The Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens is not going to maintain their deliberate joint NFL follow subsequent week, with each groups citing scheduling conflicts and the pressure of a brief turnaround between video games.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn defined that the choice got here after conversations with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.
“Generally schedules simply don’t sync up,” Quinn stated. “I visited with John final evening, and we’re bummed. We now have numerous respect for them and had been trying ahead to it, however we are going to see them a few days later.”
The groups are set to satisfy on Aug. 23 at FedEx Subject within the preseason finale. The Ravens might be coming off a Saturday evening sport in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys, whereas Washington will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday evening. That left just one follow day earlier than the scheduled joint session.
The Ravens launched an announcement calling the cancellation a mutual choice.
“Recognizing the logistical challenges with our groups’ earlier video games scheduled on completely different days and the added pressure on gamers heading into a brief week, the Ravens and Commanders mutually agreed to now not maintain a joint follow subsequent week. As an alternative, we are going to focus on making ready for our upcoming preseason matchup,” the crew stated.
The Commanders are centered on the rest of the preseason
Quinn confirmed the change is not going to have an effect on enjoying time selections for Washington’s starters within the closing two preseason video games. He added that the Commanders will use the time to proceed situational work and inner competitors, together with their “Burgundy and Gold Sport” at follow, which pits gamers and workers into two squads for spirited matchups.
Each groups nonetheless acquired some joint follow work earlier in camp. Washington confronted the New England Patriots final week, whereas the Ravens practiced with the Indianapolis Colts. These classes provided helpful evaluations in opposition to unfamiliar opponents.
As regional rivals, the Commanders and Ravens typically meet within the preseason. This summer time’s matchup will give Washington one final tune-up earlier than its common season opener at house in opposition to the New York Giants on Sept. 7.
For Quinn, the change in plans is just a part of coaching camp’s unpredictability.
“These two days for us are numerous enjoyable as a result of it’s a break from the norm,” he stated. “It’s about competing, growing, and having fun with the work.”