Battle of the Beltways, Battle of MSB: Ravens and Commanders Close Preseason in Baltimore
By Brian Hradsky
It is the Battle of the Beltways.
For Maryland Sports Blog, it is also something of a Battle of MSB.
The Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders will meet Friday night at M&T Bank Stadium for their third and final preseason game, bringing together the two NFL franchises Maryland Sports Blog covers on a night that will probably mean much more to the players fighting for jobs than it does to the stars already preparing for September.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The game will air nationally on NFL Network, with Baltimore entering at 2-0 and Washington at 1-1 this preseason.
And yes, MSB will have representation inside the stadium.
I will be at the game with my best friend, Terrance Walker, for this latest edition of the Battle of the Beltways.
Are we expecting Ravens-Commanders to turn into an unforgettable preseason classic?
Probably not.
This is the third preseason game. Lamar Jackson is not playing. Many established starters are likely to spend most or all of Friday night watching from the sideline. Washington already treated Wednesday’s joint practice in Owings Mills as the more important opportunity for its frontline players.
There could be punts.
There could be penalties.
There could be a fourth quarter featuring players most casual fans have barely heard of.
It might get ugly.
It might get boring.
But that does not make it meaningless.
For dozens of players on both sidelines, Friday could be one of the most important football games they ever play.
Two Cities, One Football Region
Baltimore and Washington are separated by roughly 40 miles, depending on where you measure from, but the football cultures surrounding the two franchises can sometimes feel much farther apart.
Baltimore is unquestionably Ravens country.
Move south through central Maryland, however, and the colors begin changing from purple and black to burgundy and gold.
The dividing lines are not always clean.
There are Ravens fans living in Commanders territory, Commanders fans living in Ravens territory and plenty of families, workplaces and friend groups divided between the two.
That is part of what makes this matchup fun even when the game itself does not count.
The Ravens and Commanders do not share a division. They do not meet every season when the games matter. There is no playoff race directly connecting them.
Geography does the work instead.
Maryland sits right in the middle of it.
That makes this a particularly appropriate game for Maryland Sports Blog.
MSB has always been heavily connected to Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens, Orioles and Capitals, but our coverage has expanded significantly over the years. Washington’s NFL team is an important part of the Maryland sports landscape as well.
Friday night gives both sides of that readership something to follow.
The Ravens Enter 2-0
Baltimore has quietly put together an extremely impressive preseason under first-year head coach Jesse Minter.
The Ravens opened their exhibition schedule with a convincing 24-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium.
Baltimore nearly pitched a shutout despite resting almost all of its projected starters. Rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane caught a 16-yard touchdown from Joe Fagnano, Adam Randall scored on the ground and the Ravens controlled the game from start to finish.
Baltimore followed that performance with an even more defensive-oriented showing in Minnesota.
The Ravens defeated the Vikings 13-3, holding Minnesota without a touchdown while recording five sacks and forcing two turnovers.
Fagnano completed 15 of 20 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, while LaJohntay Wester caught the game’s only touchdown. Silas Walters helped seal the victory with an interception late in the fourth quarter.
Through two preseason games, Baltimore has surrendered just 10 total points.
That is preseason football, of course.
Nobody should start printing Super Bowl tickets because third-string defenders are shutting down backup quarterbacks in August.
Still, the style matters.
The Ravens have looked fast.
They have tackled well.
They have generated pressure.
They have created turnovers.
Most importantly, they appear to be establishing the defensive personality Minter wants.
After Baltimore stumbled to an 8-9 record last season, improving the defense became one of the central missions of the offseason. Minter’s fingerprints are already starting to appear throughout the unit.
Minter’s Ravens Already Showing an Identity
That defensive performance has not been limited to preseason games.
Baltimore’s defense drew strong reviews during joint practices against Minnesota and again Wednesday against Washington.
The Ravens reportedly made life difficult on Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels throughout the practice, producing consistent pressure, closing throwing windows and limiting Washington’s ability to establish its rushing attack.
That may ultimately be more significant than whatever happens Friday night.
Baltimore’s starting defense is loaded with recognizable names, and the addition of veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson gives the Ravens another potentially devastating piece along the front.
Hendrickson was disruptive throughout the joint practice with Washington, and Baltimore believes the veteran is beginning to resemble the player who recorded consecutive 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024 before injuries limited him last year.
The Ravens will not reveal much strategically during August.
They do not need to.
