Full Breakdown
Ravens Dominate Commanders in Preseason Finale
8/24/2025, 11:41:25 AM
Baltimore Ravens Secure Preseason Victory
The Baltimore Ravens concluded their 2025 NFL preseason with a commanding 30-3 victory over the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on August 23, 2025. This win allowed the Ravens to finish the preseason with a perfect 3-0 record, while the Commanders ended their preseason campaign winless at 0-3.
The Ravens showcased their depth, as key starters, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, did not participate in the game. Instead, the focus was on evaluating younger players and backups. Notable performances came from undrafted rookie cornerback Keyon Martin, who returned an interception for a touchdown, and linebacker Trenton Simpson, who recorded two sacks and forced a fumble.
Commanders Struggle Offensively
The Commanders' offense struggled significantly, with quarterbacks Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson combining for four turnovers, which directly led to 17 points for the Ravens. Hartman completed 12 of 17 passes for 114 yards but was intercepted twice and fumbled once. The Commanders' only points came from a 47-yard field goal by Matt Gay.
Despite the offensive woes, some young defenders stood out for Washington. Linebacker Ale Kaho made a strong case for a roster spot with seven tackles, while safety Ben Nikkel contributed significantly on defense.
Key Statistics from the Game
The Ravens dominated in several statistical categories:
- Total points: Ravens 30, Commanders 3
- Total offensive plays: Ravens 62, Commanders 58
- Average yards per play: Ravens 3.8, Commanders 4.2
- Third-down efficiency: Ravens 63%, Commanders 50%
- Red-zone scoring efficiency: Ravens 100%, Commanders 0%
The Ravens' ability to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns contrasted sharply with the Commanders' inability to score in similar situations.
Official Statements & Responses
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh emphasized the importance of evaluating depth and player performance during the preseason. He noted, "It’s all about taking one play, one day, and one game at a time," highlighting the team's focus on development rather than just the scoreboard.
Conversely, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly on offense, stating that the team must "refine execution" as they prepare for the regular season.
Criticism & Opposition
The Commanders faced criticism for their lack of offensive production throughout the preseason. Analysts pointed out that the team's inability to score touchdowns in critical moments could hinder their performance in the upcoming regular season. The turnovers and missed opportunities were particularly highlighted as areas needing urgent attention.
What's Next
As both teams prepare for the regular season, the Ravens will open against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 7, while the Commanders will host the New York Giants on September 8. The outcomes of this preseason finale will influence roster decisions, with the NFL's deadline for teams to finalize their 53-man rosters approaching on August 27, 2025.
