For years, fans of Washington’s NFL team weren’t too focused on the gritty details—how they would handle an opponent’s star pass rusher or shut down a big-name quarterback. These things mattered, sure, but they didn’t seem to bring the team closer to winning. Only hardcore football enthusiasts paid attention to the finer points of strategy, and even when Washington came up with clever game plans, like attacking the “mesh point” to curb Philadelphia’s deadly run-pass options in 2022, it didn’t change the outcome much. They still missed the playoffs.
But here we are, and things are looking different. There’s a buzz around the team that hasn’t been there in a while, and for good reason. Jayden Daniels and the franchise are redefining what fans can expect, and it’s not just the die-hard football nerds who are noticing. More and more people are paying close attention to Washington’s games, and the excitement is palpable.
Take Sunday’s game as an example. Washington is gearing up to face the Baltimore Ravens, their first truly elite opponent since they shocked the league with an upset win over Cincinnati. This game is so intriguing that NBC even considered flexing it from its 1 p.m. slot to prime time, but CBS blocked that move. It’s that big of a matchup.
This game isn’t just another chance for Washington fans to sit back and admire Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ electric quarterback, like they did the last time these teams met in 2020. That game ended in a 31-17 Ravens victory, but things have changed since then. Now, it’s about seeing how Washington, the up-and-coming squad, stacks up against a team that’s a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Whether Washington wins or loses, the outcome will be dissected in great detail by analysts and fans alike.
And that’s why the details matter so much more now. The Commanders’ run defense, which has been shaky at best, will need to find a way to stop Jackson and star running back Derrick Henry. Can they do it, or will they fall apart? On the flip side, can Daniels exploit the Ravens’ weak pass defense and lead his team to victory? These are the questions everyone’s asking. The players are feeling the excitement, too. Some, like guard Sam Cosmi, have mentioned they’re getting recognized more when they’re out running errands—at the gas station or the grocery store. It’s clear that the community is buzzing.
But, as is often the case, the players and coaches are downplaying the significance of the matchup. Coach Dan Quinn and his team have been quick to remind everyone that they focus on the details every week, not just for big games. Daniels, for example, doesn’t love being compared to Lamar Jackson, while Quinn has gone on record saying this isn’t a “measuring stick” game. Still, everyone knows there’s something extra on the line this week, even if they won’t admit it out loud.
“They’re gonna come out and hit you in the mouth,” Daniels said when asked about the Ravens’ defense. “So you better have your chin strap buckled.” It’s clear that Washington knows what they’re up against.
However, what worked last week won’t necessarily fly this time around. In Washington’s 34-13 victory over Cleveland, they struggled on first and second downs. Their success rate—a measure of how often plays improve a team’s chances of winning—was only 29.8 percent, ranking them 137th out of 156 offensive performances in the league this season. Sure, the team made up for it by being explosive on third down, but veteran tight end Zach Ertz knows that’s not a sustainable strategy.
“We need to have success on first down in this game,” Ertz said. “If we keep getting into third and long situations against this defense, it’s going to be really tough. You’re not going to be efficient on third-and-seven-plus consistently against these guys. If we can get a lead and let our defense go pass rush, that’s been the recipe the last two weeks.”
It’s easier said than done, though. Baltimore’s defense is top-notch, especially when it comes to stopping the run on first and second downs. They’ve got the league’s third-best success rate in those situations, meaning they’re excellent at preventing offenses from getting into a rhythm on the ground. Washington might need to rely on quick, short passes, especially screens, to keep the chains moving. It’s worked for them before, and it could be a way to counter Baltimore’s stout defense.
This game could also be a turning point for Daniels. So far, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has been careful not to put too much pressure on his rookie quarterback. He’s designed a lot of quick-pass plays, and Daniels’ single-game highs for dropbacks (38) and pass attempts (30) are relatively modest by today’s NFL standards. But this week, Daniels might be asked to do more. The number of dropbacks by opposing quarterbacks against Baltimore in the first five weeks of the season has been steadily increasing: 31, 43, 55, 35, and 43. Last week, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow showed that Baltimore’s defense can be exploited, throwing for over 400 yards in a thrilling 41-38 overtime win. For Daniels, this game could be a big test of his stamina and consistency.
Despite the added pressure, Daniels isn’t letting it get to him. “You gotta focus on what you do,” he said. “Can’t get too caught up in what the defense does because they might show you something completely different than what they’ve shown on film.” He’s taking a calm, collected approach, and that’s exactly what Washington needs if they’re going to pull off another upset.
Adding to the excitement is the atmosphere expected at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The stadium will be packed and loud, with ticket prices reflecting just how big of a deal this game is. As of Thursday, the cheapest ticket available was going for $265, making it the most expensive game in the league this week, just ahead of Pittsburgh’s matchup with Las Vegas ($239). VIPs, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, are expected to be in attendance, and there’s been plenty of chatter on social media between Ravens and Commanders fans about whether these two Beltway cities are actual rivals.
Daniels, new to the area, brushed off the rivalry talk. “Hey, I’m new here,” he said. Quinn also downplayed the idea of a rivalry, pointing out that the Commanders are more focused on their NFC East opponents, even though Baltimore is geographically close. “It’s awesome for the fans, but not for the team,” Quinn said. “We play them every four years, so it’s not like we’re going against them twice a year and really know each other that well.”
Rivalry or not, Sunday’s game is shaping up to be a defining moment for Washington’s season. Whether they win or lose, the result will say a lot about where this team is headed, and fans can’t wait to find out.
Login