The Baltimore Ravens capped off the 2025 NFL preseason with a perfect 4-0 record, shutting out the Washington Commanders 30-3 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The game’s defining moment? Kicker Tyler Loop drilling a 61-yard field goal — the longest of the preseason — as time expired in the third quarter. It wasn’t just a display of leg strength; it was a statement. The Ravens didn’t just win. They dominated. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Joe Milton, the Cowboys’ backup quarterback, delivered the kind of performance that could reshape his future. Two touchdowns — one run, one pass — in just over two quarters helped Dallas Cowboys beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The preseason ended not with a whimper, but with a roar — and a few lingering questions.
The Ravens’ Perfect Run
The Baltimore Ravens didn’t just finish the preseason undefeated — they made it look easy. Their defense held the Washington Commanders to just three points, forcing three turnovers and sacking quarterback S. Hartman four times. Even more impressive? They didn’t need their starters. The offense, led by backup QB D. Johnson, churned out 30 points with methodical drives and explosive plays. Johnson’s 17 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown were textbook efficiency. But it was Tyler Loop who stole the show. His 61-yard field goal wasn’t just a record-setter — it was the longest in franchise preseason history, and one of the most accurate long kicks ever seen in an exhibition game. Coaches called it "a confidence builder," but players knew better. This was a message: the Ravens’ special teams aren’t just good — they’re dangerous.Joe Milton’s Breakout Moment
For Joe Milton, Saturday wasn’t just another preseason game. It was his audition. With Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush sidelined, Milton took every snap in the first half and looked every bit the franchise’s next backup. He scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown on a designed run, then hit wideout N. