Commanders lose so much more than just a game to Ravens and it could mean bad things for the future
The Washington Commanders (4-2) were riding a four-game winning streak heading into Week 6, but that came to a screeching halt thanks to the Baltimore Ravens (4-2).The Commanders were only down by seven points heading into halftime, but the Ravens were simply too much throughout the third and fourth quarters, mostly on offense. Lamar Jackson […]
The Washington Commanders (4-2) were riding a four-game winning streak heading into Week 6, but that came to a screeching halt thanks to the Baltimore Ravens (4-2).
The Commanders were only down by seven points heading into halftime, but the Ravens were simply too much throughout the third and fourth quarters, mostly on offense. Lamar Jackson took over and the Ravens were never really threatened in terms of losing the lead they established in the first half.
But, the loss didn't just stop at the scoreboard: The Commanders lost two starters/key players on the defensive line and both guys could miss time in the future.
Starting defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr., who came into the game tied for the team lead in sacks with 3.0, left the game in the first half with a rib injury and did not return. Shortly after he left the game, he was seen on the sideline in street clothes, which is obviously not a good indicator of his future health status.
Then, in the fourth quarter, CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson informed the broadcast that Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was out for the rest of the game with a pec injury. Allen is tied for third on the team with 2.0 sacks.
The Commanders really need both players to be ok in both the short- and long-term. The defensive line/pass rush was coming to life heading into Week 6 and each guy played a big role in the ascension.
Fortunately, the Commanders drafted Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. While he certainly doesn't have Allen's pedigree, he should be a viable replacement that holds his own, to a certain extent. Things are quite different at end, however, as Clelin Ferrell, the team's other starting defensive end, is still dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of Sunday's loss to the Ravens.
The Commanders did get Efe Obada back in the lineup after he was on the physically unable to perform list, but it remains to be seen just how effective he is off the injury. Dante Fowler Jr. has also flashed throughout the first six games, but he's more of a specialist-type player and not a guy who can play the majority of defensive snaps, like Armstrong.
The obvious hope is both guys aren't out for a long time, but if they are, it's going to be very interesting to see how Washington handles the absences and just how much of a drop-off said absences create.
