In the realm of peculiar NFL records, one that stood out was the Baltimore Ravens' unprecedented 24-game preseason winning streak. A streak that garnered both admiration and jest from NFL fans, players, and teams alike, came to an end in a game that will be remembered for its drama and emotion. On a fateful Monday night, the Ravens faced off against the Washington Commanders, and the result was a thrilling 29-28 victory for the Commanders, ending Baltimore's remarkable preseason streak.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, highlighted by Joey Slye's 49-yard field goal with a mere 9 seconds left on the clock, delivering the Commanders a hard-fought win. For the Ravens, this marked their first preseason loss since 2015, a full three years before they drafted their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. The game-clinching drive was kept alive by a crucial pass interference call against Ravens cornerback Corey Mayfield Jr. on a critical fourth-and-11 play with just over a minute left in the game.
Reflecting on the end of the streak, Ravens coach John Harbaugh shared his sentiments, stating, "The thing about something like that -- you're proud of it and you appreciate it... all those games are mostly like that." Harbaugh's words highlight the competitive nature of the Ravens' preseason victories, indicating that the streak was not simply the result of luck, but rather a testament to the team's dedication and skill.
However, not everyone held the same reverence for the record. Washington guard Sam Cosmi bluntly labeled the streak as a "stupid record," a sentiment that captured the attention of both fans and media. Cosmi's candidness added a layer of playful banter to the encounter between the two teams, showcasing the camaraderie and rivalry that defines NFL matchups.
For Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson, the victory held special significance due to the regional rivalry between the two teams. Dotson noted, "I was sitting in bed watching ESPN all day, and all you could hear about is this streak, the streak... It was definitely pretty cool knowing what they had on the line that we could end that." The win was not just a game in the preseason; it was a memorable moment that the Commanders would cherish.
The game itself demonstrated the stark difference in approach between the two teams. The Ravens opted to rest their top two quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, giving their second- and third-string players a chance to shine. In contrast, the Commanders fielded their starting quarterback, Sam Howell, along with their first-team offense for the entire first half. The Commanders' determination was evident, as they played to win rather than just fulfill preseason formalities.
Despite the outcome, Harbaugh chose to maintain a gracious attitude, acknowledging the Commanders' victory. When asked about the Commanders' motivation, he responded, "Obviously, it was meaningful to them... They won a hard-fought football game. They deserve it in the end to celebrate."
The Commanders' triumph was made even sweeter by the recent joint practices between the two teams, which added an extra layer of intensity and competition. Quarterback Sam Howell highlighted the atmosphere, stating, "It's not a real game but at the same time whatever team you're on you want to win, especially knowing what they had on the other side with their little streak."
The Ravens' decimated secondary due to injuries made it challenging for them to hold off the Commanders in the closing moments. The Commanders capitalized on the opportunity, as third-string quarterback Jake Fromm orchestrated a 60-yard drive to set up the winning field goal. Joey Slye, who had struggled in similar situations during the regular season, rose to the occasion, securing the victory with a successful kick through the uprights.
While the loss marked the end of a historic preseason streak for the Ravens, kicker Justin Tucker, one of the few players to be part of the team for the entire duration of the streak, emphasized that the preseason is a platform to refine skills and prepare for the regular season. He noted, "At the end of the day, it's not necessarily going to be recorded as some dramatic loss. But what really matters is playing well in the regular season."
As Slye celebrated the winning kick with an "L" gesture towards his sideline, the Commanders' exuberant reaction and sideline celebration echoed the significance of the moment for their team. Tucker's words, "I don't care about their team. I care about ours," highlighted the deep-rooted competitive spirit that defines NFL teams.
With the Baltimore Ravens' 24-game preseason win streak now part of history, the Las Vegas Raiders step into the spotlight with the NFL's longest active preseason win streak, a six-game run that could mark the beginning of a new era of preseason dominance.
In the end, the Ravens' remarkable streak brought attention, excitement, and a touch of friendly rivalry to the NFL preseason, reminding fans that every game, regardless of its status, is an opportunity for teams to showcase their skill, determination, and passion for the sport they love.
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