The Commanders got pushed around in Baltimore on Friday, and the numbers told the story all night. In a 41-3 preseason loss to the Ravens, Washington’s offense never found a rhythm, the defense couldn’t slow anything down, and the gap between the two teams kept widening.
Baltimore piled up 26 first downs to Washington’s seven, while the Commanders were held to 177 total yards and out-gained 456-177. On third down, Washington was a rough 1-for-12, and that lone conversion didn’t come until the final minute.
The Commanders’ ground and aerial production never got off the ground, either. Washington averaged 3.4 yards per pass and 3.4 yards per rushing attempt, a flat evening from start to finish. Punter Tress Way ended up doing plenty of work, booting seven punts, including one that traveled 57 yards.
The game started badly for rookie running back Kaytron Allen, who fumbled on Washington’s first play from scrimmage. He put the ball on the ground again the next time he touched it, though this second fumble was not lost.
Washington also entered the night missing a long list of players, with 41 Commanders declared out for the final preseason game. Six Commanders receivers sat out as well, while Luke McCaffrey and Van Jefferson both played and each finished with one catch for 17 yards.
Former Commanders receiver Chris Moore made an early impact for Baltimore, catching three passes on the Ravens’ opening possession, including a tough touchdown grab down the right sideline.
By the third quarter, the broadcast frustration was obvious. Former Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher summed it up on the Commanders radio call: “This is gross right now, quite frankly,” said former Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher during the third quarter, on the Commanders radio broadcast of the game.
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Assistant general manager Lance Newmark also had to address the addition of two tight ends to the practice squad, making clear it was not simply a reaction to roster size. Even with some reinforcements back on the field, Washington is still monitoring important players such as Laremy Tunsil, JerZhan Newton, Odafe Oweh and KLavon Chaisson, and the way that group progresses over the next stretch could shape how comfortable the team feels heading into Week 1. [Read more 🡒]