Democracy Dies in Darkness
Washington Commanders

The Commanders put up a respectable fight. That counts as progress.

It’s clear the Washington Commanders aren’t in the Baltimore Ravens’ class. But they passed a test Sunday by sticking with the Super Bowl contenders.

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Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was harried by linebacker Roquan Smith and the Ravens defense but still produced a solid performance. (Nick Wass/AP)
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BALTIMORE — As fun as last week might have been, a breezy fourth quarter with quarterback Jayden Daniels basking in his masterpiece, any Washington Commanders game that matters this season will feel more like Sunday’s.

As time ticked away at M&T Bank Stadium, the Commanders weren’t subbing in the second string. They were still scrapping. And Daniels wasn’t spending the final minutes smiling and laughing next to a public relations staffer on the sideline. This time, he was alone with his thoughts, standing on the painted crest at midfield. When Baltimore called a timeout with 2:59 remaining, just a delay before proving its superiority in this marquee matchup, Daniels walked toward the Ravens’ shield logo. He was offered a swig of water but refused. He waited there, hands on his hips.

The rookie had work to do and probably tough questions on his mind. Such as, how in the world could his team make up 10 points in less than three minutes? (It wouldn’t.)

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