The Baltimore Ravens entered Monday night’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders, winners of 24 consecutive preseason games.
At halftime, the Commanders lead the Ravens, 17-14, on the strength of two Sam Howell touchdown passes. Yes, you read that correctly. Howell and Washington’s offense played the entire first half. Howell completed 19 of 25 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
The Commanders played most of their starting offense for the entire half, including star wide receiver Terry McLaurin who left on the final drive of the first half with what looked like an ankle injury.
Howell ended Washington’s first drive inside the five-yard line, leading to a Joey Slye field goal. On the Commanders’ final two drives before halftime, Howell found running back Antonio Gibson and wide receiver Dyami Brown for touchdowns to give Washington the lead.
Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and tight end Logan Thomas were the Washington starters who did not suit up. As for Washington’s defense, the only starters on the field were linebackers Cody Barton and Jamin Davis and rookie first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes.