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LANDOVER, Maryland (Ticker) -- After a short week, the
Baltimore Ravens
make a short trip to FedEx Field to face the
Washington Redskins
in an interconference matchup on Sunday night.
The Ravens hope to have Pro Bowl back
Jamal Lewis
available for the game. According to numerous reports, Lewis is expected to plead guilty Thursday in his federal drug conspiracy case. That would allow him to serve jail time in the offseason.
However, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue may then slap a suspension on Lewis.
"We just have to let the process work itself out, that's really all we can do," Ravens coach Brian Billick said.
Lewis rushed for 73 yards on 15 carries in the Ravens' 27-24 loss to the
Kansas City Chiefs
on Monday night.
All of a sudden, the Redskins are facing adversity under Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, who has lost three straight after an unimpressive season-opening win over Tampa Bay.
Following last week's 17-13 loss to the
Cleveland Browns
, Redskins running back
Clinton Portis
expressed his frustration, claiming that the Browns defensive players anticipated the running plays as if they were in Washington's huddle. But Gibbs put the blame on turnovers instead of playcalling.
"We turned the ball over seven times against the Giants (in Week Two) then we come back against Dallas (in Week Three) and go turnover free," Gibbs said. "Then we turn around and against the Browns we turn the ball over a couple of times. You can't do that and expect to win at this level."
Portis rushed for just 58 yards on 20 carries and had a key fumble on the first play of the second half.
Laveranues Coles
caught seven passes for 122 yards, but fumbled with 2:08 left to end Washington's last chance at a comeback.
Gibbs also could have pointed to Washington's inability to convert on third downs (1-for-11).
"We need to take a look at that," Gibbs said. "We had some penalties that put us in 1st-and-15 or 1st-and-20 situations, and it's hard to overcome those."
On Sunday night, they will try to overcome the Ravens, who saw their defense get pushed around in the loss to Kansas City.
"We do not usually lose because we weren't as physical as the other team, but that was the case Monday," Billick said.
Rookie B.J. Sams was a bright spot, returning a punt 58 yards for a touchdown.
Ravens nickel back
Deion Sanders
has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.
The interconference neighbors last met in October 2000 and the Redskins posted a 10-3 victory.
Matchup to watch: Coles lines up across Pro Bowl left cornerback
Chris McAlister
.
Series: Tied, 1-1.
Next week: Baltimore has a bye, October 17 Washington visits Chicago, October 17
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