OTL: Pluses and Minuses from Loss (!!) to Commanders

We’re just two days removed from the Ravens’ first preseason loss in years, and to me, there’s still a bit of tension in the air about whether or not it truly matters. For the few Commanders fans in my circles, it certainly does seem to be a big moment for them.

I understand that, though. This is a fanbase that’s looking for proof that its organization has turned the corner. It may have just been the preseason, but this was a step in the right direction for them.

That said, it probably meant less to the Ravens than people are making out right now. Harbaugh outlines his thoughts on the streak ending, which puts things in perspective a bit:

John Harbaugh weighs in on the end of the Ravens’ 24-game preseason win streak: pic.twitter.com/JYxHbXsXi3

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 22, 2023

Despite the team’s loss, there were some key takeaways from Baltimore’s matchup with Washington on Monday Night. First, and quickly, I simply have to shout out Zay Flowers, whom I’ve been hyping up all offseason.

Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers was the highest graded Raven on yesterday’s game by PFF with a 93.1 grade. Flowers also received a 91.3 receiving grade. He was targeted twice and got 37 yards and a touchdown out of the two throws. 28 yards were after the reception. pic.twitter.com/qqpn1BtU7B

— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) August 22, 2023

The PFF score is great, but what was even better to me was that Flowers continues to pass the eye test. He looks like he’ll be shaking defenders in purple for years to come.

For the most part, I actually thought the offense on the whole was solid. Sticking with the passing game, how about undrafted rookie Travis Vokolek? The former Nebraska product put together a heck of a showing with two TDs:

There’s another tight end feasting in Baltimore. Travis Vokolek is his name and he’s in contention for the 53.

Not bad! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/53YjjUKexl

— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) August 22, 2023

Vokolek has had an extremely strong camp, and while I personally think there may just be too many bodies at his position, there’s no doubt he’s earned a 53-man roster spot somewhere. The Ravens sure can find tight ends.

In the running game, Keaton Mitchell got our attention for good and unfortunate reasons. He broke off a huge run, but also came out with injury. Luckily, the injury appears to be minor:

#Ravens rookie RB Keaton Mitchell, who shined Monday night before departing with an injury, suffered a shoulder stinger, per source. A bullet dodged for the preseason standout in his bid to make the team.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 22, 2023

Mitchell’s speed was on full display, and again, he’s making it tough to leave him off the roster. At the same time, he’ll be competing for a spot with Justice Hill, who – as Sarah Ellison points out – is severely underrated:

Justice Hill might be one of the most underrated and under-appreciated Ravens on the roster.

He touched the ball just three times on offense last night, and put up 38 yards, helping set up the team’s opening TD. He’s an excellent gunner on special teams. He’s been with… pic.twitter.com/EGYXJawPrL

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) August 22, 2023

There’s a reason Hill is still in the organization despite few “breakout” moments in the regular season. In limited time on Monday, he still made an impact:

Simpson as well, hell of a block. Like I said, from my eye test, he looked very good last night & made a good impression for the LG job. #Ravens #RavensFlock https://t.co/tZN1kVhQbz

— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) August 22, 2023

As Dev Panchwagh points out, the route was paved for Hill on this run, and John Simpson is another name that’s standing out. Getting the start at Guard, Simpson helped his case with a strong performance.

John Simpson is slowly putting himself in the situation which he’ll be named the starting left guard soon. He played 70 snaps over the last two preseason games and here are his grades:

Eagles – Run Block 59.5 / Pass Block 86.0
Commanders – Run Block 88.3 / Pass Block 75.6

He…

— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) August 22, 2023

I don’t think LG is going to be solidified until Week 1, but I do think Simpson will be manning the position come September 10.

On the defensive side of the ball, there was a little less to like. I saw some flashes from Trenton Simpson, Kevon Seymour, Travis Jones, and others, but wanted to focus on a few key points.

For starters, I was quite disappointed in the pass rush and was hoping for more from David Ojabo. That said, Cole Jackson left us all a critical reminder here:

Both things can be true at once with regards to David Ojabo.

On one hand, he’s been disappointing through two preseason games.

On the other hand, it’s his first full year as a pro and development is a thing.

You can be disappointed without calling someone a bust prematurely!…

— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) August 22, 2023

Ojabo was going to be a raw rookie without his injury; His development will take time and it won’t be linear.

Lastly, I have to give Ar’Darius Washington his flowers. An undersized safety with slot versatility, he’s having yet another strong preseason and – barring injury – should be a regular contributor early this season:

Ar’Darius Washington has arguably been one of the best players on defense the entire preseason including camp. And I couldn’t be any happier. Dude is just a baller. He sees it & he gets to the ball. The instincts have always been there. #Ravens #RavensFlock

— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) August 22, 2023

It seems he’s in the middle of every play, and PFF is recognizing that too:

Ar’Darius Washington was Baltimore’s highest graded defensive player by PFF on yesterday’s game. Washington got a grade of 78.1 and was the only Raven to have an 80.0+ coverage grade. He also ended the game with two pass breakups. He’s flying as our nickel pic.twitter.com/pAisu4tsqy

— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) August 22, 2023

Thinking back to his pre-draft stock, Dev reminds us that he was highly though of by some analysts.

Ar’Darius Washington was projected as a slot CB in the NFL pre draft, in the mold of a Honey Badger type. Take a look at what Lance Zierlein said about him. His comp was Mike Hilton, one of the best slot CBs in the league. #Ravens #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/XNvleax5Aw

— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) August 23, 2023

Let’s hope Washington is rewarded for his efforts with a roster spot!

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