The Washington Commanders have shown they can compete with strong teams, at least for a half. In their first game against a team with a winning record this season, the Commanders are trailing the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 at halftime of their early-season matchup at M&T Bank Stadium.
This regional rivalry is the top NFL game of the week, featuring the 4-1 Commanders against the 3-2 Ravens. It also highlights the league’s best two running attacks and exciting matchups like Jayden Daniels versus Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens took the lead late in the first half with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews, finishing a 10-play drive that broke the 10-10 tie. The Commanders will receive the ball to start the second half.
Both teams, known for their high-scoring offenses, were held to a 3-3 score after the first quarter.
Commanders rookie Mike Stainristil intercepted Jackson on Baltimore’s first drive, setting up a 42-yard field goal by Austin Seibert. This was Washington’s first interception of the season.
The Ravens then drove 93 yards to go ahead 10-3 midway through the second quarter, aided by a key penalty on Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. Derrick Henry capped that drive with a 3-yard touchdown run.
However, the Commanders quickly responded with a 70-yard drive. Daniels moved the offense efficiently, making passes of 15 yards to Noah Brown, 25 yards to Austin Ekeler, and 11 yards to Dyami Brown.
He also converted a third down with a scramble before connecting with Terry McLaurin for a perfect 7-yard pass in the back of the end zone, tying the game at 10-10.
