Who were the big winners and losers from the Washington Commanders' superb preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens at FedEx Field?
All good things must come to an end. The Washington Commanders made sure of that with a late rally to secure another memorable preseason win against the Baltimore Ravens during the first home game since Josh Harris' ownership group bought the franchise from Dan Snyder for $6.05 billion.
This was another massive confidence boost for Ron Rivera's men heading into the regular season. The Ravens hadn't lost for 24 warmup games prior to this, so it should provide additional morale even if the eventual result means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
The Commanders likely won't play their starters against the Cincinnati Bengals in their preseason finale. Rivera gave them solid reps on Monday Night Football, so taking extra precautions to ensure everyone comes through unscathed should now become the team's top priority.
With all that said, here are five winners and losers from Washington's win over the Ravens at FedEx Field.
Loser No. 1
Camaron Cheeseman - Commanders LS
It wasn't all positive for the Washington Commanders despite securing their second-straight postseason triumph. The performance of lovable long-snapper Camaron Cheeseman was concerning, in particular.
Cheeseman's status on the 53-man roster is locked in beyond all doubt. However, there were some wayward, inaccurate snaps that reared their head in this one that needs eradicating at the earliest possible opportunity.
This is something Cheeseman will probably clean up. Because given what's at stake for everyone across the Commanders next season with Josh Harris' ownership group watching intently, they cannot afford special teams to become a weak link.
Winner No. 1
Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders traded away the chance to draft Chris Olave in favor of Jahan Dotson and more capital. While the New Orleans Saints aren't complaining, there is a growing belief that Ron Rivera got the better out of this deal when one factors everything into the equation.
Dotson stood out considerably as a rookie despite not having the most consistent quarterbacks known to man. With the Commanders officially moving forward with Sam Howell, the former Penn State stud stands to benefit more than most thanks to their flourishing chemistry.
With Howell getting extended reps against the Baltimore Ravens in Preseason Week 2 at FedEx Field, there was also plenty of involvement thrown Dotson's way en route to an immensely encouraging evening with the NFL world watching. Something that only added to the belief he could be set for a genuine breakout campaign in 2023.
The 2022 first-rounder was in irresistible form, bringing in five receptions from seven targets for 76 receiving yards. Depending on how things unfold with Terry McLaurin in the coming weeks, Dotson could be the Commanders' primary weapon in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Not having McLaurin would be a big blow, there's no getting away from that. But based on this outing, Dotson is more than ready for increased responsibilities.
Loser No. 2
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
As previously stated, the Washington Commanders might have a slight problem on their hands with wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Something that's put his status for Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals into doubt.
McLaurin looked sharp during his time on the field against the Baltimore Ravens- bringing in all three of his targets for 39 receiving yards. However, there was some real concern surrounding the former Ohio State star after he went down nursing what appeared to be a foot issue.
It was later revealed that McLaurin is dealing with turf toe after negative scans. He is taking things day-to-day but these can be tricky to overcome if not given the correct amount of time to fully heal.
This is something the Commanders should take into account. It's not the end of the world if McLaurin doesn't feature against the Cardinals, but if he comes back too quickly and aggravates the complication further, he'll be out much longer than initially thought.
The Commanders cannot afford to have their primary weapon and unrivaled leader on offense missing for a lengthy spell. Especially considering the need for quarterback Sam Howell to hit the ground running after getting the No. 1 quarterback gig from head coach Ron Rivera.
Hopefully, this will be nothing more than a short-term absence for McLaurin. Because if the Commanders want to shock the NFL next season, they need him fit and firing on all cylinders.
Winner No. 2
Sam Howell - Commanders QB
Something seems to have changed within Sam Howell from a demeanor and production standpoint over the last three weeks. Everything seems to be slowing down for the quarterback after getting a baptism of fire from the formidable Washington Commanders defense throughout the preparation period, which is bringing about improved confidence and better consistency for good measure.
Howell might not have been facing the first-string Baltimore Ravens defense, but his performance was still full of high quality on ESPN's Monday Night Football. The former fifth-round selection was poised and precise, going through his progressions quickly with supreme conviction attached.
The North Carolina product also took advantage of red-zone opportunities when they arose and protected the football, which is the most important thing of all when push comes to shove. Ron Rivera stated after the game that Howell did everything expected, which is another sign that the signal-caller is coping well with increased responsibilities as Washington's confirmed QB1.
If this was Howell's last taste of action before Week 1 versus the Arizona Cardinals, he left a good impression. There is more belief in his chances of becoming a productive starter than ever before and once Eric Bieniemy opens up his playbook, it's all systems go.
If the offensive line holds up, Howell can make any team pay. Especially when one takes into account working under a dynamic play-caller in Bieniemy and the pass-catchers at his disposal.
Winner No. 3
Quan Martin - Commanders DB
It's been a rough preparation period for Quan Martin looking at the rookie's full body of work. The second-round selection has taken time to find his feet - which is more than fine considering no player develops at the same pace - but the defensive back is starting to show signs of life and his production against the Baltimore Ravens could serve as the biggest confidence boost imaginable.
Martin looked a lot more assured and aware of his role during an impressive display overall. More importantly, he also came up with a big-time interception - which is one of the main reasons why the Washington Commanders took two-straight defensive backs to begin the 2023 NFL Draft.
This is just one game and there is much hard work ahead for the Illinois product, but it should give him the belief that he belongs at the highest level. And when one looks back, this warmup game might be the turning point for a player with immense potential.
Just what sort of role Martin will occupy as a rookie is anyone's guess. The Commanders have their top three cornerbacks locked in, so perhaps a big nickel role or even operating on the backend when needed seems like the most realistic aspiration.
It took a while, but Martin showed what he might be able to bring in 2023 and beyond. And as the old saying goes, better late than never.