BALTIMORE — The Washington Commanders, along with their rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, aimed to gauge their true capabilities against the Baltimore Ravens, a team that has consistently remained a top contender with a diverse array of talents.
Following a tough 30-23 defeat on Sunday, the Commanders recognized that significant improvements are necessary before they can legitimately be considered among the league’s elite.
“Even though we were competitive at the end,” remarked Washington’s head coach Dan Quinn, “it felt one-sided.”
Entering the game on a high note after a four-game winning streak that placed them at the summit of the NFC East, the Commanders encountered a formidable opponent featuring a tenacious defense along with an offense spearheaded by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and veteran running back Derrick Henry.
Despite the close scoreline, Washington (4-2) could have claimed they were approaching contender status after narrowly losing by a touchdown to a team that competed in the AFC title game from the previous season. However, the way Jackson exploited the Commanders’ defense and the manner in which Baltimore’s defense curtailed the league’s highest-scoring team painted a clearer picture of the standings between the two Maryland teams.
Washington managed to hold a slim advantage of 3-0 early on but fell behind 27-13 as they entered the fourth quarter. In their last two matches—both decisive victories against Arizona and Cleveland—Quinn elected to rest his starters in late-game situations. In contrast, this time, the Commanders were striving to turn the tide in the waning moments of the contest.
While their winning streak may have ended, the day was not entirely unproductive.
“I told the team that these types of games are crucial for us to experience and understand what real competition looks like,” Quinn highlighted. “We fought all the way until the finish. That’s the determination I was looking for.”
Daniels recorded impressive numbers, completing 25 of his 34 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns—both of which were caught by Terry McLaurin. However, his performance was overshadowed by Jackson, who completed 20 of 26 passes for 323 yards and one touchdown.
Jackson benefitted from the contributions of Henry, who rushed for 132 yards and scored twice. Meanwhile, Daniels’ running game struggled, producing only 52 yards in the absence of starting running back Brian Robinson Jr.
Yet, with the Ravens known for their dominance in stopping the run, it’s debatable whether Robinson’s presence would have significantly altered the outcome of the game.
When asked if he had faced a defense like this during the season, Daniels responded, “To this point, definitely. The way they operate and how aggressive they are is tough to contend with.”
Despite the loss, Jackson praised Daniels’ performance, stating, “He absolutely deserves the recognition he’s receiving. He played exceptionally well out there. They just fell short. Over the past six games, he has been impressive.”
Daniels spent a considerable amount of time evading pressure in the pocket while surveying his options, as his receivers faced tight coverage. Though it was a challenging experience, both he and the Commanders are likely better for it moving forward.
“These are the kinds of games you want to experience. It’s the type of environment we will encounter going ahead,” Daniels reflected. “You’ve got to know how to secure those victories.”
Though it wasn’t their moment this time, they remain hopeful for future opportunities.
Commanders running back Austin Ekeler, who was limited to only 21 yards on nine attempts, commented, “We came out fighting; they just made a few more plays than we did. But we will bounce back and be ready for the next challenge.”