Sports
Washington Commanders end Baltimore Ravens’ preseason win streak at 24 games
Washington Commanders end Baltimore Ravens’ preseason win streak at 24 games
WASHINGTON COMMANDER– The least important winning streak in American professional sports has ended.
Washington Commanders kicker Joey Slye drilled a 49-yard field goal with nine seconds left to give his team a 29-28 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, which entered Monday’s game having won 24 straight preseason games dating back to 2016.
Washington came one yard from tying the game at 28 with four minutes remaining, but Ravens cornerback Kyu Kelly stonewalled Commanders fullback Alex Armah after he caught a pass in the flat from third-string quarterback Jake Fromm to thwart the Commanders’ two-point conversion.
The Ravens, with quarterback Anthony Brown Jr. leading the way, couldn’t run out the clock. Washington faced a 4th-and-11 on their own side of the field with 69 seconds remaining and were bailed out by a pass interference call that kept the drive alive.
Fromm and Kazmeir Allen connected for the final eight yards to bring Slye’s attempt within a manageable range.
“We were just grinding, scrapping, clawing,” Fromm told USA TODAY Sports
With his focus on figuring out where the Ravens’ pressure was coming from, Fromm said he wasn’t thinking much about putting a stake through their streak. But Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said that those who considered the streak a collection of meaningless victories has it all wrong.
“Because you never played,” Harbaugh said. “You were never out there in a preseason game. You were never fighting for a spot. And then you have the audacity to say that the effort somebody puts in to fight and win a game like that is meaningless.”
There’s no one reason the streak lasted as long as it did, Harbaugh said. It’s a reflection of how the organization practices, holds meetings, develops young players and scouts the collegiate and pro game for depth pieces.
“In the end, it’s about football and the men — and women now — who play the game. It shows you why this game is so great, why it matters so much,” Harbaugh said. “Because it takes those kinds of efforts. It’s a game of courageous people and it’s a game for people who are willing to throw themselves around in tough, awkward situations. Physicality. It takes that kind of grit to play this game, fight like that. Most people who love football love it for that reason right there. They respect what it takes to play the game.”
It was a battle of first-round draft picks during the game’s first drive, with Ravens wideout Zay Flowers (22nd overall) and Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (16th overall), lining up across from one another. Flowers hauled in his first target for an 11-yard catch, then found plenty of open grass on a play action pass he took 26 yards to the house later in the drive for his first professional touchdown.
Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, named the starter Friday, went 19-for-25 with 188 yards and two touchdowns — both within the final two minutes of the first half. Washington coach Ron Rivera kept his offensive starters in for the game’s first 30 minutes, and not without risk; wide receiver Terry McLaurin grimaced while leaving the field with a toe injury.
“It’s really not a real game,” Howell said, “but at the same time, whatever team you’re on, you want to win.
“It was so much fun to watch and be a part of.”
Ravens tight end Travis Vokolek, an undrafted rookie from Nebraska, caught two touchdowns in the second half.
Baltimore assumed the record for most consecutive preseason victories since 2021, when they won their 20th consecutive game to supplant the 1959-1962 Green Bay Packers (under legendary coach Vince Lombardi) from having the most prolific stretch of preseason dominance.
Monday’s game carried an air of familiarity, as the teams held a pair of joint practices at the Ravens’ facility in Owings Mills, Maryland, last week. The latter practice featured a pair of fights between Washington’s offensive line and the Ravens’ defensive front, and that bad blood carried over.
Sports
Adron Homes Champions Sports Sponsorship and Talent Discovery with 7th Edition of Adron Games
Adron Homes Champions Sports Sponsorship and Talent Discovery with 7th Edition of Adron Games
After six successful editions, Adron Homes & Properties continues to play a pivotal role in the development of sports and talent discovery in Nigeria through its annual sporting event, the Adron Games. What began as a corporate wellness initiative has now grown into one of the nation’s premier platforms for identifying and nurturing young talents, while promoting physical fitness and community engagement.
The 2024 edition, themed “Fit to Be the Biggest”, marks the 7th consecutive year of Adron Games, further cementing the company’s commitment to the sponsorship of grassroots sports. With each edition, Adron Homes not only creates a space for corporate teams and individuals to compete but also paves the way for the next generation of athletes to shine on a national stage.
This year’s event, set to take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan from November 29th to 30th, brings even more opportunities for young athletes to showcase their abilities across a wide variety of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War. With two Nigeria’s Ex International, Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju both legendary figures in Nigerian football serving as ambassadors, the games underscore the crucial role of sports in shaping lives and fostering unity.
Daniel Amokachi, while addressing the media at the event’s unveiling, emphasized the need for consistent support from businesses and brands to nurture talent in Nigeria. “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture young talent. Through initiatives like the Adron Games, we’re able to uncover the next generation of stars while also promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Amokachi.
In line with Adron Homes’ strategic goals, Emmanuel Oladapo, Director of Sport Adron Homes and the Organising Department, shed light on the innovative developments and strategies being brought to this year’s games. During his speech, Oladapo emphasized the importance of preparation and structure in making this year’s Adron Games the most successful yet.
“We’re focused on ensuring that every aspect of this year’s games is elevated. From athlete development to team preparation, my team and I are introducing new strategies that will provide a more competitive and organized experience for all participants. We want to make sure the games grow bigger each year while also ensuring that they remain an important platform for talent discovery,” Oladapo stated.
He further highlighted a series of pre-event activities leading up to November, which have been designed to ensure that teams are fully prepared for the competition. These preparatory events, which include team training sessions, practice tournaments, and fitness camps, will help refine skills and foster teamwork among the athletes. “We want the teams to have ample opportunity to train, strategize, and perfect their game before the main event in November,” Oladapo explained.
As part of the unveiling, Oladapo also showcased the official team jerseys, which were presented to the respective teams. The jerseys, designed to promote team spirit and a sense of unity, reflect the vibrant and competitive nature of Adron Games. “These jerseys represent more than just clothing; they symbolize the hard work, dedication, and passion that each team will bring to the field. We’re proud to have created a look that inspires pride and excellence,” he added.
By investing in sports sponsorship, Adron Homes not only encourages a culture of fitness and wellness but also contributes to the larger goal of empowering youth and developing Nigeria’s sports industry. The company’s Group Managing Director, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has been at the forefront of these efforts, recognizing the transformative power of sports as a tool for positive change.
Mutiu Adepoju, speaking at the media briefing, echoed this sentiment, stressing the unifying power of sports and commending Adron Homes for their ongoing dedication to its promotion. “Sports is not only about fitness but also about unity and creating opportunities for the youth. Adron Homes’ commitment to this cause is invaluable in the continued development of sports in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.
As Adron Games 2024 approaches, the spotlight is once again on sports as a catalyst for talent discovery and community development, with Adron Homes & Properties leading the charge.
For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact:
Mr Emmanuel Oladapo: 08100760100
Adron Sports Foundation: 08061594375
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