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.

Commanders QB Sam Howell vs. Ravens defense

The Washington Commanders' second-year quarterback got the start against the Cleveland Browns and was solid in his first playing time of the preseason. Sam Howell did not receive much help from his offensive line but showed off his mobility to extend outside the pocket and make plays on the move.

The young signal caller will likely need to rely heavily on his running ability this upcoming season as Washington looks to have assembled a painfully mediocre protection unit with its current collection upfront. Although there is time for them to improve once further chemistry develops.

Despite constant duress, Howell finished 9-for-12 passing for 77 yards and one touchdown in just three drives with the first-team offense. He showed great poise under pressure and made some impressive throws before giving way to journeyman Jacoby Brissett.

Howell and the Commanders' offense will face an even bigger challenge this week against a loaded Baltimore Ravens defense led by All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith.

Baltimore's defensive unit was again one of the league's best in 2022, allowing just 18.5 points per game and forcing 25 turnovers. Both were top-ten marks in the NFL last season.

With high-end talent across all three levels of their defense, the Ravens should provide a particularly stiff test for Howell and the rest of the Commanders' new-look offense. It'll be interesting to see how Eric Bieniemy's unit fares.

If Howell can again look confident and comfortable throughout joint practices - as well as under the lights on Monday Night Football against Baltimore's dynamic defensive group - the former fifth-round selection can almost certainly cement his status as QB1 for Washington going forward.

Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes vs. Zay Flowers

The Washington Commanders have big plans for first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. After an exceptional integration, the ball-hawk from Mississippi State is already slated to start in Jack Del Rio's base defense during his rookie campaign.

A somewhat controversial selection this summer, Forbes' savvy and stickiness in pass coverage have quelled concerns about the pick after a standout camp in Ashburn.

Forbes also seemingly put questions about his slender frame to rest in the Commanders' opening exhibition against the Cleveland Browns. He made a ferocious tackle on a critical third and short from the goal line as part of an impressive stand for Washington.

The Commanders' new cornerback was drafted mainly for his ability to create turnovers. But the rookie has also excelled in coverage so far during the summer.

Washington looks to have found a potential lock-down corner. However, they will need Forbes to consistently perform at a high level with so many productive wide receivers currently in the NFL.

The rail-thin rookie will look to continue his impressive offseason this week against a terrifically talented Baltimore Ravens receiver room that features veterans Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman as well as electric first-round rookie Zay Flowers from Boston College.

Flowers has drawn comparisons to Miami Dolphins speedster Tyreek Hill for his ability to create separation and gash defenses with big plays downfield. The rookie wideout should immediately produce in a Lamar Jackson-led Ravens offense.

The Forbes-Flowers matchup will certainly be one to keep an eye on throughout joint practices over the next few days. Both first-round picks will surely battle it out in drills before facing off in preseason action.

Forbes and the rest of Washington's secondary will have their hands full trying to stay in front of Flowers this week. This experience should pay dividends for a squad looking for rapid improvement in their coverage unit.

Commanders revamped OL vs. Ravens DL

To say the Washington Commanders' offensive line struggled in their first preseason action would be a vast understatement. Quarterbacks were under constant pressure as the protection gave up two sacks on the night as well as a holding penalty in the end zone that led to a safety.

The Cleveland Browns were able to wreak havoc on Washington's protection despite their best pass rusher missing in action. Superstar defensive end Myles Garrett was given the night off, but it didn't matter.

The Commanders' offensive line has been a point of contention all summer. Most fans feel the team has not done enough to address the obvious issues with Washington's porous protection.

Veterans Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie were the Commanders' supposed stop-gap solutions after signing this offseason in free agency. But both are most likely replacement-level at best and offer no elite upside.

Second-year-pro Chris Paul will combine with tackle-convert Sam Cosmi at guard for Washington this season and could be the surprising strength of the group. However, long-in-the-tooth left tackle Charles Leno Jr. has regressed significantly during his time in D.C. after years of serving as a solid but unspectacular starter.

The Baltimore Ravens boast a bevy of talented defenders that will give Washington's suspect offensive line fits. Their formidable front seven features Tyus Bowser, Patrick Queen, Odafe Oweh, David Ajabo, Michael Pierce, and the aforementioned All-Pro Roquan Smith.

Washington's patchwork protection will be put on full display against the ferocious Ravens front this week in joint practices before Monday's preseason bout. This should provide additional insight as the Commanders continue to search for consistency and production from their otherwise underwhelming assortment on the offensive line.

Commanders safeties vs. Ravens TE Mark Andrews

Other than an all-first-round defensive line, the Washington Commanders' best unit on its starting defense may be the underrated safety pairing of Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest.

Both late-round selections were drafted and developed by Washington over the past few seasons. They worked their way into starting roles and blossomed into elite options on the defensive back end.

The Commanders' depth at safety doesn't end with their standout starters. All-Pro special teamer Jeremy Reaves and rising second-year-pro Percy Butler round out the rotation and could be set for bigger roles in 2023.

Joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens will provide a special opportunity for the Commanders' safety group. Star tight end Mark Andrews presents a unique challenge for any defender in coverage.

As quarterback Lamar Jackson's favorite target, Andrews will be heavily involved in the Ravens' revised pass attack under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken in 2023.

Andrews is a matchup nightmare for NFL defenses. The three-time Pro Bowler will serve as a great challenge for the Commanders' talented safeties to assess their current capabilities.