Commanders Pass Test, But Struggle Signs Show In Loss

Washington's tough loss to Baltimore shows that the team can still be competitive, but needs to perform better against playoff teams.

The Washington Commanders sent an important message to the rest of the NFL despite their 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon. 

These aren't your father's Commanders anymore.

 Washington was already beginning to turn heads with their 4-1 start to the 2024 season. They have knocked off teams like the struggling Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals in impressive fashion. 

Despite their surprise start, a hard reality hit the Commanders on Sunday even with their fall to a respectable 4-2 to begin the year. Both losses for Washington this season have come against playoff teams (Tampa Bay providing their first loss in the season opener). 

The combined record of the teams they have beaten? 6-16. 

Washington losing to good teams and beating bad teams isn't necessarily a problem. After all, they are in the early stages of their own rebuild, and getting victories against bad teams alone is an accomplishment. 

But they need to be able to beat good teams on their schedule if they want to be seen as playoff contenders. That's the reality of the next step on their schedule. 

They were certainly competitive against Baltimore, but that isn't good enough anymore. The more they improve, the more they need to figure out ways to win these close games as well.