Baltimore and Washington meet in the regular season about every four years, and the 2024 edition will see both teams atop their division, with MVP candidates at the quarterback position.
Many around the league believe Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will be looking in the mirror when he faces off against No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels and the much-improved Commanders.
With kickoff fast approaching, we sat down with Bryan Manning, managing editor of the Commanders Wire, for five hard-hitting questions.
RW: Jayden Daniels has been sensational in his first five games. What about the rookie quarterback are the experts and media most impressed with?
CW: The numbers and the results speak for themselves, but it’s Daniels’ poise and leadership that stand out. Veteran teammates such as Zach Ertz, Terry McLaurin, Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Allen, and others rave about Daniels’ work ethic. In the offseason, he was the first to arrive, getting his workout in before studying. Also, Daniels, unlike other rookie QBs who have been here, does not put himself above the team.
RW: Derrick Henry leads the NFL in rushing and will be a focal point of the Ravens offense. What can Washington do to slow down the Baltimore rushing attack?
CW: Slowing down Henry and Jackson will be difficult for Washington, as it will for any team. The Commanders’ defense has improved recently but they haven’t seen an offense like this. Tackling well is critical. Henry will already get yards after contact, but Washington must limit that as often as possible. The best way to stop Baltimore is for Daniels and the offense to possess the ball as much as possible.
RW: What’s the biggest reason for the 4-1 start, outside of an easy schedule to start the season?
CW: The Commanders are 4-1, but if we looked at the schedule before the season, most of those teams would’ve said Washington was a “W” on the schedule. Washington is playing good football, and improving each week. The defense was abysmal through three games, but has improved greatly over the past two weeks. While not a top unit, gradual improvement is progress. Offensively, the Commanders have a terrific backfield, a much-improved offensive line, and a group of receivers who bought into the team-first philosophy, which includes blocking. Jahan Dotson didn’t fit that mold, and he was shipped out.
RW: The…
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