The Baltimore Ravens completed their final joint practice of the summer Wednesday, working against the Washington Commanders before the teams meet in Friday night’s preseason finale. Baltimore received encouraging performances from its starting defense and several pass catchers. The practice also exposed concerns about the offensive line’s ability to protect Lamar Jackson consistently.
Here are 10 observations from the session.
1. Baltimore’s defense controlled the opening periods
The Ravens’ first-team defense immediately set the tone. Jayden Daniels was forced to hold the football or throw it away on consecutive seven-on-seven snaps because Baltimore’s secondary maintained its coverage.
Washington struggled to establish rhythm during the early team periods, particularly in the red zone.
2. Kyle Hamilton was everywhere
Hamilton
produced one of the practice’s biggest plays by intercepting Daniels in the back of the end zone. Daniels recovered an errant snap and attempted to find tight end Chig Okonkwo, but Hamilton remained in position and made the play.
Hamilton later stayed with Okonkwo when Daniels escaped the pocket, forcing another incompletion.
3. Pass protection remains a concern
Washington’s pressure repeatedly disrupted Baltimore’s first-team offense. Jackson had little time to throw during the full-team red-zone period, and the collapsing pocket contributed to several rushed or inaccurate attempts.
Offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford expressed his displeasure after one particularly poor series. Roger Rosengarten also ended up on the ground during consecutive late-practice snaps.
4. Jackson recovered from an uneven beginning
Jackson was sharper during seven-on-seven red-zone work, completing his final three passes for touchdowns to Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews and Ja’Kobi Lane. Lane elevated to secure his score, providing another example of how Baltimore can use his size near the goal line.
Jackson completed 19 of 26 attempts during tracked team periods, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
5. Rashod Bateman handled an expanded role
With Zay Flowers not participating, Bateman became Jackson’s most frequently targeted receiver. Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun charted Bateman with five of Jackson’s 15 team-period targets, producing three receptions.
Bateman also caught a touchdown during red-zone work and consistently created separation against Washington’s defensive backs.
6. Devontez Walker delivered the play of the day
Walker turned a well-designed play-action concept into a 62-yard touchdown. Jackson found Walker in a soft spot between the linebackers and defensive backs, allowing the receiver to accelerate through Washington’s secondary.
The play illustrated why Baltimore remains intrigued by Walker’s combination of size and vertical speed.
7. Keondre Jackson strengthened his roster case
Jackson forced a fumble after Washington running back Robert Henry Jr. reached the second level. The young safety closed quickly and ripped the football away, igniting Baltimore’s sideline.
His ability to contribute defensively and on special teams could help him secure one of the final roster spots.
8. Baltimore’s pass rush kept Daniels uncomfortable
Tavius Robinson beat right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. on a play that would likely have produced a sack under game conditions. Trey Hendrickson, Travis Jones and Trenton Simpson later converged in the backfield for another would-be sack.
The rush worked with the secondary, forcing Daniels to hold the football while Baltimore’s defenders closed around him.
9. Tyler Loop produced mixed results
Loop converted five of seven field-goal attempts. He connected from 33, 37, 45, 49 and 53 yards but missed wide right from 41 and 60 yards.
The 53-yard conversion was encouraging, although the shorter miss reinforces the importance of consistency as Loop prepares for the regular season.
10. The final situational periods were complicated
Washington finished its late-game drill with Daniels finding Antonio Williams for a fourth-down touchdown. Baltimore defenders Kyle Hamilton and Keyon Martin appeared to have opportunities to hit Daniels before the throw, creating uncertainty because quarterbacks were protected from contact.
Baltimore’s offense received the same scenario but ended with Mike Sainristil intercepting Jackson’s fourth-down pass intended for LaJohntay Wester. It was a disappointing ending to an otherwise productive statistical day for Jackson.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 10 observations from Ravens’ joint practice with Washington
