Landover, Md. — The Washington Commanders concluded their 2025 preseason schedule with a 30-3 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens on August 23 at Northwest Stadium, ending exhibition play at 0-3. The game featured backups and reserves, as starters like quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin did not participate.
Here are four key Commanders preseason takeaways from the matchup, including quarterback decisions, offensive line progress, notable performances and roster implications ahead of the regular season opener September 7 against the New York Giants.
The Commanders’ offense totaled 232 yards and turned the ball over four times, leading to 17 points for Baltimore. The Ravens, who went 3-0 in preseason, amassed 347 yards, with 152 rushing. Kicker Tyler Loop hit a 61-yard field goal, setting a Ravens preseason record.
A major Commanders preseason takeaway involves the unsettled third quarterback spot. Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson failed to secure it definitively. Hartman, starting the first half, went 11-for-19 for 114 yards but had two interceptions and a fumble, one returned for a touchdown by Ravens safety Keyon Martin. The rookie contributed to a 52-yard play but his turnovers fueled Baltimore’s 27-3 halftime advantage. Johnson, entering later, managed an 11-play drive ending in an end-zone interception. Washington kept three quarterbacks last season — Daniels, Mariota and Jeff Driskel — but might retain only two this year to bolster other positions. Head coach Dan Quinn has stressed efficiency in practices, yet neither reserve consistently delivered in preseason outings.
Another Commanders preseason takeaway highlights offensive lineman Brandon Coleman’s efforts to gain experience. The TCU product, moved from left tackle to left guard this offseason, sat out much of camp due to injury but practiced mid-week and pushed to play against Baltimore. “It was huge for me,” Coleman said postgame. He referenced last year’s injury setbacks, which led to shared snaps with Cornelius Lucas. Quinn commended Coleman’s drive: “We’ll always make the right decisions for the players, but I trust them, too.” Coleman’s game time offered crucial preparation for a line revamped with additions like center Tyler Biadasz and guard Nick Allegretti.
Tight end Colson Yankoff provided a highlight amid offensive struggles, marking a positive Commanders preseason takeaway. The former quarterback-turned-tight end caught a 52-yard pass in the second quarter, evading a tackle and advancing into Ravens territory to set up a field goal by Riley Patterson. Competing for the fourth tight end role behind Zach Ertz, John Bates and rookie Ben Sinnott, Yankoff said: “That’s not my call ultimately. It’s totally up to them. I just try to go out there and give it all I got every day.” His special teams value bolsters his roster candidacy. Yankoff’s performance underscores the depth Washington seeks at skill positions, where versatility can influence final cuts. The 25-year-old, who transitioned roles in college, has shown steady improvement through camp, drawing praise from coordinators for his route-running and blocking.
The finale underscored roster dilemmas, a key Commanders preseason takeaway with cuts due August 26 at 4 p.m. ET. Quinn and general manager Adam Peters will reduce from 90 to 53 players, weighing spots at quarterback, receiver and lines. “It’s our time to spend together, talk about the team, what we would do, contingency planning,” Quinn said. Last year, six receivers made the cut, but adjustments loom based on efforts from players like Jamison Crowder and Tay Martin.
Defensively, linebacker and cornerback depth is uncertain after preseason opponents scored 109 points. The team may target waivers for improvements, as in prior years, aiming to surpass the 4-13 mark from last season under new leadership. Additional considerations include balancing youth with experience, particularly in the secondary where rookies like Mike Sainristil have impressed in limited action. Sainristil, a second-round pick from Michigan, recorded an interception in the preseason opener against the Jets, highlighting potential contributions to a unit that ranked near the bottom in pass defense last year.
Washington’s winless preseason reflects rebuilding hurdles but shows promise from rookies like Daniels, who threw for 78 yards on 10-of-12 completions in his preseason debut. The focus now turns to the Giants opener, where Quinn draws on his Dallas experience to foster competitiveness.
Baltimore’s win, led by quarterback Devin Leary and a turnover-forcing defense, exposed Washington’s inconsistencies. Quinn emphasized deliberate decisions: “It is a busy time for sure, but big decisions, we take our time and work our way through them.” These assessments will define the 2025 roster and strategy. As the team finalizes its lineup, attention also turns to practice squad options, with up to 16 spots available under league rules, allowing flexibility for development players like undrafted free agents who flashed potential in exhibitions.
