How big is the Washington Commanders-Baltimore Ravens game?
NBC wanted the game flexed to Sunday night, and CBS said “no.”
There’s still a long way to go, but the narrative is that Washington is the little train that could need to start to die. Over the first five games, the Commanders are showing the league who they and, as the saying goes, we need to believe them.
The question is whether Washington will continue to win in this fashion. As many have pointed out over the past couple of weeks, Kliff Kingsbury’s offense has tended to wane as the season progresses, and teams have more tape to evaluate.
It’s up to the Commanders to dispel that notion as an “Arizona thing.”
Head out of DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) on 95 North, and another fan base is getting revved up.
After losses to Kansas City and Las Vegas, the Baltimore Ravens have won three in a row, including last week’s improbable comeback against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson has continued to get into a groove as the playcalling has changed with bruising running back Derrick Henry. The more the Ravens offense plays, the better groove they get into.
The Ravens might not be the same defense without Mike Macdonald leading the way, but one can only assume that things will improve as the season progresses. It’s the Ravens’ way.
The Commanders are a 6.5-point underdog.
How can Washington pull off the upset on the road? Let’s look at the keys.
Running Game: The running game has been undervalued because of how well Jayden Daniels has played. The running game has produced over 200 yards three times in five games. Those games’ average yards per carry were 6.1, 5.8, and 6.3. Daniels is part of the running game, which is a positive when it’s a called play or an off-schedule play where Daniels has gotten through the proper reads and needs to make a play.
Brian Robinson Jr. leads the team in rushing, and Austin Ekeler has served as a combo running back in the rush and pass game. Washington has also gotten a solid contribution from Jeremy McNichols. McNichols is averaging 7.1 yards per carry.
Kingsbury will want to break tendencies as the season progresses to keep the rushing game impactful. With a rookie quarterback, the Commanders’ offense can’t be one-dimensional.
Washington is second in the NFL in rushing. The Baltimore Ravens are first.
Cut Down King Henry: Dallas’ loss was Baltimore’s gain in the offseason. The Cowboys didn’t pursue Henry, leaving the Ravens the most logical landing spot. Henry has rushed for 572 yards in the first five games, but just as importantly, he averages 18 carries per game. For those who think Henry’s slipping, ask Buffalo about the breakaway speed Henry flashed when he went for 87 yards on his first carry.
Last week, the Cincinnati Bengals bottled up Henry for most of the game, but in overtime, Henry busted out a 51-yard run that set up the game-winning field goal.
Getting Henry down on the first contact will be one of the biggest challenges, especially for the defensive backs. The Commanders can’t allow a two-yard run to turn into a four-yard run. Those little yards will lead to bigger yards as the game progresses.
Lamar Jackson’s legs have also been a weapon that the Ravens have leveraged. Jackson is second on the team in rushing, but Washington can deal with this by pinning him in the middle of the pocket. If the defense can accomplish this, Jackson will hold onto the ball, allowing rushers to have extra time to get to him. It will also force Jackson to throw an errant pass or two that could result in an interception.
Third Downs: Washington is first in the third-down conversions percentage. The Ravens are third. Both teams have been able to extend drives, which is why these are two of the best offenses in the league. The team winning third downs will have an excellent chance to win.
Dealing with the off-schedule plays made by both quarterbacks is at the top of the list. Daniels has been more willing to throw 50-50 balls at Terry McLaurin. If he does that against the Ravens, Washington could end up with big plays on third down when Daniels breaks contain.
Unless Washington blows a coverage, taking away the middle of the field in third-down passing situations will be critical. Take away tight end Isaiah Likely and make Jackson throw the ball downfield.
