Ravens Defeat Commanders, Finish Preseason Perfect
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Washington Commanders on Saturday night by a final of 17-15, to cap off another perfect preseason. Saturday’s win extended the Ravens historic preseason win streak to 23 games and keeps the streak alive a least for another year.
The Ravens chose to sit most of its starters, as has been the theme for most of the preseason. Baltimore also chose to sit some rookies that are locks to make the team, including first round pick Kyle Hamilton and stand out rookie tight end Isaiah Likely.
But while many of the drafted rookies had the night off, first round center Tyler Linderbaum saw his first game action after missing the first two preseason games recovering from a foot/ankle injury suffered during practice. Linderbaum played nine snaps but made the most of his time. While he was called for a hold, Linderbaum held up and delivered good snaps to quarterback Tyler Huntley.
Quarterback Anthony Brown saw the most action for the Ravens under center and finished 15-for-19 passing, with 256 yards through the air, including a 67-yard bomb to newly acquired receiver Demarcus Robinson for the Ravens first touchdown of the night. Brown would also add a rushing touchdown midway through the third quarter.
Previously mention receiver Demarcus Robinson had an outstanding debut for the purple and black catching four passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. While Robison’s exact role in this Ravens offense wont be clear until the regular season starts. His performance on Saturday gives Ravens fans hope that he can be a contributor for a receiving core that still has a lot of questions.
The Ravens defense spent a lot of time on the field as Washington controlled the ball for nearly 40-minutes of game time, compared to the Ravens time of possession totaling a mere 20-minutes. Rookie quarterback Sam Howell led the charge for the Commanders throwing for 280 yards on 24-of-35 passing, while also adding a touchdown. Howell also led the Commanders in rushing totaling 62 yards with his legs.
While many of the spots on this Ravens defense are decided. Undrafted rookie Josh Ross showed exactly why he deserves to make the team. Ross played 93% of the defensive snaps and finished the night with 11 total tackles, while also adding a tackle for loss. Ross has been a bright spot for the linebackers this preseason and has outplayed just about all of the linebackers who have played for the Ravens this preseason.
While the Ravens for the most part came out of the preseason fairly healthy. Cornerback Kevon Seymour went down with an ankle injury after being rolled up on during the Commanders two-point conversion attempt later in the four quarter. Seymour has been strong for the Ravens this preseason, as it has been the most healthy training camp he has had in his career. While Seymour’s roster spot wasn’t a lock he certainly was playing his way onto the team, but depending on the severity of the injury could now derail his attempts at making this Ravens roster.
The Ravens coaching staff will now have to make some tough decisions as they cut the roster down to the final 53 before Tuesday’s 4 P.M. deadline.
The Ravens will hit the field again in two week when they take on the New York Jets, September 11th, for the start of the NFL regular season.
