Commanders vs Ravens Preview (10-12-24)

By: Jaden Golding

Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders

Baltimore, MD – Week Six, now approaches the Washington Commanders (4-1) as they travel across the beltway to take on the Baltimore Ravens (3-2). Washington currently owns a four-game winning streak, and the Ravens losers of their first two games of the season are now winners of three straight.

The headlines entering Sunday’s contest are rookie sensation Jayden Daniels versus superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. Daniels has received comparisons to Jackson’s game with his dual ability as a runner and passer and his dynamic playmaking. But Daniels has stated he doesn’t like the comparisons. “I don’t like when people try to compare me to Lamar,” Daniels continued. We’re two different players. I want to be known as Jayden Daniels.”

Jackson has been amazing amidst Baltimore’s three-game streak, he’s amassed at least a 120.0 passing rating or higher, thrown seven touchdowns, and ran for two scores. Washington’s defense will have their hands full trying to contain Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs turning it into chunk plays, but also being able to make throws from inside and outside the pocket. The Commanders’ defense had one of its most productive days last week against Cleveland, getting to the quarterback seven times, forcing one fumble, allowing only 108 passing yards and 13 total points. 

Keys To Victory For Washington

● Neutralize Lamar’s Ability To Extend Plays: If Washington wants to play spoiler tomorrow afternoon, they’ll have to do everything they can to contain Lamar Jackson as best as possible. Lamar is an elite all-around quarterback that can do it all. The Commanders must disguise coverages to confuse him, dial-up different blitz looks, spy on Jackson, and contain the edges. Washington could look to use more safety in the box and try to have more speed to keep up with Jackson.

● Don’t Allow Derrick Henry To Dominate: Henry has been a terror this latter part of last month rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns vs. Dallas (9-22), 199 yards and a score vs. Buffalo (9-29), and 92 yards and a touchdown last week against Cincinnati (10-6). A lot is riding on this defensive line to contain the two primary playmakers of Baltimore. Henry can start slow but start to pick it up as the game goes and that’s where he becomes extremely dangerous. You must match his physical style of downhill running and be prepared to meet him in between tackles.

● Keep Converting In The Red Zone: To stay in or come out with a victory, the number one scoring offense in the league must continue to take advantage of its red zone trips. With these two teams being high-powered offenses, Washington knows to score touchdowns, not field goals. They’ll be without running back Brian Robinson Jr., so they’ll lean on Austin Ekler more and look for more of the RPO to try and keep Baltimore’s defense guessing.

Baltimore and Washington Player To Watch

● LB Kyle Van Noy: Van Noy before last week’s game against the Bengals. Had three straight weeks of two sacks in each game. He’s done a great job of finding the quarterback and disrupting offenses. Back in week four, he had a 92.5 pass-rushing PFF grade, and this is in year 11 for him. Keep an eye out for No.53. 

● WR Terry McLaurin: Baltimore’s defense as a whole has not played well in 2024. They’ve struggled in the passing game, ranking second-to-last giving up 280.2 passing yards per game. Starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey is also questionable with an ankle injury. McLaurin finally has a quarterback who can get him the ball consistently, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is well aware of the Ravens’ struggles on the defensive side and he’ll look to exploit that with his star receiver. 

Versus Baltimore

This will be the eighth meeting between the in-state foes. Baltimore leads all time 4-3. Winning the most recent meeting back in 2020, 31-17.

Final Verdict

This is probably the most anticipated game of the week. All eyes will be on both starting quarterbacks, who outplays who? Can the Commanders keep up with the Ravens? Will Daniels and the fiery offense come to a screeching halt? If Washington wants to put the league on notice they have to stick to their style of football and limit the big plays this Raven offense constantly makes week-in-and-out.