On October 13, 2024, the Baltimore Ravens hosted the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium, in a back-and-forth matchup that ultimately saw the Ravens prevail with a 30-23 victory. This win solidified Baltimore’s position at the top of the AFC North, improving their record to 5-1 on the season. Despite a determined effort from the Commanders, the Ravens’ balanced offense and key defensive plays late in the game helped them secure a hard-fought victory.
The game was a true test for the Ravens’ defense, as Washington’s offense, led by quarterback Sam Howell, kept the game close with a series of big plays. However, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense maintained control throughout, with consistent scoring drives and a strong running game led by Gus Edwards. Baltimore’s defense stepped up late, holding off a potential Commanders’ comeback, and a timely interception sealed the win.
How The Game Unfolded – Play-by-Play
The game started with the Ravens establishing their offensive rhythm early. On their opening drive, Jackson connected with Zay Flowers on a 40-yard pass that set up a 15-yard touchdown run by Gus Edwards, giving Baltimore a 7-0 lead. Washington quickly responded, with Howell leading the Commanders on a methodical drive capped off by a 10-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, tying the game at 7-7.
Baltimore regained the lead early in the second quarter with a 52-yard field goal from Justin Tucker. On the next drive, Jackson orchestrated another long series of plays, utilizing the short passing game and his legs to move the chains. The drive ended with Jackson hitting Mark Andrews in the end zone on a 12-yard strike, extending the Ravens’ lead to 17-7.
Washington battled back just before halftime. Howell led a no-huddle offense that kept the Ravens’ defense on its heels, and a 30-yard pass to Jahan Dotson set up a field goal to cut the lead to 17-10 at the break.
The third quarter saw both teams trading blows. After the Commanders closed the gap to 17-13 with another field goal, the Ravens responded quickly. Edwards broke free for a 45-yard run, setting up a 5-yard touchdown by Lamar Jackson, who scrambled into the end zone to make it 24-13.
Washington refused to go away, as Howell found McLaurin again for a 25-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 24-20. The Ravens’ defense tightened up on the next few drives, and Tucker added two more field goals to extend Baltimore’s lead to 30-20 with just under five minutes left.
The Commanders managed to add a late field goal, cutting the lead to 30-23, but with less than two minutes remaining, Marlon Humphrey intercepted Howell to seal the win for the Ravens.
Game Heroes
Lamar Jackson: Jackson played a controlled and efficient game, finishing 19 of 27 for 235 yards and 1 touchdown through the air, while also rushing for 68 yards and a score. His ability to keep drives alive with his legs was crucial in several key moments, and his leadership kept the Ravens’ offense on track throughout the game.
Gus Edwards: Edwards had a breakout performance, rushing for 122 yards on 16 carries, including a 45-yard burst in the second half that set up a score. His physical running style helped the Ravens control the clock and maintain offensive balance.,
Mark Andrews: Andrews continued to be Jackson’s go-to target in critical situations, finishing with 6 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. His red-zone presence was key to Baltimore’s success, and he provided several crucial third-down conversions.
Sam Howell (Commanders): Howell showed poise throughout the game, completing 24 of 38 passes for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite the loss, Howell’s connection with McLaurin and Dotson kept the Commanders in the game, though his late interception proved costly.
Marlon Humphrey: Humphrey was a standout on defense, recording 7 tackles and the game-sealing interception. His ability to lock down the Commanders’ receivers in the second half helped limit Washington’s offensive production late in the game.
Terry McLaurin (Commanders): McLaurin was Howell’s favorite target, catching 8 passes for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns. His speed and route running gave the Ravens’ secondary trouble throughout the game, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Commanders to victory.
What Worked and What Didn’t: In-depth Game Analysis
The Ravens’ victory was driven by their ability to maintain offensive balance and control the tempo of the game. Baltimore’s running game, led by Gus Edwards and complemented by Jackson’s mobility, kept the Commanders’ defense on its heels for much of the game. The offensive line did an admirable job protecting Jackson, allowing him time to survey the field and pick apart the Commanders’ secondary.
Defensively, the Ravens bent but didn’t break. While Sam Howell and the Commanders found success through the air, especially with McLaurin and Dotson, the Ravens’ defense came up with key stops when it mattered most. Humphrey’s late interception was the turning point, but Baltimore’s ability to pressure Howell and limit big plays in the second half played a significant role in securing the win.
A critical factor in the Ravens’ success was their dominance on third down. Baltimore converted 8 of 13 third-down attempts, keeping drives alive and preventing Washington from gaining momentum. Meanwhile, the Commanders struggled on third down, converting just 4 of 12 attempts, which stifled their ability to sustain long drives.
The Commanders’ inability to establish a consistent running game also played into the Ravens’ favor. Washington’s running backs were largely ineffective, forcing Howell to shoulder the offensive load. The Ravens’ defense capitalized on this one-dimensional approach, dialing up pressure and forcing Howell into uncomfortable situations.
Justin Tucker’s reliability also played a significant role in the outcome. Tucker’s two long field goals in the second half gave Baltimore breathing room and forced the Commanders into more aggressive play-calling as they tried to close the gap.
Onto the Next Game
The Ravens’ 30-23 victory over the Commanders was a hard-fought, well-rounded team effort. While the defense had moments of vulnerability against Washington’s passing attack, they stepped up in the game’s critical moments, particularly with Marlon Humphrey’s game-sealing interception. Lamar Jackson’s leadership, both through the air and on the ground, continues to be the driving force behind Baltimore’s success, while Gus Edwards’ breakout performance showed that the Ravens have a formidable ground attack to complement Jackson’s dynamic playmaking.
For the Commanders, Sam Howell’s growth as a quarterback was evident, and his connection with Terry McLaurin is clearly the strength of their offense. However, Washington’s inability to convert on third down and their lack of a consistent running game prevented them from capitalizing on key opportunities. Defensively, the Commanders struggled to contain the Ravens’ balanced attack, particularly on the ground.
As the Ravens move forward with a 5-1 record, they’ll look to maintain their position at the top of the AFC North and continue building on the strengths they’ve shown so far this season. Baltimore’s defense, while resilient, will need to tighten up against the pass in future matchups. Meanwhile, the offense, with Jackson at the helm, remains one of the most dangerous units in the league when firing on all cylinders.