Washington Commanders Defeat Ravens in Preseason Opener, End 24-Game Winning Streak
In their first home game under the new ownership of Josh Harris, the Washington Commanders secured a thrilling one-point victory over the Baltimore Ravens, putting an end to the Ravens’ impressive 24-game preseason winning streak. While some may consider preseason games meaningless, for Washington fans, this showdown felt like a preseason Super Bowl against their local rival.
The game showcased the talents of Washington’s rookie quarterback, Sam Howell, who impressed both as a passer and with his mobility in the pocket. Howell led an impressive two-minute drive in the first half, culminating in a touchdown pass to Dyami Brown. His performance throughout the game was exceptional, going 19-25 for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Howell looked comfortable and in control, a promising sign for Washington’s offense as they aim to find their identity before the regular season.
In the second half, the intensity escalated with contributions from the reserves on both teams. The game concluded with a game-winning 49-yard field goal by Joe Slye, sealing the victory for Washington. Slye’s successful kicks were instrumental in ending the Ravens’ winning streak.
Apart from Howell, several players stood out on the field. Jahan Dotson emerged as a standout receiver, leading the team with five receptions for 76 yards. Antonio Gibson showcased his versatility with three catches for 10 yards, including a powerful touchdown run and 15 rushing yards. Dyami Brown had a limited number of receptions but made them count, including an impressive touchdown catch despite tight coverage. Joey Slye’s flawless performance was crucial to Washington’s victory.
However, there were also some players who struggled during the game. Jacoby Brissett, Washington’s backup quarterback, had a tough third quarter, throwing an interception and failing to connect for any touchdowns. Chris Rodriguez, the leading rusher, committed a crucial mistake by fumbling the ball, jeopardizing his chances of earning more playing time. Quan Martin’s tackling abilities were highlighted as a weak point, as he struggled to bring down opponents throughout the game. Rachad Wildgoose also had difficulties in coverage, allowing easy completions, including an early touchdown.
Some notable observations from the game included the solid performance of Washington’s offensive line against the Ravens’ second-team defense. The line provided decent pass protection and opened up running lanes for the offense. Saahdiq Charles showcased athleticism and power at the starting left guard position, despite a holding call. Cole Turner impressed as a reliable receiving option and blocker in the absence of Logan Thomas. Jarret Patterson made a significant impact with a 15-yard touchdown reception, while Kazmeir Allen stood out as both a receiver and returner, potentially threatening the position of Dax Milne.
On the defensive side, Emmanuel Forbes demonstrated his playmaking abilities with a key tackle for loss, although he did miss a tackle early in the game. Jamin Davis, Washington’s first-round draft pick, made tackles but showed a lack of impact plays and appeared less explosive compared to previous seasons. On a positive note, Andre Jones Jr. stood out as an impressive pass rusher, securing his spot on the roster. However, David Mayo continued to struggle in coverage, getting beat by opponents.
Overall, the preseason opener brought a mix of excitement and disappointment for Washington Commanders fans. The victory over the Ravens, ending their impressive winning streak, gives hope for an exciting regular season ahead. As the team works to fine-tune their strategies and build chemistry, there is no doubt that Washington fans will eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.
