Ravens Experience Bests Commanders In 30-23 Victory (10-13-24)

By: Jaden Golding

Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders

Baltimore, MD – The Washington Commanders lose yesterday’s Battle Of The Beltway against the Baltimore Ravens, 30-23. Washington’s (4-2) four-game winning streak ends, as Baltimore (4-2) now are winners of four straight to take sole possession of first place in the AFC North Division. 

Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson was dominant from start to finish. He was excellent in the passing game, and Jackson didn’t have to use his legs as much due to his success getting the ball to his playmakers. Jackson threw 20-26 passes for 323 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception, and 40 rushing yards. This now marks back-to-back weeks that Jackson has thrown for 300+ passing yards, with 348 against Cincinnati in week five. 

Also for the Ravens, wide receiver Zay Flowers had nine catches for 142 yards, Rashod Bateman caught four passes for 71 yards and tight-end Mark Andrews had one of his best games this season catching three passes for 66 yards and a score. 

Onto the opposing quarterback in Jayden Daniels. Daniels had a great overall game that flashed his veteran-like instincts already in his young career. Daniels went 24-35 in the passing game with 269 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and 22 rushing yards. Daniels made some nice-tough throws that continue to display his accuracy and precision in making the correct decisions. His two touchdown passes to Terry McLaurin were beautiful throws, on the first throw he held the defender with his eyes looking at his first read and then hit McLaurin right over the head of the Baltimore player in the back left endzone. The final touchdown was a beautiful throw in the fourth quarter on fourth-and-goal trailing 27-13, sailing right into the hands of a diving McLaurin on the left pylon with a Baltimore defender draped on him. 

Zach Ertz caught four passes for 68 yards, Noah Brown returned after missing last week’s contest with a groin injury and had four catches for 58 yards. Austin Ekeler caught four passes out of the backfield and picked up 47 yards. 

Defense Struggles Again

The Commanders’ defense began the game promising on the first drive, after a short bubble screen to Zay Flowers resulted in a 44-yard gain, rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil intercepted a Jackson pass to tight-end Mark Andrews that he bobbled. Sainristil’s pick was the first of his career and Washington’s first interception of the year. The next two Baltimore drives resulted in a field goal and three-and-out. Entering the second quarter the game was tied 3-3 with Washington gaining possession. Baltimore scored on their next five of six drives, with the last one having them run the clock out for the victory. 

Washington’s secondary struggled all game, with miscommunication resulting in wide-open receivers, not being able to stay with receivers as they were beaten on short throws for big yards and crossing routes over the middle. Benjamin St.Juste was mainly attacked as he was flagged for two third-down penalties that resulted in first downs and gave up quite a few catches to different Baltimore receivers. The defensive line had instances of pressure as defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. had his defense blitz 40% of the time, and outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. hit home, sacking Jackson twice. But Jackson was 10-11 for 162 yards against the blitz as it didn’t affect his ability to stand in the pocket and make throws. Derrick Henry hurt Washington in the second half as he ran for two touchdowns in the third quarter and ultimately finished with 132 yards on the ground at 5.5 yards per carry. The defensive line was holding their own earlier in the game closing up the lanes and stacking the box, but over time they wore down and ultimately let Henry start getting it going as the game wore on.

Washington Players of the Game

● QB Jayden Daniels: Even with no rushing attack on the day from him or his running backs minus the injured Brian Robinson Jr., he still kept the Commanders in the game and made big-time throws when a play was needed. He stayed calm in the pocket and didn’t let negative plays rattle him. Two words…. FRANCHISE QUARTERBACK

● LB Dante Fowler Jr.: Fowler Jr. had himself a game with four tackles (all solo), three tackles for loss, two sacks, and two QB hits. He was everywhere and the main component of this defense that was making plays yesterday afternoon. 

● K Austin Seibert: But he missed a field goal? That didn’t matter after getting his 52-yard kick blocked before halftime, Seibert responded with a 55-yard attempt down the middle, and a crucial 49-yard field goal to make it a one-score game with 2:52 left in the game. Great response and poise from the young man. 

● WR Terry McLaurin: I mean what can I say that we don’t already know about 17? He makes plays when the ball is in his hands. A great sideline diving touchdown in the fourth, a great sideline diving third-down catch on their first touchdown drive in the second, and the toe tap touchdown grab on that same drive. Love the duo of 17 & 5, it’s putting the league on notice now.

Injuries

DT Jonathan Allen: Unfortunately for Allen and Washington, he is now out for the season with a season-ending pectoral tear confirmed by head coach Dan Quinn in this afternoon’s presser.  Quinn also added “It’s a big blow for us…. We’ll certainly miss him this season.” Allen left the game in the third quarter and did not return. Crushing blow to this defensive unit and line, losing a great player and leader. 

DE Dorrance Armstrong: Armstrong left the game in the first half with a rib injury as he came back out of the locker room in street clothes later on in the game. He’ll undergo more testing to determine the full extent Quinn told reporters. 

DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste: Jean-Baptiste sustained a right ankle sometime in Sunday’s game and was seen limping to the locker room afterward and exiting in a walking boot. His x-rays came back negative but his status for Sunday’s game against Carolina is TBD according to Quinn. 

Up Next:

Washington hosts the Carolina Panthers at Northwest Stadium, on Sunday Oct 20. at 4:05 p.m. on CBS.