4 pivotal matchups to watch during Commanders joint practices with Ravens

With training camp and preseason games already underway, the Washington Commanders get set for joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens.

Sifting through the countless smokescreens during the summer months is often a near-impossible task. NFL franchises tend to keep their cards close to the vest during preseason and while sweeping conclusions are rarely drawn from the exhibition slate, the games often provide glimpses of potential that can help gauge where certain players or specific units are in their overall development
for the upcoming season.

The Washington Commanders' first exhibition contest did just that. Players like Chris Rodriguez Jr., Cole Turner, and Christian Holmes stood out in limited snaps, while most of the retooled offensive line struggled in their preseason debut against a Cleveland Browns team playing without star pass rusher Myles Garrett.

As the focus now shifts to preseason game number two, Washington has a great opportunity to evaluate itself against a formidable Baltimore Ravens squad in joint practices this week before facing off against John Harbaugh's men next Monday night.

Today we take a closer look at four key matchups to watch as the Commanders travel north up I-95 to Owings Mill for some physical practice sessions.