Final thoughts leading into the Ravens game

History

With the Ravens being formed as recently as 1996 and an expansion team (plus being from the AFC North), there have only been 7 occasions where the two teams have met. Baltimore hold the edge with four wins to the Commanders three.

Let’s get one killer stat out the way: Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson is 20-1 vs the NFC! If we didn’t know we are up against the current league MVP, that stat kind of underlines the quality we face.

Look back game has to be 2012: the Battle of the Beltway. Arguably the start of the Griffin III injury curse who went out the game in the fourth quarter after a hit by, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata the then Redskins won the game 31-28 in OT courtesy of a 64-yard punt return by CB Richard Crawford (hist first ever PR) which set up the winning FG by Kai Forbath.

The Ravens had the last laugh, however, as led by Joe Flacco, they went on to win the Superbowl for the second time in their history when they defeated San Francisco.

Keys to win  

Defense

Play all four quarters hard as not everything will go your way against such quality opposition: Baltimore are the number 1 team in the NFL for running the football.

Keep fresh: regulate and balance the snap count for the two main DT guys Daron Payne and Jon Allen. Both rookie Johnny Newton and, in particular last week, big Phil Mathis, are starting to show they could be super reliable backups (and perhaps more in the future). Mathis has a big frame even when facing Henry.

With the Baltimore duel threat on the ground of Lamar Jackson and the juggernaut RB Henry, there are going to be times where you get run over a little. Try to contain Lamar where possible, although to be fair Jackson has been scrooge like with INT, with only one turnover so far in 2024 and although he can obviously kill the opposition with both his legs and extended plays.

Lamar is not exactly a novice in the pocket though. The return of Ferrell to set the edge would be a welcome return and Efe Obada looks to be active too.

Offense

Take the opportunities as they present themselves/let the plays develop/don’t force things, do not force it vs a first year DEF coordinator in Zach Orr.  Even with a very stout DL against the run, I feel Washington should 100% not go too pass happy.

The Baltimore backfield against the pass is 31st in the league with 280 yards allowed per game in the air. The Washington WRs have been very good at playing hard until the whistle goes to end a play, more of the same Sunday please, especially with Daniels’ ability to extend plays outside the pocket.

Spotlight players

Baltimore has been susceptible to a chunk play or two: a spotlight Commander for me this week is Terry McLaurin who currently has a terrific chemistry with Jayden Daniels.

 It would also be nice to see Dyami Brown have back-to-back good games in burgundy and gold. Yesterday it was confirmed that Brian Robinson Jnr is out, so running by committee seems the way for this game; most on the roster seem to be benefited from the new coaches in Washington: might we see Chris Rodriguez Jnr show a little more than 2023 and be a competent short yard back in Robinson’s absence?

On the Defensive side of the ball, Washington are yet to record an INT in 2024; a turnover or two would be welcome and CB Mike Sainristil might just be that dude vs the Ravens

Prediction

The Ravens have the 2023 MVP under centre and a running back who already has 9 TDs. They are well coached by John Harbaugh with 2024 his 17th year as HC and with none of the dysfunctional shenanigans that occupied last week’s Cleveland Browns.

Still, the Washington OFF has been humming and the DEF has only let 14 and 13 points the last two weeks.

Might the national profile of QB Jayden Daniels hit even greater heights?

Washington 34-31 Baltimore in a classic.