a slew of tackles resulting in big plays and scores for the opposition.
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Cornerbacks Josh Norman and Fabian Moreau were picked on allowing a few big plays from WRs Courtland Sutton and Emmanuel Sanders.
Despite not having the starters on the field for the game against the Ravens, the Redskins will need to address the missed tackles and broken coverages before they hit the regular season.
3. Touchdowns over field goals
Some points are better than no points at all but a lack of touchdowns especially when in the red zone has been the Achilles heel of the Redskins offense. Washington has only scored three touchdowns all preseason.
Washington is two of six in red zone touchdowns which is not a formula for convincingly securing victories. If the Redskins want to be able to win any game they have to be able to convert in the Red zone. Consistency and attention to detail from all will assist them finding paydirt more often than not.