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The Commanders have emerged, and the Ravens are their first elite opponent
When first-place teams meet, the details matter. That will be the case Sunday in Baltimore.
Last week’s formula won’t work
Washington was bad on first and second down in Sunday’s 34-13 win against Cleveland. The team’s success rate — the percentage of plays that statistically improved its chances of winning — was 29.8 percent, which, out of the 156 offensive performances leaguewide this season, ranked 137th.
Sure, it was one game, and ultimately, it wasn’t a huge deal because the offense made up for it by being explosive on third down. But veteran tight end Zach Ertz knows that’s not sustainable.
“We need to have success [on first down] in this game,” he said Wednesday. “If we just get in third and longs against this defense, it’s going to be really tough sledding. You’re not going to be efficient on third and seven-plus consistently against these guys. … If we can get a lead, let our defense go pass rush, that’s been the recipe the last two weeks.”
But early-down success will be tough
Baltimore’s defense is excellent against the run. It has the league’s third-best success rate against rushes on first and second down, meaning it’s good at preventing offenses from getting and staying on schedule on the ground.
The Commanders could counter with quick, short passes, especially screens, as extensions of the running game to keep things moving. They have had success with those plays while the Ravens pass defense has struggled.
The game plan could put more on Daniels
In the first five games, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has avoided putting a lot of responsibility on his rookie quarterback. He has schemed up a lot of quick passes, and Daniels’s single-game highs for dropbacks (38) and pass attempts (30) count for a modest workload in the modern NFL.
This week could require more. The number of dropbacks by opposing quarterbacks in the first five weeks against Baltimore were 31, 43, 55, 35 and 43. Last week, in the Ravens’ 41-38 overtime win, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow showed that the unit can be exploited. But for Daniels, playing Baltimore could be a new test of his stamina and consistency.
SB Nation
Ravens-Commanders game will be heaven for fans of exotic smashmouth
If you’re tired of hearing about how running backs don’t matter and running quarterbacks are one-dimensional, this matchup is the one for you.
This is as old-school a matchup as you will see in today’s NFL. The Ravens lead the league with 211.2 rushing yards per game, and the Commanders rank second at 178.4. Per NFL Research, it’s the first time we’ve had two teams face off averaging over 175 yards per game in Week 6 of a season or later since Week 6 of the 1978 season, when the New England Patriots (188.8 rushing yards per game) took on the Philadelphia Eagles (186). The Patriots won that game, 24-14, and there were nearly as many rushing yards (312) as there were passing yards (378).
This isn’t the San Francisco 49ers or New Orleans Saints leading with outside zone, or the Los Angeles Rams leading with bully-ball man-on-man blocking, or the Kansas City Chiefs leading with pulls and counters. Both the Ravens and the Commanders will throw every run concept at you at just about any time, and that makes it all the more difficult to stop – because it’s all the more difficult to scout.
By the way, this will be the first game in pro football history in Week 6 or later of a season in which both quarterbacks are averaging at least 200 passing yards per game and at least 50 rushing yards per game. Jackson is at 241.2 passing yards per game and 72.6 rushing yards per game, and Daniels is at 227 passing yards per game and 60 rushing yards per game.
Riggo’s Rag
Jayden Daniels vs. Lamar Jackson: Tale of the tape for captivating Week 6 showdown
Get your popcorn ready.
The ability to conjure big plays from seemingly hopeless situations has a two-fold impact. First, it lets the Ravens know they’re never out of any play, nor any game, as long as No. 8 can still somehow get his hands on the ball.
That confidence contrasts sharply with the fear Jackson’s video game-ball antics strike into the hearts of defensive players. No matter how tough the unit, every player on every defense knows he can make them foolish at any moment. Nobody wants to be famous for the wrong reasons.
Those are benefits the Commanders have only been able to dream of since Robert Griffin III’s knee blew up in the playoffs over a decade ago. Daniels’ arrival has brought the big-play swagger back to the Burgundy and Gold.
