Takeaways from first half as Ravens hold a 17-10 lead over Commanders
In a matchup with a game-of-the-year feel, the Baltimore Ravens hold a 17-10 lead over the upstart Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Field.
Jayden Daniels was 15-20 passing for 131 yards and one touchdown in the first half. Daniels also led the Washington rushing attack with three carries for 15 yards. With the second half about to begin, here are takeaways and observations from the first half.
Lamar Jackson interception
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 13: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Jackson had an interception bounce off his receiver’s hands, but he responded well and was his usual, efficient self. Jackson was 14-19 passing for 208 yards, one score, and one turnover.
Zay Flowers explosive play
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 13: Benjamin St-Juste #25 of the Washington Commanders tackles Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Since the 2023 season, Flowers has been targeted at an average depth of 6.8 yards on Early Downs, the 8th-lowest of 66 qualified NFL WRs; League average: 10.3. In the first half against Washington, Flowers had nine catches for 132 yards (14.7 avg).
Travis Jones playing like a Pro Bowler
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 12: Defensive tackle Travis Jones #98 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Jones had two tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in the first half.
Derrick Henry makes history
Oct 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes for a second quarter touchdown against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
With his two-yard touchdown in the first half, Henry became the second player since the 1970 merger to score a touchdown in each of the first six games of a season with a new team, joining Robert Edwards (1998 rookie season with the Patriots).
Henry is also the first player with a rush TD in his team’s first six games since Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005.
Ravens secondary
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 13: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders catches a touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Terry McLaurin score was the 10th TD pass allowed by the Ravens in their first six games. Baltimore gave up 18 TD passes last season (2nd-fewest in the NFL).
