Baltimore Ravens Strike First With Rasheen Ali Touchdown To Take Early 7-0 Lead Over Washington Commanders After Missed Field Goal
The energy was high and the atmosphere electric as the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders clashed in what was expected to be a physical and intriguing contest. From the very first drive, it was clear the Ravens were intent on setting the tone, and they did just that with an efficient and commanding opening possession that ended in points. Running back Rasheen Ali, who is battling for a spot on the final roster, powered his way into the end zone on a 9-yard touchdown run, giving Baltimore a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. On the other side, Washington had a chance to respond immediately but came up short when its kicker pushed a field goal wide, allowing the Ravens to hold the early advantage. That sequence encapsulated the razor-thin margins that can define both games and roster battles at this point in the preseason and early season action.
The Ravens’ opening drive was a thing of beauty for their coaching staff to see. The offensive line held firm, establishing the kind of push that set the tempo against a stout Washington defensive front. Quarterback play was sharp, with quick decisions and accurate throws that moved the chains and gave Baltimore rhythm right out of the gate. Perhaps most importantly, the Ravens were able to diversify their attack. Short passes, inside runs, and an occasional outside handoff kept the Commanders guessing, creating the perfect balance between control and aggression. When the ball was placed in Rasheen Ali’s hands near the red zone, the rookie didn’t hesitate. He followed his blocks, made a sharp cut to daylight, and carried defenders into the end zone with determination that reflected his desire to make a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
For Ali, this touchdown meant more than just seven points on the scoreboard. It was a statement. As an undrafted or late-drafted player fighting for a roster spot, every snap is an audition. Coaches aren’t just looking at the yards gained or the highlight plays—they’re studying body language, decision-making, and consistency. Ali’s ability to finish a drive with authority not only boosts his personal confidence but also signals to teammates and coaches that he belongs at this level. A preseason or early season score might not mean much to the casual observer, but for players like Ali, moments like these can shape careers.
On the opposite sideline, the Washington Commanders had their opportunity to answer. They pieced together a promising drive of their own, showing flashes of what their offense could be. The quarterback connected with his receivers for a couple of big gains, and their running game began to chip away at the Ravens’ front seven. However, when they stalled near field goal range, the missed kick changed the momentum. Special teams have long been the difference between good teams and great ones, and Washington’s failure to capitalize left them chasing points early, a position no team wants to be in against a disciplined Ravens squad.
The missed field goal was more than just an empty possession—it was a mental blow. Players know the importance of putting points on the board, even if it’s just three, especially when the opponent has already drawn first blood. Instead of knotting the score at 7-3 and calming the nerves of the home crowd, Washington handed the momentum right back to Baltimore. Such moments can snowball. A missed kick can linger in the minds of the special teams unit, force the offense to press harder on subsequent drives, and give the defense the added pressure of needing to hold the line without rest.
Meanwhile, Baltimore fed off the early success. The Ravens are known for their physical brand of football, and jumping out to a lead only fuels that identity. They could now lean on their running game, mix in controlled passing, and force Washington to play catch-up. Having a defense like Baltimore’s is a luxury in such situations, because protecting a lead is something they have mastered over the years. The early score gave the defense a cushion, the sideline energy a boost, and the coaching staff the chance to dictate tempo.
For Rasheen Ali, the drive and touchdown represent the culmination of months of preparation. Many running backs enter training camp knowing they are long shots. Depth charts are often filled with established veterans and highly drafted rookies, leaving only a sliver of opportunity. But when Ali stepped onto the field, he ran with urgency. He knew that a strong showing could separate him from the pack. Scoring a touchdown, even in the opening quarter of a preseason or early season contest, gives him tape to prove his worth and a narrative that coaches can’t ignore.
What makes Ali’s effort even more significant is the way he finished the run. A 9-yard touchdown doesn’t sound spectacular, but it showcased vision, patience, and toughness. He identified the hole, trusted his blockers, and refused to go down at first contact. That kind of determination is exactly what franchises look for in depth running backs who may be called upon in critical moments down the line. Baltimore’s history is filled with stories of unheralded players who seized the moment when the opportunity arrived, and Ali is hoping to add his name to that lineage.
For the Commanders, the first quarter was a reminder of how critical execution is in the NFL. A drive that ends with points keeps you in the game and allows your play-calling balance to remain intact. A missed kick, however, puts pressure on every subsequent possession. Their coaching staff will undoubtedly revisit the sequence and stress the importance of capitalizing on scoring chances. Washington’s players know they had the chance to quiet the Ravens’ early surge, and instead, they left the door wide open for Baltimore to dictate the flow of the game.
The chess match between these two teams was evident even in the opening minutes. Baltimore wanted to establish the run and set a physical tone, and they succeeded. Washington wanted to respond quickly to show they could match energy with energy, but the missed opportunity put them behind schedule. For fans watching, it was a classic reminder of how each play in football carries weight. A made kick might seem like a small thing, but it changes the complexion of the scoreboard, the energy of the crowd, and the psychology of the players.
As the game progressed beyond the first quarter, all eyes naturally turned back to Ali. Would the Ravens continue to feed him touches? Could he replicate the same energy against a defensive front that would now be more prepared for him? And more importantly, would his performance cement his case for a roster spot? Every yard, every carry, every block in pass protection would now be scrutinized not just for statistics but for what they revealed about his ability to contribute in real games.
The Ravens, of course, have bigger aspirations than just finding the end zone in the first quarter of an early game. They are looking to build momentum for a long season, to sharpen their offensive identity, and to make sure their young players are ready to step into larger roles when called upon. A player like Ali fits perfectly into that equation. If he continues to deliver, Baltimore could find themselves with yet another hidden gem in their backfield.
For the Commanders, the path forward after the missed field goal would be to refocus and avoid letting the early setback define the night. Football is a game of adjustments, and one poor sequence does not seal a team’s fate. Washington still has playmakers capable of swinging momentum back in their favor, but only if they capitalize on their next opportunities.
At the end of the day, the story of the first quarter belonged to Baltimore and Rasheen Ali. His touchdown run wasn’t just about points on the board—it was about seizing an opportunity in the most unforgiving league in sports. While the Commanders were left to lament a missed field goal, the Ravens celebrated a player who may very well be carving his way into their future plans.
The early 7-0 lead may or may not hold by game’s end, but the message sent in that first quarter was clear: Baltimore was ready, Rasheen Ali was hungry, and Washington could not afford to waste chances. In a league where every detail matters, those opening minutes offered a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and stories that make football the most compelling game in sports.
