The Commanders Ravens joint practice didn’t go Washington’s way on Wednesday, with a patchwork offensive line struggling to hold up against Baltimore’s pass rush all day. The two teams met in Owings Mills in a preview of Friday’s preseason finale at M&T Bank Stadium.
A Rough Day Up Front
Washington’s offensive line was already thin heading in. Laremy Tunsil, is obviously out with a torn triceps, but attended practice to support teammates. Nick Allegretti sat out, and Sam Cosmi missed the day with illness.
Jayden Daniels played behind a lineup anchored by backups Matt Gulbin and Julian Good-Jones, and it showed. Baltimore’s front pressured him consistently, right up through the final play of practice.
Daniels didn’t make excuses afterward. “Doing my job with the guys I have,” he said. “They’ve been doing a great job.”
Left tackle Brandon Coleman was similarly direct. “There was a lot of good, but a lot we have to work on,” he said.
Right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. said, “I feel like we were out of sync a little bit with our combos. There was a little mixup in the lineup as well. There were some guys next to each other that haven’t worked next to each other all camp.”
Baltimore’s Skill Players Had a Field Day
It wasn’t just the pass rush. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman went a perfect 3-for-3 in one-on-one reps against Washington’s cornerbacks, and Lamar Jackson connected with Devontez Walker for a 62-yard touchdown in zone coverage, with Walker outrunning Washington’s secondary down the sideline. Rookie receiver Ja’Kobi Lane also impressed, hauling in a touchdown during red-zone 7-on-7 work.
Washington’s defense faced a genuinely difficult test, going up against Jackson, Derrick Henry, Bateman, and Mark Andrews without key pass rushers Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson on the field. Even so, there were bright spots. Charles Omenihu and Javon Kinlaw both flashed in the run game, helping slow Henry down in short bursts.
A Better Finish
Washington’s day wasn’t a total loss. On the final play of practice, with Baltimore bringing pressure, Daniels stood in the pocket and delivered a deep touchdown pass to rookie receiver Antonio Williams, drawing a loud reaction from the Commanders’ sideline. Washington also closed the day strong in two-minute drill work, reportedly getting the better of Baltimore’s defense in that final period.
What To Read From It
Nothing. A joint practice in late August rarely tells the full story, especially for a Commanders offensive line missing regulars. Still, Wednesday was not a kind look for where the depth stands with roster cuts approaching.
Washington and Baltimore close out the preseason Friday night at 6:00pm at M&T Bank Stadium.