By Joe Platania, PressBox Staff

The Ravens hit the road for the first time this preseason when they take a 35-mile bus ride to FedEx Field to play Washington on Saturday night at 8 p.m.

Saturday's game may be one of wide receiver Devard Darling's last chances to prove himself.  (Sabina Moran/PressBox)

Here are five things to look for:

1. As poorly as the Redskins executed in their scrimmage at Baltimore, their short-passing game moved the ball well in Washington's preseason game against Pittsburgh. It will be up to the Ravens' linebackers and safeties to make sure the middle of the field is well-patrolled; backup cornerbacks Corey Ivy, Derrick Martin and Evan Oglesby will have to police the sidelines in light of Samari Rolle's ankle injury.

2. Even though kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd has proven that he was worth the wait, field position didn't mean much in the Giants game. The Ravens had the better average drive start, yet didn't do as much with it as would have been expected. Washington is where punter Sam Koch first unleashed his directional bombs last year -- pinning the explosive Antwaan Randle El near the sidelines at least 50 yards downfield -- and they'll be needed again.

3. With linebacker Marcus Washington likely to be out due to his dislocated shoulder, the Ravens' running game should be able to punish instead of getting punished as it did against the Giants. However, the youngsters along the offensive line -- specifically tackle Jared Gaither and guard Ben Grubbs -- will have to get into space much more quickly and block more effectively than they did last week. The Ravens have to control the ball, because 24 minutes of possession time won't cut it.

Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith must play well in order to earn the third quarterback spot on the roster.  (Sabina Moran/PressBox)

4. In Round 2 of the "Great Third Quarterback Battle," it was Troy Smith's turn to shine against the Giants as he outplayed Drew Olson, the man who won Round 1. Keep in mind that both have performed adequately at best in practice against first-string defenders, but the better passer against the Washington benchwarmers should at least have a job come Sept. 1.

5. Thanks to Mark Clayton's sprained ankle, it's time to get a long -- and possibly, last -- look at Clarence Moore and Devard Darling. The wideouts have yet to distinguish themselves the past few years, and they have to be looking over their shoulders at UCLA alum Matt Willis, who has a comfort level with ex-Bruin Olson.

Issue 2.34: August 23, 2007