Ravens vs. Commanders GAMEDAY Preview: Lamar Jackson & Sam Howell Status
The Washington Commanders host the Baltimore Ravens tonight in the second of their three preseason games. The Commanders have a chance to end the Ravens' 24-game winning streak in the preseason dating back to 2016.
After a couple lively joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday this week, this matchup is highlighted a deeper look at preseason standouts.
Coach Ron Rivera has now named a starting quarterback, with both Jacoby Brissett and Sam Howell receiving reps with the first-team offense at some point during training camp. However, Howell has always looked to have the edge.
And on Friday, Rivera said, "I feel comfortable moving forward saying Sam's our guy.''
Howell demonstrated a strong performance against the Cleveland Browns preseason week 1, finishing 9 for 12 with 77 yards and a touchdown. He held his own against what's expected to be a very strong Ravens defense this week in practice.
Though most of Washington's starting defense only played for one series in the preseason opener, the Commanders defense experienced valuable reps against quarterback Lamar Jackson during the joint practice sessions. Howell also held his own against a strong Ravens defense.
The plan is that Howell will play for Washington but that Jackson will sit for the Ravens.
While fans may have to wait to see all the starters, they will likely see major playing time for Washington's rookies. Some face an uphill battle in terms of making the roster. Others, such as early selections Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin, could be making a case for starting snaps.
Here's the new list of the Washington guys who aren't dressing ...
LT Charles Leno Jr.
TE Logan Thomas
DE Montez Sweat
DT Daron Payne
DT Jonathan Allen
DE Chase Young
CB Kendall Fuller
CB Benjamin St-Juste
S Kam Curl
S Darrick Forrest
DT Phidarian Mathis
CB Danny Johnson
Washington's many roster hopefuls try to earn their spot before Tuesday, Aug. 29, when every NFL team must reduce its roster to no more than 53 players. Washington's 16-player practice squad will then begin to form.
RECORDS: Washington Commanders (1-0 preseason) vs. Baltimore Ravens (1-0 preseason)
ODDS: Washington is a 3-point underdog vs. the Ravens.
GAME TIME: Monday, August 11 2023 at 8 p.m. ET
LOCATION: FedEx Field - Summerfield, Maryland,
TV/RADIO: ESPN, BIG 100.3 FM
THE FINAL WORD: Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was happy with the joint practices vs. Baltimore:
“They do a really good job over here in Baltimore, especially on the defensive side of the ball," Howell said. "It was a great opportunity for us as an offense to come out here and get better. Just try to show what we can do and if we do make mistakes to learn from those mistakes. I thought it was a good two days for us as a group.
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