The Baltimore Ravens have won an NFL-record 24 consecutive preseason games. The Ravens’ win streak is either impressive or meaningless, depending on each person’s perspective. Evidently, Washington Commanders offensive lineman Sam Cosmi believes the latter.
After undergoing two joint practices, the Ravens and Commanders will play each other in a preseason contest Monday Night at FedEx Field. Cosmi got asked about the Commanders looking to end the Ravens’ record streak.
“It’s a stupid record,” Cosmi answered, per John Keim of ESPN. “Who gives a [expletive] about preseason games? If we beat it? Great. We’re gonna beat it, so there you go.”
The Ravens have five wins over the Commanders during their preseason win streak. The teams have played each other in the preseason every year, except for the canceled 2020 game since 2017. Their home stadiums are roughly 33 miles apart and in the same state of Maryland.
However, the two teams have only played each other twice since 2016 in the regular season because the Commanders are in the NFC and Ravens the AFC. The only rivalry between the teams is among fans.
Yet, there was tension in this week’s joint practices, including multiple fights. One started after Ravens tight end Mark Andrews slammed Commanders cornerback Danny Johnson to the ground. Johnson injured his rotator cuff as a result.
Cosmi’s comments make a lot of sense. There is a current animosity there between the two teams. Winning 24 preseason games shows the commitment to preparation that the Ravens organization has persisted under head coach John Harbaugh.
On the other hand, the Ravens haven’t won a Super Bowl during the stretch. Baltimore hasn’t advanced past the AFC Divisional Round in the playoffs. Therefore, the preseason win streak is meaningless to many.
Monday’s game is meaningless in a lot of ways. It’s unclear how many regular starters will play for either team. But with the events of this week’s practices and Cosmi’s comments, there may be a little added incentive to win for the Ravens and Commanders.
