Ravens Vs. Redskins: Scouting Report & Game Plan

Defensive Game Plan:

The Ravens have to limit the big plays in this game. They may want to use their athletic linebackers in pass coverage. C.J. Mosley has two interceptions this season and Zach Orr had a big interception himself. When the Redskins opened the Monday Night Football schedule against the Pittsburgh Steelers, I noticed something big. Cousins will force throws, especially down the middle of the field. Steelers linebacker, Ryan Shazier, had a huge interception when Cousins tried to hit Reed in the middle of the field. It wasn’t the only throw that Cousins forced in that game either.

Cousins has thrown four interceptions this season and he has been sacked seven times. Cousins is a gunslinger. He believes he can throw into each and every window. Cousins is playing well, but his biggest mistakes come from taking chances he shouldn’t. Dean Pees needs to bait Cousins into throwing interceptions.

The Ravens need to use Lardarius Webb and Eric Weddle to prevent big plays down the field. When Jay Gruden was the offensive coordinator of the Bengals, he made the Ravens pay with big throws down the field. It seems highly likely that we’ll see a bunch of deep shots down the field.

When the Redskins are in the red zone, Dean Pees has to bracket Reed. This means man coverage and help from the strong safety. Reed had two touchdowns against the Browns. On the first, he lined up on the outside as a wide receiver. Reed ran a post and the safety could not get over in time after the corner was no match for the tight end. On the second, Cousins extended the play and Reed wiggled his way open in the back of the end zone.