OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens have had plenty of “Welcome to the NFL” moments against rookie quarterbacks.
Under coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens are 15-2 at home against rookie quarterbacks and 23-7 overall.
The Ravens face one of their biggest challenges on Sunday against Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is the first player in NFL history with more than 1,000 yards passing and 250 yards rushing in his first five career games.
“When he’s in the open field, he’s a dangerous guy to tackle, but we love challenges,” Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith said. “He’s still a rookie at the end of the day, and he hasn’t seen a defense like ours just yet.”
The Commanders lead the NFL with 38 points per game, while the Ravens are ranked second, averaging 29.4 points per game.
The Ravens have the NFL’s No. 1 rush offense (211.2 yards per game and defense (60.4 yards per game allowed). The Ravens have a 754-yard rushing differential, the second-highest margin (plus 758, 1984 Bears) by any team through its first five games of a season since the 1970 league merger.
While there is hype about Daniels, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, is having a stellar season. Jackson has thrown for 1,206 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception for a 107.2 passer rating. He has also run for 363 yards with two scores.
When it comes to comparing Jackson and Daniels, the Ravens like their quarterback.
“Lamar is my guy and forever will be,” tight end Mark Andrews said. “To me, he’s the ‘G.O.A.T.’ in my eyes. I don’t look at anybody else.”
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