The Cleveland Browns joined the Bengals and Arizona Cardinals as defenses left to wonder how on earth Daniels did this to them.
It’s a contradiction in terms, but Daniels and Jackson are making the unusual routine. So much so that expecting a moment of unexpected, improvised brilliance from both quarterbacks this weekend is a safe prediction.
Jayden Daniels can win the numbers game
If you want more predictions for both, expect Daniels to win the numbers game. His confidence is rising all the time in a scheme expertly called by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The two can salvage a surprisingly below-par Ravens defense ranked No. 26 in points and No. 19 in yards.
Wily former defensive assistant Dean Pees has been brought in to help first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. He might have something up his sleeve for Daniels, but the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft should still enjoy his finest day yet as a passer, topping the 260-yard mark and putting a pair of touchdowns on the board.
Daniels can also outrush Jackson. That’s a bolder prediction, but the Ravens haven’t kept anybody in the pocket consistently. The LSU product is the most prolific rushing signal-caller they’ve faced.
Commanders.com
Practice notes | Commanders downplay idea of Ravens being ‘measuring stick’
“We don’t talk in those terms of measuring sticks,” Quinn said. “Hey, it’s no secret, Baltimore’s a really good football team, but we’re not using it as a measuring stick of where we’re at.”
[Lamar Jackson] is off to another hot start and making a strong case for another MVP award. He’s fourth in touchdowns with just one interception and been sacked just five times all season. Derrick Henry leads the league with 572 rushing yards, but Jackson is not far behind him at eighth with 363. He’s the only quarterback with more rushing yards than Jayden Daniels (300).
The Commanders take Jackson, Henry and the Ravens’ offense seriously, but they have also earned the right to feel like they’re in Baltimore’s weight class. Their own offense is tied for fourth in yards per game, first in points per game and first in third-down efficiency. They’re the first team in NFL history to score 150 points in their first five games with a starting rookie quarterback, and they have handedly defeated their last two opponents — the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns — by at least three scores.
So, for the Commanders, them playing the Ravens isn’t a “David vs. Goliath” situation, but more so the case of them facing off against another quality opponent.
Commanders Wire
Commanders release rookie quarterback ahead of Week 6 vs. Ravens
On Thursday, Washington released its other rookie quarterback, Sam Hartman, leaving the Commanders with three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Veteran Jeff Driskel is Washington’s No. 3 quarterback.
The Commanders signed Hartman as a priority undrafted free agent after a standout career at Wake Forest and Notre Dame. Hartman played in the first preseason game before suffering an injury that forced him to miss the final two preseason games.
Hartman was released during Washington’s final cutdown to 53 players but was quickly re-signed to the practice squad. However, when the Commanders placed Mariota on the reserve/injured list, they signed Hartman to the 53-man roster to serve as the No. 3 quarterback behind Daniels and Driskel.
It would not be surprising if Hartman quickly returned to Washington’s practice squad. The Commanders released defensive end Justin Hollins from the practice squad on Tuesday.
Commanders Wire
Commanders’ Quinn understands challenge of facing Ravens offense
The Commanders might be getting most of the national NFL love for their offense, having scored 155 points. But the Ravens are second, only eight points back, having scored 147.
“Yeah, it’s for sure like a legit threat…So, it’s not a two-man show,” said Quinn. Most fans will think of it as only Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, but Quinn wanted the media to know up front that the Ravens offense is that good because it is more than just Jackson and Henry.
“So, you have to be really disciplined in the calls and have your eyes on the people to go. And even when you do that, it’s still hard. So, games like this comes down to tackling and ball-hawking and playing your style really well.”
Quinn is correct, as receiver Zay Flowers has 24 receptions, averaging 11.2 yards a reception. Tight end Isaiah Likely is next with 16 receptions, averaging 11.3 a reception. Tight end Mark Andrews is next, averaging 12.0 yards per reception.
