5 bold Washington Commanders predictions at the Ravens in Week 6
By Dean Jones
Jonathan Allen gains three tackles for loss
Jonathan Allen came into the campaign with questions surrounding his long-term future with the Washington Commanders. He hinted that a move away might be the best possible solution for all parties last time around, but Dan Quinn's appointment and the rejuvenated energy within the locker room saw the veteran go from a disenchanted figure to someone excited about what this team could accomplish.
Allen didn't start the season well. The Commanders' defense struggled to get anything going over the first three games. There have been notable improvements over the last fortnight and the former first-round pick out of Alabama is at the forefront.
Washington must win in the trenches to stand any hope of beating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. Allen and Daron Payne must wreck the interior and restrict Derrick Henry's running lanes. Getting to quarterback Lamar Jackson quickly and limiting his ability to scramble out of the pocket is another critical factor in the equation.
While Allen boasts just two tackles for loss this season, they've come during Washington's last two games. If he can secure three in this one, it will do the Comnmanders' chances a tremendous amount of good.
Commanders secure dramatic road upset
The Commanders are further ahead than anybody anticipated right now. It's not the end of the world if they fall short against the Baltimore Ravens, especially on their travels. However, head coach Dan Quinn and his squad have nothing to fear.
Washington has demolished everyone on its four-game winning run. They've rarely been in danger aside from their inability to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns in Week 2 versus the New York Giants. The Ravens have looked vulnerable on occasion, which is something the Commanders can take advantage of if the game plan is on point and the players execute it effectively.
Perhaps the biggest positive entering the game is that Washington has proven capable of winning in every manner so far. A shootout is no problem with Jayden Daniels under center as evidenced at the Cincinnati Bengals. They ground it out at the Arizona Cardinals. They came through in the clutch versus the Giants. They relied a little extra on their defense when beating the Cleveland Browns.
The Ravens are favored and rightfully so. They've got more experience in high-pressure situations such as this and had much bigger preseason expectations on their shoulders. However, the Commanders have more than enough momentum to keep this close and potentially secure a monumental victory on the road.