’Skins game big for fans
Tonight’s battle about beltway bragging rights
By JEFFREY MARTIN
Daily Record/Sunday News
Sunday, October 10, 2004
For once, this one might mean more to the fans than the players.
And for that reason alone, tonight’s game between the Baltimore Ravens (2-2) and the Washington Redskins (1-3) at FedEx Field has a different feel.
But that’s how it is when “rivals” clash, even if they’ve split their only two previous meetings.
This contest is more intense than most because of proximity. Technically, it’s a road game for the Ravens, but they’re only traveling about 30 miles away.
In those 30 miles and beyond lies a wide convergence of die-hard Washington and, to a lesser degree, Baltimore fans.
There is history. There is animosity. And, of course, there is hatred.
Because bragging rights are at stake and likely maintained until 2008 — the next scheduled date between the two teams — the “Battle of the Beltway” carries certain significance.
At least to the fans, as the players and coaches alike are aware.
“Outside of the Steelers, this is the game I hear the most about from our fans,” said Baltimore coach Brian Billick.
Tonight is another prime-time appearance for the Ravens, their second in seven days. On Monday night, Baltimore was manhandled by Kansas City, 27-24. It was a surprising outcome, not so much for the loss but for how the defeat was administered.
“We weren’t as physical as the Chiefs, and that’s unique for us,” said Billick.
As most of the players repeated time and time again after that loss, it was a departure from Ravens football. And worst of all, it came on national television.
Now, though, they have a chance to make amends.
At first glance, the Redskins seem to be the perfect opponent. Washington is last in the NFC East, saddled with an anemic offense (just 61 points in four games) that is struggling to establish Clinton Portis, their Pro Bowl running back. The Redskins are also in the midst of a three-game losing streak.
But nothing comes easy for the Ravens, who find themselves tied for second in the AFC North with Cleveland; both are a full game behind Pittsburgh.
And, after learning that All-Pro running back Jamal Lewis will be suspended for two games following next week’s bye, Baltimore realizes it must earn its victories when it can.
No one is worried about the defense.
“They’re a prideful group,” said Billick. “They’re very anxious to get back and show that they’re not what we saw the other night.”
But the offense, as usual, is another matter.
The coach was testy during the short week, tired of attempting to answer the same questions.
“I’m going to be as succinct as I can, and you can ask as many times as you want,” said Billick. “I don’t give a rat’s (behind) about statistics. You win or you lose. I really don’t (care). You can keep bringing it up all you want.
“It’s not just the passing game.”
Billick regained his composure, though, when discussing his coaching counterpart, Joe Gibbs.
Lured out of retirement by owner Daniel Snyder in the offseason, Gibbs led the Redskins to three Super Bowls between 1981-92. His impact this season was supposed to be larger than it has been, and already there are rumblings that the game has passed the most successful coach in Washington history by.
Nonsense, Billick said.
“That’s absurd. The man is a brilliant coach. This game is not that complicated, trust me. You’re looking at a team that is still getting used to a style and a system of play. ... Those that want to consider Joe Gibbs past his prime in this game, it’s ludicrous.”
Whether or not Gibbs can turn around these early-season problems without injured offensive tackle Jon Jansen and linebacker LaVar Arrington is an interesting subplot.
Others include:
· Nickel back Deion Sanders possibly facing his former team, if his injured hamstring holds up.
· Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Nolan squaring off against the Redskins, who fired him following the 1999 season,
· Washington rookie Sean Taylor, a safety who looks like a linebacker, wanting to impress the man he looked up to at the University of Miami, Ed Reed.
· And, of course, there’s the fans.
The outcome of this game defines their next four years.
Luckily, the players seem to grasp the severity of the situation.
“These are the games that you live for,” said Reed, the Baltimore safety. “This is why we represent Baltimore and they represent D.C. It will be a great game.”
http://ydr.com/story/ravens/44358/
