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In a highly anticipated NFL matchup, the Baltimore Ravens took on the Washington Commanders, a game that showcased the stark contrast between a playoff-contending team and a squad still in the process of rebuilding. While the Ravens managed to secure a 484-yard offensive performance and a relatively comfortable victory, the Commanders showed moments of competitive spirit, despite being outmatched in many aspects. This game was a valuable opportunity to analyze the Ravens’ dominant offense, led by MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, and the Commanders’ defensive struggles that ultimately hampered their chances.
The Ravens controlled the game for much of the contest, showcasing their usual blend of powerful running and efficient passing. Running back Derrick Henry continued his dominant season with 132 yards and two touchdowns, while Jackson chipped in with 323 passing yards and a touchdown, showing that he can still be an elite pocket passer, despite his reputation as a running quarterback. Baltimore’s offense was firing on all cylinders, leaving the Commanders to play catch-up for most of the game. However, the Ravens did have a few miscues—an interception and a fumbled snap—that gave the Commanders a glimmer of hope. Despite these opportunities, Washington’s defense couldn’t contain the Ravens’ offensive juggernaut.
On the other side, the Washington Commanders had flashes of promise, particularly on defense, where their front seven managed to limit Lamar Jackson’s rushing attempts. They allowed only 7 rushing yards on 10 carries, which was a solid showing against one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. However, their secondary was a different story. The Commanders’ defensive backs struggled, allowing 484 yards of total offense, including 132 yards from rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, who posted the best game of his young career. While the Commanders were competitive at times, their inability to keep pace with the Ravens’ high-powered offense, coupled with defensive lapses, ultimately led to their defeat. Despite the loss, Washington can take solace in a few bright spots, but they’ll need to make adjustments as they look to remain competitive in a tough NFC East division.
The Ravens entered the game with a focus on reaffirming their identity as a dominant rushing team, and they didn’t disappoint. Behind the physicality of their offensive line and the relentless play of running back Derrick Henry, Baltimore racked up 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Henry continues to prove his worth as a force on the ground, regularly breaking tackles and powering through defenders, making it difficult for any defense to contain him.
However, it wasn’t just the run game that stole the spotlight. Lamar Jackson, often perceived primarily as a mobile quarterback, showcased his passing prowess in this matchup. With 323 passing yards, Jackson solidified his reputation as a versatile quarterback, capable of making explosive plays through the air as well as on the ground.
While his performance wasn’t without a few mistakes—Jackson threw one interception, a play that many attributed to a miscommunication with Mark Andrews—his ability to generate yardage was crucial. This game also marked Jackson’s resilience, showing the league that he remains one of the most underrated quarterbacks in recent NFL history.
One of the most notable performances came from Zay Flowers, who notched his biggest game of the season, with 132 receiving yards on nine catches. The rookie receiver stepped up in a major way, showing that he can be a top target in the Ravens’ offense. Despite the run-heavy game plan that often keeps the ball out of the air, Flowers showed that even when Jackson is passing, he is capable of making big plays.
This game was a welcome sign for Flowers’ development, and while he’s yet to be a major factor in the touchdown department (with just one to his name), his consistent yards after catch and ability to create separation are promising signs for the future of the Ravens’ passing attack.
While the Ravens’ offense was firing on all cylinders, their defense still has some room for improvement, particularly in the secondary. The Commanders managed to post 269 passing yards, the second-lowest amount given up by the Ravens in their first six games, yet the Ravens’ pass defense remains a bit of a liability.
The secondary struggled with some key moments, allowing Benjamin St. Juste to get torched on multiple occasions. The Raiders game, where they struggled against Jimmy Garoppolo, highlighted the issues the Ravens have had against competent passing offenses. Though their defense is still one of the best in the league overall, the cornerbacks, especially in coverage against quicker, more mobile quarterbacks, need to continue improving.
Though the Washington Commanders ultimately lost this matchup, the team showed heart and grit, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Commanders’ front seven provided some resistance, especially against Lamar Jackson’s rushing efforts. They were able to limit Jackson’s mobility, keeping him to just seven yards on 10 carries, with his longest rush being 33 yards. This ability to contain Jackson’s scrambling was a notable positive from the game.
However, despite their success in limiting Jackson’s rushing yards, Washington’s defense was overpowered in the passing game. The Commanders allowed a staggering 484 total yards, with the Ravens exploiting gaps in the secondary. The defensive line, while talented, was unable to stop the Ravens’ physical ground game, and the secondary’s inability to consistently cover Baltimore’s dynamic receivers left them vulnerable.
On the offensive side of the ball, Jaden Daniels held his own as the Commanders’ young quarterback, throwing for 269 yards in a solid, yet imperfect, performance. Although Daniels’ yards weren’t extraordinary, he showed that he could manage the game and compete against one of the NFL’s top teams. This marked his second-lowest yardage allowed by an opposing defense this season, underscoring that the Ravens’ pass defense, despite being inconsistent, can still impose challenges on opposing quarterbacks.
However, the reality is that the Commanders’ offense, while promising, is still growing and evolving. It has been apparent that they need to add more pieces to contend with teams like the Ravens. Without a more consistent defensive performance, it will be hard for them to keep pace with top-tier teams.
While there are bright spots, the Commanders’ defense still has serious concerns. Despite some encouraging performances from their front seven, the secondary continues to be a significant weakness. Players like Benjamin St. Juste struggled, allowing multiple receptions and penalties, while Emmanuel Forbes—a first-round pick—has yet to fully show why he was selected so high in the draft.
The Commanders’ defense has shown flashes of potential, particularly against mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson, but their lack of consistency, especially against the passing game, will likely hold them back as they try to compete in a stacked NFC East.
The Ravens, after an up-and-down start to the season, are now firing on all cylinders, with four consecutive wins. They have balanced their offensive attack with a dominant rushing game and an increasingly confident passing game from Lamar Jackson. However, their secondary remains a concern, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against elite quarterbacks in the coming weeks.
If the Ravens can tighten up their defense, particularly against the pass, they have the makings of a Super Bowl contender. With playmakers like Jackson, Henry, and Flowers, the sky is the limit.
The Commanders have shown they can hang with the league’s top teams, but they’re not yet at the level of elite contenders. They will need to make adjustments, particularly in the secondary, if they want to compete in the NFC East. With games against divisional rivals New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys coming up, the Commanders have a tough road ahead.
Despite the loss, Washington has shown they can be a competitive team this season, and if they can strengthen their defense, they might just be able to secure a playoff spot. Still, the lack of consistency in their secondary will likely be their Achilles’ heel in the short term.
While the Ravens emerged victorious against the Commanders, there were important lessons for both teams to take away from the game. The Ravens continue to establish themselves as one of the league’s top teams, with a dynamic offense that can score in multiple ways. However, their defense—particularly the secondary—remains an area for improvement.
On the other hand, the Commanders, though outmatched in many ways, demonstrated that they have the talent to compete with the NFL’s best. Their defense has potential, and their offense, led by Jaden Daniels, is progressing. However, for them to truly compete for a playoff spot, they’ll need to address their defensive shortcomings.
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