Landover, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens completed an undefeated 2025 preseason with a 30-3 victory over the Washington Commanders on August 23 at Northwest Stadium, showcasing defensive dominance and key contributions from reserves vying for roster spots. The win marked the Ravens’ third consecutive preseason triumph, following victories against the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys, as backups forced four turnovers and limited Washington to 232 total yards.
With roster cuts looming on August 26 at 4 p.m. ET, several Ravens preseason standouts emerged, bolstering their cases ahead of the regular season opener September 7 against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.
The Ravens’ defense set the tone early, recording two sacks and intercepting Commanders quarterbacks three times while recovering one fumble. Inside linebacker Trenton Simpson, the lone starter to suit up, led the unit with six tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a pass deflection that led to an interception by Jalyn Armour-Davis in the second quarter. Simpson’s performance capped a strong training camp where he reclaimed his position alongside All-Pro Roquan Smith. “Simpson took a big step this offseason,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. As the Ravens aim to build on their 12-5 record from 2024, Simpson’s momentum positions him as a key piece in defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s scheme, which forced 12 turnovers across preseason games.
Undrafted rookie cornerback Keyon Martin made the most impactful play among Ravens preseason standouts, intercepting a pass from Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman and returning it 26 yards for a touchdown late in the first half. The Louisiana-Lafayette product also added a tackle for loss, highlighting his potential amid injuries to sixth-round picks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam, both out for the season. Martin’s veteran-like reads could secure him a spot in a secondary needing depth at nickel, especially after the unit allowed just 71 passing yards in the finale. His pick-six extended Baltimore’s lead to 24-3 before halftime, underscoring the defense’s ability to generate points.
Kicker Tyler Loop provided another highlight among Ravens preseason standouts, going perfect on three field goal attempts from 46, 52 and a career-long 61 yards in the fourth quarter — the longest in Ravens preseason history. Loop finished the exhibition slate 9-of-11 overall, building confidence after an inconsistent start. His only blemish against Washington was a kickoff out of bounds amid ongoing experiments with new kickoff rules. As the Ravens prepare for a challenging schedule featuring nine 2024 playoff teams, Loop’s reliability could prove vital in close contests.
On offense, fifth-round rookie running back Rasheen Ali continued his impressive preseason, rushing nine times for 36 yards with a longest run of 12 yards that demonstrated sharp vision. Ali also caught five passes, including a one-handed grab for a first down, totaling 52 yards on 14 touches across the game. He scored the opening touchdown on a 9-yard run in the first quarter, helping the Ravens amass 152 rushing yards. With Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell already established, Ali’s versatility raises questions about keeping four running backs on the 53-man roster, a decision that could hinge on his special teams value.
Quarterback Cooper Rush, acquired in the offseason, closed the preseason strongly as one of the Ravens preseason standouts, completing 5 of 9 passes for 59 yards without turnovers. After a shaky opener, Rush’s efficiency in the final two games positions him as a solid backup behind Lamar Jackson, who sat out the exhibitions to preserve health following his MVP-caliber 2024 season.
Cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., signed earlier in the week, contributed with an end-zone interception against former Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson in the fourth quarter. The move adds depth to a position group thinned by injuries, and Graham’s quick adaptation could earn him a practice squad spot if not the active roster.
Rookie quarterback Devin Leary rounded out the Ravens preseason standouts, completing 17 of 23 passes for 71 yards in the finale, marking his most efficient outing. Over three games, Leary totaled 167 passing yards without turnovers in his last two appearances, showing growth after an initial struggle. As an undrafted free agent from Kentucky, his performance may secure a developmental role.
The Ravens’ preseason success reflects a team reloading after a 2024 AFC Championship appearance, with additions like Henry and a focus on defensive aggression under Orr. Baltimore went 3-0 in exhibitions for the first time since 2019, outscoring opponents 83-33 while experimenting with schemes. Key plays in the Commanders game included D’Ernest Johnson’s 1-yard touchdown run and Loop’s field goals, while the defense held Washington to 3-of-14 on third downs.
Roster decisions loom, with cuts reducing the squad from 90 to 53 players. Positions like running back and cornerback remain competitive, influenced by preseason standouts like Ali and Martin. The Ravens’ schedule opens with a rematch against the Bills, whom they defeated in the 2024 divisional round, followed by home games against the Detroit Lions and at the Kansas City Chiefs. Harbaugh emphasized building habits, noting the preseason allowed evaluation of depth amid injuries.
For fans in areas near Baltimore, such as those commuting from nearby counties, the win provides optimism heading into a season with four primetime games, including a Thanksgiving matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens’ history of strong defenses — ranking first in points allowed in 2024 — appears intact, with preseason standouts ready to contribute.
As Baltimore finalizes its roster, attention turns to practice squad assignments, allowing up to 16 players under league rules. This flexibility could retain talents like Leary for future development. The team’s emphasis on special teams, evident in Loop’s kicks, aligns with NFL trends prioritizing field position.
Overall, the Ravens preseason standouts signal a squad poised for contention, blending veterans with emerging talent in pursuit of a Super Bowl run.