If Baltimore can consistently rush the passer without exposing the secondary and play with the physicality Minter demands, this defense has the ingredients to become a major reason the Ravens rebound in 2026.
Do Not Expect Lamar Jackson
Anybody buying a ticket Friday hoping to get an extended look at Lamar Jackson should adjust expectations.
Jackson has not played in either of Baltimore’s first two preseason games, and Minter confirmed that he will not play against Washington.
The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player instead received his final competitive work against another team during Wednesday’s joint practice.
Jackson said afterward that he feels ready for the regular season and comfortable in first-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle’s offense.
That is exactly how Baltimore should handle him.
There is nothing Jackson needs to prove Friday night.
Keeping him healthy for Week 1 is dramatically more important than getting him six or eight meaningless preseason passes.
The same philosophy applies to many of Baltimore’s established veterans.
What Ravens fans will see instead is the final stage of several roster competitions.
And those battles might actually be more interesting.
Baltimore’s Quarterbacks Behind Lamar
Baltimore’s preseason has provided extended opportunities for its reserve quarterbacks.
Joe Fagnano has made a strong impression.
Against Minnesota, Fagnano went 15-of-20 for 123 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. He also threw Baltimore’s first touchdown of the preseason against Philadelphia, finding Lane for a 16-yard score.
Veteran Tyler Huntley has also received work and completed five of eight passes for 63 yards against Minnesota.
For quarterbacks competing behind an established superstar, preseason games are essentially their regular season.
Every snap matters.
Every protection adjustment matters.
Every third-down conversion matters.
And every turnover can change the shape of a roster decision.
Friday represents the final full-game audition.
Ja’Kobi Lane Has Become One of Baltimore’s Best Summer Stories
One Raven who has made himself difficult to ignore is rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane.
Lane entered the summer battling for a role in a crowded receiving group and has continued stacking positive performances.
He caught the Ravens’ first touchdown of the preseason against Philadelphia and has also impressed Jackson throughout camp.
During Wednesday’s joint practice, Lane made another strong impression, including a catch that prompted Jackson to compare his hands favorably with former Ravens receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and DeAndre Hopkins.
That does not mean Lane is suddenly Beckham or Hopkins.
It does mean the rookie has gotten the attention of the most important player in the building.
Friday provides another opportunity for Lane and Baltimore’s other young receivers to strengthen their cases before roster decisions arrive.
Washington Comes to Baltimore at 1-1
The Commanders enter Friday having experienced a little bit of everything during their first two preseason games.
Washington opened with an encouraging 20-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
The Commanders’ defense settled down after Miami’s opening possession and controlled much of the rest of the evening.
One week later, Washington suffered a 17-13 loss to the Detroit Lions.
There were positives despite the defeat, particularly from Washington’s starting defense, but head coach Dan Quinn also saw enough areas needing improvement that the Commanders added additional practice work during their final week before roster cuts.
Washington’s record is irrelevant.
The evaluation is not.
This roster has undergone significant change, and several competitions remain unresolved heading into the final weekend of August.
Jayden Daniels’ Important Work Probably Already Happened
For Commanders fans hoping to see a heavy dose of Jayden Daniels, Wednesday may have been the more meaningful Washington-Baltimore matchup.
The Commanders publicly described the joint practice as an important measuring stick, particularly for their starters, while identifying Friday’s game as an opportunity for roster-bubble players to make their final cases.
Daniels faced the Ravens’ starting defense in Owings Mills and received a genuine challenge.
Baltimore generated consistent pressure and forced Washington into underneath throws.
That is useful work.
There is little benefit in unnecessarily exposing Daniels to hits Friday night simply because the opponent happens to be Baltimore.
Washington needs Daniels healthy when the real games begin.
Washington’s Offensive Line Bears Watching
One of the biggest developments of Commanders training camp has been the injury to left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Washington announced earlier this month that Tunsil suffered a triceps injury that required surgery, leaving the Commanders to shuffle their offensive line.
That makes offensive-line depth exceptionally important.
Friday will give Washington another opportunity to evaluate tackles, guards and centers against a Baltimore organization traditionally known for developing defensive talent.
For bubble offensive linemen, this is not merely another preseason game.
The coaching staff needs to identify which players can be trusted if injuries strike once the season begins.
Baltimore’s depth along the defensive front should provide a legitimate test.
