LANDOVER, Md. (AP) Sam Howell threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns as the Washington Commanders beat the Baltimore Ravens 29-28 on a last-minute field goal in the NFL’s most unusual victory.
The loss marked the end of the Ravens’ 24-game preseason hitting streak, surpassing the previous NFL record of 19 set by the Green Bay Packers in the 1950s.
Howell was still in middle school when the Baltimore Ravens last lost a season game in 2015.
He was named the Commanders’ starting quarterback last Friday and on Monday showed Washington coach Ron Rivera and new offensive coordinator Eric Bienemi why they have faith in the second-year passer in an important year.
Journeyman Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson, at least by preseason standards, had a spirited first half to throw.
Johnson finished 10 of 12 for 145 yards and two touchdowns, as well as an end zone interception, as the ball fell into the hands of receiver James Broch II and into the waiting hands of Commanders defensive back Quan Martin.
Those missed points proved costly as Washington’s third-string QB, former Georgia standout Jake Fromm, drove the team down the field for a game-winning field goal.
Joey Sly kicked the ball 49 yards to win the game and end Baltimore’s streak.
New energy
Monday’s preseason game was the first under new Washington owner Josh Harris, and it was a star-studded sideline in the minutes leading up to the game.
Legendary Washington trainer Joe Gibbs was in attendance with his grandson, NASCAR racer Ty Gibbs. Maryland Governor Wes Moore was the honorary captain of the Commanders, and Verizon CEO Hans Westberg shook hands with the ownership group like a rapper.
Harris joined ESPN’s game broadcast in the second quarter.
“I have a lot of faith in Sam (Howell) and the team,” he said during the appearance.
Injuries
Washington receiver Terry McClarin left the game late in the second quarter after a Baltimore defender fell on his leg while making a tackle. McClarin left the field and went to the locker room. The team described the injury as a right toe injury, but its severity was not immediately known.
Commanders backup receiver Timmy Brown left the game in the third quarter to undergo a concussion evaluation. He was allowed to return.
next
Ravens: End the season Saturday night at Tampa Bay.
Commanders: Cincinnati in their preseason finale on Saturday night.
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