“The Washington commanders have placed an end to the Baltimore Ravens’ 24-recreation preseason prevailing streak, securing a 29-28 victory at FedEx field. Right here are 5 key takeaways from the commanders’ 2nd preseason win, introduced to you by way of the Maryland lottery:
- Howell’s Impressive First-Half Performance: In what likely marked Sam Howell’s final preseason appearance, the second-year quarterback showcased why Ron Rivera had confidence in naming him the starting quarterback. Howell exhibited poise and composure, leading the Commanders’ offense effectively. He displayed accuracy, smart decision-making, and an ability to navigate various game situations. Howell completed 19 of 25 passes for 188 yards, finishing with a passer rating of 123.4, instilling confidence in the team’s choice.
- Defense’s Initial Struggles: The Commanders’ defense started slowly, a recurring issue they aim to address in 2023. During the opening drive, the Ravens’ offense found little resistance, with missed tackles and poor pursuit angles allowing Baltimore to score quickly. However, the defense improved as the game progressed, registering three-and-outs and containing the Ravens in the second half. It’s important to note that most starting defenders did not play, highlighting room for growth in the team’s defensive depth.
- Quan Martin’s Rebound: After a challenging debut in the first preseason game, Quan Martin showcased his potential on Monday night. Martin’s interception, where he chased down a deep pass, displayed his determination and playmaking ability. The rookie’s performance indicated that judging a player solely based on one preseason game is premature, and as he grows more comfortable, such plays should become more frequent.
- Mental Errors Impact Both Sides: Washington committed costly penalties, contributing to Baltimore’s success. Defensive pass interference and neutral zone infractions extended Ravens’ drives and led to points. On the offensive side, penalties disrupted drives and put the team at a disadvantage. Cleaning up these errors will be crucial before the season opener.
- Jake Fromm’s Game-Winning Drive: Despite preseason’s non-competitive nature, there was drama as the Commanders’ offense, led by Jake Fromm, mounted a game-winning drive. Fromm faced adversity, including a fumble and a critical pass interference call. However, he made key throws to keep the team in contention. Joey Slye capped the drive with a 49-yard field goal. While preseason wins hold limited significance, this moment brought the team closer and showcased their potential.”