The Commanders’ QB3 Question
One of Washington’s most intriguing roster stories involves seventh-round rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis.
Washington entered camp with Jayden Daniels firmly entrenched as its starter and Marcus Mariota offering veteran experience behind him.
Kaliakmanis has complicated the question of whether the Commanders should carry a third quarterback.
The rookie has continued improving during camp and has made enough of an impression that Washington’s own team coverage described him as making a legitimate case for a roster spot.
Friday could be huge for him.
Preseason finale football often becomes quarterback-driven because starters sit and coaches want lengthy evaluations of players further down the depth chart.
Kaliakmanis could receive exactly that opportunity.
Sonny Styles Is Another Commander Worth Watching
Commanders rookie linebacker Sonny Styles has generated significant attention throughout camp.
Styles showed his speed and physicality during Washington’s early padded practices and followed that by displaying coverage ability against the Ravens during Wednesday’s joint session.
Washington has competition throughout the linebacker and defensive back groups.
A player such as Styles can help himself considerably by showing versatility.
Can he defend the run?
Can he cover?
Can he contribute on special teams?
Can the coaching staff trust him in multiple packages?
Those questions become more important than the final score Friday.
Washington Has Already Settled One Special Teams Battle
One position Washington does not need Friday to decide is kicker.
The Commanders named rookie Drew Stevens their starting kicker after he impressed during camp and showed off tremendous range, including a 60-yard field goal during practice.
Washington subsequently moved on from Jake Moody.
That will give Commanders fans an opportunity to see another young specialist they hope can become a long-term answer.
And in a game where offensive touchdowns may be difficult to find, the kickers could get plenty of work.
This Could Be a Defensive Slugfest
Everything about this matchup suggests points could be at a premium.
Baltimore has allowed 10 points in two preseason games.
The Ravens beat Minnesota 13-3.
Washington lost to Detroit 17-13.
Baltimore’s defense has looked excellent throughout camp.
Both teams are expected to hold back many of their primary offensive weapons.
That is generally the recipe for preseason football that only a coach could love.
Expect conservative play-calling.
Expect runs between the tackles.
Expect short throws.
Expect special teams to matter.
Expect fourth-and-short decisions designed more to evaluate players than to win the game.
And do not be shocked if the final score looks like something from the 1950s.
But Friday Means Everything to the Bottom of the Roster
This is the part of preseason football that sometimes gets forgotten.
Lamar Jackson does not need Friday.
Jayden Daniels probably does not need Friday.
Derrick Henry does not need Friday.
Terry McLaurin does not need Friday.
A fifth-string defensive back absolutely does.
The final preseason game can represent the difference between making an NFL roster and being released.
Some players are competing for the 53-man roster.
Some are trying to prove they deserve a practice-squad opportunity.
Some are effectively auditioning for every other NFL team at the same time.
Every special-teams tackle matters.
Every missed assignment matters.
Every block matters.
A quarterback checking into the correct protection matters.
A receiver running the correct route when the football goes somewhere else matters.
Fans will watch the ball.
Coaches will watch almost everything else.
That is what makes the third preseason game worth watching.
Battle of the Beltways History
Baltimore has controlled much of the preseason history between these franchises.
Entering the 2025 preseason, the Ravens held a 12-4 advantage in the preseason series, a matchup that has been played repeatedly because of the short distance separating the organizations.
The regular-season series has been much more competitive historically.
That distinction is important.
This is not Ravens-Steelers.
It is not Commanders-Cowboys.
Nobody should pretend otherwise.
Those are division rivalries shaped by decades of meaningful games.
Baltimore-Washington is different.
It is regional.
It is bragging rights.
It is purple shirts and burgundy jerseys showing up at the same Maryland restaurants and bars.
It is friends giving each other grief.
It is families divided on Sundays.
And that can still make it fun.
The New-Look Ravens Have Plenty to Prove in 2026
Baltimore enters this season in an unusual position.
An 8-9 season is not acceptable by Ravens standards, particularly with Lamar Jackson in his prime and a roster constructed to contend.
That led to major change.
Jesse Minter now leads the organization, and Declan Doyle is installing another offensive system for Jackson.
There are legitimate reasons for optimism.
Jackson says he feels comfortable.
The defense has looked outstanding throughout August.
Trey Hendrickson adds another dangerous pass rusher.
Young players have emerged.
But preseason optimism only goes so far.
The real evaluation starts Sept. 13.
