Ravens’ incredible preseason win streak snapped by Commanders in closing seconds

LANDOVER, Md. — Sam Howell was nonetheless in center faculty the final time the Baltimore Ravens had misplaced a preseason recreation. 

On Monday night time, he helped put an finish to one of many NFL’s most peculiar runs of success. 

Washington’s new beginning quarterback threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns because the Commanders edged the Ravens 29-28 on a last-minute discipline aim. Joey Slye transformed from 49 yards, sending the remaining house followers right into a state of jubilation not usually seen in recent times at FedEx Subject. 

The loss marked the top of a 24-game preseason win streak for the Ravens, who handed the earlier NFL file of 19, set by the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the Nineteen Fifties. 

“It’s actually not an actual recreation, however on the similar time no matter workforce you’re on, you wish to win,” Howell mentioned. “Particularly realizing what they’d on the opposite aspect with their little streak.” 

The back-and-forth thriller featured 5 lead modifications and led Ravens coach John Harbaugh to rebuke those that name preseason soccer meaningless. 

“You by no means performed the sport,” Harbaugh mentioned of the critics. “You by no means had been on the market in a preseason recreation; you by no means had been combating for a spot on the sphere. And but you’ve got the audacity to say that the trouble that any individual places into that, to combat and win a recreation like that, is meaningless. 

“I can’t respect anyone that claims that — due to the trouble these guys put into it. And that’s why I’m so pleased with these guys, for the way in which they fought. It doesn’t matter, win or loss. It issues the way in which they went about their enterprise. And I’m pleased with that and at all times can be.” 

Howell was named the beginning quarterback final Friday, and confirmed why the Commanders are placing their religion within the second-year passer in an important 12 months for coach Ron Rivera and new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. 

“We all know how necessary the quarterback place is within the league and the way necessary it’s on this space,” Rivera mentioned. “We’ve been in search of one, and I feel we’ve a chance to have a man that has an opportunity to be a very good soccer participant for us.” 

Journeyman Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson matched Howell throw for throw in an exhilarating first half, no less than by preseason requirements. 

Johnson completed 10 of 12 for 145 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to one finish zone interception the place the ball fell by the arms of receiver James Proche II and into the ready palms of Commanders defensive again Quan Martin. 

These missed factors proved expensive as Washington’s third-string QB, former Georgia standout Jake Fromm, led the Commanders down the sphere for the game-winning discipline aim, triggering a raucous get together. 

“It was a lot enjoyable to observe and be part of,” Howell mentioned