Preview: Ravens Look to Extend Streak Against Commanders
After a 20-19 win in their first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Ravens will now hit the road for the fist of two times this preseason, as they battle local rival the Washington Commanders.
The Ravens and Commanders had two days of joint practices early last week that allowed both teams to compete with many of their starters throughout the two days, many of whom will not play on Monday night for both sides. Tempers flared during the two the joint practices, which is not uncommon for those kinds of practices between two teams looking to be competitive during the 2023 regular season.
The Ravens will look to continue their record streak of 24-straight preseason games, this time without regular backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. Huntley left last Saturday nights contest with a hamstring injury and did not practice this entire week. Head Coach John Harbaugh did not elaborate on who would start Monday night, but did say that both Josh Johnson and Anthony Brown Jr. will each play a half.
Players to Watch:
Quarterback Anthony Brown Jr.
Second year quarterback Anthony Brown Jr. took over for an injured Huntley last Saturday night, but struggled with his limited opportunity. Brown Jr. went just three-for-eight for seven yards while also throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown. With four quarterbacks on the roster, and only two expected to make the final roster. Brown Jr. will need to not only play better then last week, but also outplay Johnson for any hope of making at least the practice squad for the second year.
Wide Receiver Sean Ryan
The leading receiver for the Ravens against the Eagles, catching four passes on seven targets for 37 yards. Ryan, who was is an undrafted rookie out of Rutgers, has been making is name known after not only a strong game last Saturday but carrying it over into practices. With a loaded Ravens receiving core Ryan’s opportunity to make the final roster is thin, but he is a player to keep an eye on. If he can improve on last weeks performance, he will give Ravens GM Eric DeCosta and the Ravens front office a good problem to have moving forward toward final cuts.
Cornerback Ronald Darby
Newly acquired cornerback Ronald Darby will look to make an immediate impact Monday night. Marlon Humphrey is expected to be sidelined for the start of the regular season after undergoing foot surgery last week. With Humphrey sidelined the Ravens went after the veteran Darby who they will be relying on to fill in for Humphrey. The cornerback position is thin for the Ravens and a strong showing by Darby on Monday night will put the Ravens brass at ease for the time being.
Outside Linebacker Malik Hamm
Undrafted rookie and Baltimore native Malik Hamm made his case last Saturday for why he deserves to make the final roster. Hamm was all over the field finishing the night with two tackles including one sack, two quarterback hits, and one pass deflection. Hamm plays with great quickness and strength and has a strong opportunity to stake his claim to make the final roster with a strong against the Commanders. Hamm has the chance to become the 19th undrafted rookie to make the Ravens final 53-man roster in the last 20 seasons.