Friday is simply the final dress rehearsal for everybody else.
Washington Is Trying to Take Another Step
Washington has its own set of expectations.
Jayden Daniels remains the centerpiece.
The Commanders have surrounded him with veteran talent including Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs and Chig Okonkwo, while Washington’s offensive depth chart also features a backfield headed by Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
The challenge is turning that collection of talent into a team capable of handling an NFC schedule that includes a strong NFC East.
Philadelphia remains the standard Washington is chasing within the division.
The Commanders do not need to prove Friday that they can beat the Eagles.
They need to leave Baltimore knowing which 53 players give them the best chance to eventually do it.
Five Things Ravens Fans Should Watch
For Baltimore fans, forget Lamar Jackson.
Watch the depth.
First, watch the young receivers. Lane has been one of camp’s biggest stories, but Baltimore has multiple receivers trying to define their roles.
Second, watch the defensive front. The Ravens have created consistent pressure throughout the preseason.
Third, watch the backup quarterbacks. Fagnano has played well, and another efficient performance would be a strong finish to his preseason.
Fourth, watch special teams. Final roster spots are frequently won there.
Fifth, watch the discipline. Minter wants a physical team, but Baltimore also wants a smart one. Penalties and mental mistakes will matter when coaches review the film.
Five Things Commanders Fans Should Watch
Washington fans should approach the game similarly.
First, watch the offensive line. Tunsil’s injury makes depth increasingly important.
Second, watch Kaliakmanis. The rookie quarterback could be one of Friday night’s biggest individual stories.
Third, watch the linebackers. Styles has flashed throughout camp, and Washington has meaningful competition at the position.
Fourth, watch the secondary. Safety and cornerback depth remain important areas of evaluation.
Fifth, watch who plays special teams. That often tells you more about the final roster than the unofficial depth chart does.
Prediction: Do Not Expect Fireworks
Trying to predict the score of a third preseason game might be one of the more pointless exercises in football.
So naturally, we are doing it.
Baltimore’s defense has been too consistent this preseason to ignore.
The Ravens have surrendered only 10 points through two games, and their second and third units have maintained the same physical mentality shown by their starters.
Washington has enough depth to keep things competitive, but this matchup feels built for field goals, punts and one or two plays deciding everything.
MSB Prediction
Ravens 13, Commanders 9
And if the final score ends up being 9-6 after three hours of backup quarterbacks, holding penalties and punts?
Terrance and I will still be able to say we were there.
Battle of MSB
There is another reason this game is fun for us.
Maryland Sports Blog covers both teams.
MSB’s roots run particularly deep with the Ravens. Baltimore football has been part of this site since the beginning.
But Maryland is bigger than one professional team.
Commanders fans are everywhere throughout the state, particularly as you move toward Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Southern Maryland and the Washington metropolitan area.
Those fans deserve coverage too.
That is why Friday is not simply the Battle of the Beltways.
It is the Battle of MSB.
Purple and black on one side.
Burgundy and gold on the other.
Baltimore against Washington.
Friends against friends.
Neighbors against neighbors.
And in my case, a night at M&T Bank Stadium with my best friend Terrance Walker.
It might not be the most exciting football game we watch this season.
Actually, there is a pretty good chance it will not be.
But football is back.
Baltimore and Washington are sharing the same field.
Real roster decisions are on the line.
And before the games begin counting in September, Maryland gets one more preseason Battle of the Beltways.
Game Information
Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens
Date: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore preseason record: 2-0
Washington preseason record: 1-1
National television: NFL Network
Baltimore radio: 98 Rock 97.9 FM and WBAL 1090 AM
Washington radio: BIG 100.3 FM
MSB Take
Do not judge Friday night’s game by the final score.
For the established players, the biggest victory is simply getting to the regular season healthy.
For everyone else, this is essentially a championship game.
Baltimore has looked particularly impressive defensively through the first two preseason games and during its joint practices, while Washington has several fascinating young players and roster competitions worth following.
The rivalry angle makes it enjoyable.
The Maryland connection makes it relevant.
The roster battles give it meaning.
And even if the third preseason Battle of the Beltways turns into three hours of punts, field goals and players fighting for the 52nd and 53rd roster spots, there is still something pretty great about seeing Baltimore and Washington together under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium.
Football season is almost here.
Follow Maryland Sports Blog at www.marylandsportsblog.com for Ravens, Commanders and complete Maryland sports coverage.
