Commanders 'Measuring Stick' Game vs. Ravens?

The Washington Commanders have had a good start to their new era, racing to a 4-1 record and blowing teams out for fun.

But for some, the Commanders haven't played any notable team, with their wins coming against the New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns.

While that is a solid group of teams, none are considered in the upper echelon of NFL units (the Bengals potentially), but Washington's next opponent is.

The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson are up next, and while some are calling this a litmus test for Washington, head coach Dan Quinn isn't interested in that storyline.

"We don't talk in those terms of measuring sticks," Quinn said . "Hey, it's no secret, Baltimore's a really good football team, but we're not using it as a measuring stick of where we're at. Like every time we go, we're here to get down and go for it. So, it has no bearing on a measuring stick or any of that. We know how good they are and we're ready to go fight, too."

So many outside the building see this game as one where we will get a true idea of exactly how good (or not) the Commanders are. In truth, a loss wouldn't take away anything Washington has already done this season, but more so, just a gentle reminder of the road ahead.

But win, and now things start to get interesting regarding where the Commanders are in their "rebuild," and the confidence gained could push this team to new heights.

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Daniels and the offense are going against Zach Orr's defense and Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit trying to curtail Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the Ravens' explosive offense, there are key matchups and storylines everywhere you look.

But despite many seeing this as a good test of Washington's new-found credentials, the Commanders aren't the scary new fighter shaking at the knees; they're ready to go toe-to-toe with the AFC heavyweights.