Quinn knows that the Ravens run or throw the ball differently, so he can’t plan on his team aligning to stop one or the other, or the Commanders could pay dearly.
Sports Illustrated
Commanders Coach Pleased with Defensive Progress
The Washington Commanders are making moves on the defensive side of the ball.
“Collectively as a defense we’re making progress, and you go through this process to make progress,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. “And that is part of what the whole group is doing. And so that linebacker, defensive end and this team they’re going to challenge us. No secret that Baltimore’s got a good team, and they challenge you in lots of different ways. So, I’m pleased with the progress that we’re making. We’re not getting the ball and turning it over at the rate that we need to yet, but we’re making progress, we’re tackling better, I felt our speed more. And those are things that may not show up on the stat sheet, but for sure I know what that looks like and I felt more of that.”
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the Commanders defense. However, Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have made amazing progress in leading this group to where they want to be. The additions of linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu certainly help, but the coaching has been the main reason why the unit has experienced some early success.
Upcoming opponent
Baltimore Beatdown
Ravens bring back Dean Pees to serve as a senior advisor to DC Zach Orr
After a rocky start to his tenure as the replacement to Mike Macdonald as the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, first-year play-caller Zach Orr is reportedly enlisting the experience and expertise of the coach who called the defense during his brief playing career in Charm City.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec that was later confirmed by head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens are reuniting with former defensive play-caller and designer Dean Pees who is joining Orr’s staff in a senior advisory role.
The 75-year-old hasn’t been able to stay retired for long as he was most recently the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator from 2021-2022 before stepping away from the game for the 2023 season. He was the Tennessee Titans’ coordinator from 2018 to 2019 before taking the 2020 season off. During his eight-year stint in Baltimore from 2010-2017, he coached several top units and helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII in his first year calling plays after spending two seasons coaching linebackers.
Baltimore Beatdown
Ravens Injury Updates: Key starters return to practice; a few remain absent
On Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens saw numerous players return to the practice field after being absent on Wednesday. Three key starters, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, wide receiver Rashod Bateman and cornerback Marlon Humphrey all returned to the practice field.
Concern began to bubble after Humphrey was absent on Wednesday. He was spotted with his left foot in a walking boot after the Ravens’ Week 5 overtime win against the Cincinnati Bengals. The following Monday press conference, Head Coach John Harbaugh repeatedly stated they escaped the game without much on the injury front.
“Yeah, these are physical, tough games with the turf and all that,” Harbaugh answered regarding Humphrey’s status. “Don’t want to make any promises but I think we’re in good shape.”
Podcasts & videos
Gruden says it’s the BIGGEST Washington game in YEARS
The Commanders Coming, Hon | Command Center | Washington Commanders | NFL
‘The Huge Commanders-Ravens Preview ‘ by The Bram Weinstein Show https://t.co/T7ZZckKCI5
— Bram Weinstein (@RealBramW) October 10, 2024
Episode 929 – Preview of #WASvsBAL. Biggest early-season game for Washington in years.
– shootout between Jayden Daniels & Lamar Jackson?
– #Commanders‘ run defense vs. Derrick Henry
– discussion of comments from Kliff Kingsbury & Joe Whitt
– Rhyming Keys!https://t.co/wJirPb7KkR— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) October 11, 2024
Talking NFL game of the week — yes, Commanders at Ravens — with @JacksonSports. That’s the game on and off the field. Also, quarterbacks, Derrick Henry, Brian Robinson, turnovers, gumption and the universe working in mysterious ways.https://t.co/1jNLnSReeW
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 11, 2024
Beltway Football: Ravens preview
NFL Week 6 preview: Washington Commanders vs. Baltimore Ravens | Chris Simms Unbuttoned | NFL on NBC
Photos
Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Another work day
Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders preparing for their next game against the Baltimore Ravens.
