In the first five weeks of the NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens have posted a 3-2 record and hold down the first place spot in the AFC North, while the Commanders stand at 2-3, and are trying to keep up in the very competitive NFC East. The Commanders are off to a better start than last year, and the Ravens have matched theirs, although it’s hard to call that a success after a couple tough losses.
Former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson is playing fairly well, even though he’s had a couple bad turnovers. After five games, Lamar has just over 1,030 passing yards with an additional 265 yards rushing which leads the team. Fortunately for Lamar, the Ravens went out and got him a standout receiver in rookie Zay Flowers who leads the team in receptions and yards.
The Commanders are making things work a little bit differently than the Ravens as they do not have a former (and perhaps future) MVP under center but someone who is in their first season starting. Second year QB Sam Howell has taken over for the Commanders and has done pretty well so far, standing in 6th place in passing yards with 1,349. Also playing well for the Commanders are two former Ohio State teammates and roommates. Pro Bowl receiver Terry McLaurin, who has 261 receiving yards on the season, is the team’s big-play receiver, and Curtis Samuel, who has 243 receiving yards, is an emerging star.
A big story for the Commanders has been their change in ownership with former owner Dan Snyder, who held the team for 24 years, selling the team to a group led by managing partner Josh Harris. Along with a long list of minority owners, which includes NBA great Magic Johnson, Harris, who also owns the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers and the New Jersey Devils, has brought a positive shift in energy for the organization and its fans. So, regardless of the record this season, the Commanders and their fans have a positive future to look forward to, something that they haven’t been able to say in years.
Unlike the Commanders’ fans, those in Baltimore expect playoff appearances every year. For that to happen the Ravens will have to eliminate turnovers, avoid the injury bug, and find a way to win close games like the one they lost to division rival Pittsburgh this past week if they want to live up to those expectations.