Landover, MD – The series of the most crucial wins in American professional sports has come to an end. The Washington Commanders’ kicker, Joey Slye, secured a 29-28 victory over the Baltimore Ravens with a 49-yard field goal, leaving just nine seconds on the clock, granting them entry into the Monday night game after winning 24 consecutive preseason games since 2016.
Commanders came within a yard of tying the game at 28 with four minutes left, but Ravens cornerback Kyu Kelly thwarted the Commanders’ fullback Alex Armah when he caught a pass in the flat from third-string quarterback Jake Fromm to fail the two-point conversion. Under the leadership of quarterback Anthony Brown Jr., the Ravens couldn’t come back from behind.
With 69 seconds left, Commanders had to face a fourth-and-11 in their own territory, and a pass interference call against them pushed them out. “We were just piecing it together, scratching and clawing,” Fromm told USA Today Sports. Not dwelling on where the Ravens’ pressure was coming from, Fromm said they weren’t overthinking about taking risks on their streak.
Baltimore’s head coach, John Harbaugh, said those who consider streaks as meaningless wins are mistaken. Harbaugh stated, “Because you haven’t played it. You haven’t been on the other side of the pre-season games. You haven’t fought for a place. And then you have the audacity to say that somebody who tries in this kind of game, somebody who plays to win is pointless.” Harbaugh argued that there’s no one reason why this streak lasted so long.
It’s a reflection of how the organization practices, holds meetings, develops young players, and seeks collegiate and pro-game talent. “In the end, it’s about football and about men—and women—playing now. It shows you how great this game is, how important it is,” Harbaugh said. “Because it requires this kind of effort. It’s a game of brave people, and it’s a game for those who are willing to throw themselves in difficult, strange circumstances. Physicality. Those who love football most often do so for that reason.
They respect what it takes to play the game, respect the patience required to fight in that way. Football aficionados often like it for that reason.” The first drive of the game saw a showdown between first-round draft picks of the previous year, with Ravens’ Ze Flowers (22nd overall) and Commanders’ cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (16th overall) jostling against each other.
Flowers broke away for an 11-yard catch on his first target, then found plenty of grass on a play-action pass before eventually hitting paydirt in his first professional touchdown drive, finishing a 26-yard journey. Commanders’ quarterback Sam Howell, named the starter on Friday, completed 19 of 25 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns – both in the last two minutes of the first half. commanders head coach Ron Rivera kept his offensive starters in for the first 30 minutes of the game, a gamble that wasn’t empty; wide receiver Terry McLaurin left the field nursing a sprained ankle.
“It’s not really a real game,” Howell said, “but at the same time, no matter what team you’re on, you want to win.” Seeing it and being part of it was a lot of fun,” he said. In the final drive of the Ravens’ tight end Trautman Vogelek, a former unused undrafted rookie from Nebraska, grabbed two touchdowns in the second half. Baltimore set a record for the most consecutive pre-season wins since 2021, when they beat the Green Bay Packers (led by the great coach Vince Lombardi) in 20 straight games to break their pre-season dominance from 1959-1962.
Monday’s game had a familiar feel as the teams had held a joint practice at the Ravens’ facility in Owings Mills the previous week. During later practices, a brawl ensued between Washington’s aggressive offensive line and the the the Ravens’ defensive front, and tempers flared. After Washington’s touchdown, right guard Sam Cosmi celebrated his “Grid” festival.
In the weekend, Cosmi – who was included in the practice dust-up – broke the Ravens’ pre-season record. “I think it’s a record full of (expletive). Who gives a (expletive) about pre-season games?” Cosmi told reporters. “If we beat them, it’s great. We’re going to beat them, so we’re going there.”
The matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens was more than just a pre-season game; it was a testament to the spirit of competition, the resilience of athletes, and the dynamics that make American football such a captivating sport. As the final seconds ticked away on the scoreboard, the players and coaches on both sides knew that this game represented more than just a tally in the win or loss column.
In a tense moment, the Washington Commanders displayed their exceptional skill
The Washington Commanders, led by their kicker Joey Slye, showcased their determination and skill in a high-stakes situation. Slye’s game-winning 49-yard field goal was not just a display of precision and power, but a moment that encapsulated the dedication and countless hours of practice that go into mastering the craft. As he lined up for the kick, the weight of the entire team’s efforts rested on his shoulders.
The pressure was immense, but Slye’s execution under such circumstances highlighted the mental fortitude required to succeed in the NFL.
Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens found themselves in a challenging position, trailing by just a single point. The team’s response to adversity was a testament to their fighting spirit.
Quarterback Anthony Brown Jr. and his team fought valiantly until the very end, showcasing the never-give-up attitude that characterizes the NFL. Their determination to make a comeback, even in the face of a seemingly insurmountable deficit, is a reflection of the resilience that defines professional athletes.
The clash between the offensive lines of the Ravens and the Washington Commanders exposed the chess game.
Beyond the final score, the game provided insights into the strategic and tactical aspects of football. The battle between the Ravens’ offensive line and the Commanders’ defensive front revealed the chess match that takes place on the gridiron. Coaches carefully analyzed each play, adjusting their strategies on the fly to gain an advantage. The ebb and flow of the game demonstrated how football is not just a physical contest, but a mental one as well.
Off the field, the camaraderie and mutual respect among players were evident. The post-game interviews captured the players’ thoughts and emotions, giving fans a glimpse into the human side of these athletes. While the competition is fierce, there’s a shared understanding among players that they are part of a larger fraternity united by their love for the game.
The moments of sportsmanship and interaction between opponents after the final whistle are a reminder that, in the end, it’s a shared passion for football that brings everyone together.
John Harbaugh, the Ravens’ head coach, touched on the significance of pre-season games and the efforts put in by players. He emphasized that dismissing these games as insignificant would be a disservice to the players who strive to give their best, regardless of the situation. The dedication and hard work put in during these games contribute to the overall development of the team and individual players.
The legacy of this game extends beyond the final score. It highlights the journey of athletes who push their limits, test their boundaries, and rise above challenges. It showcases the commitment of coaches who work tirelessly to shape their teams into competitive forces. It captures the emotions of fans who invest their energy and passion into supporting their favorite teams
As the teams shook hands and exchanged jerseys at the end of the game, it was evident that this pre-season clash was about more than just winning or losing. It was about the pursuit of excellence, the thrill of competition, and the unwavering determination to succeed. And in those moments, on that field, the essence of American football was on full display—a sport that’s not just about a game, but about the lessons, the stories, and the connections that it weaves into the fabric of our lives.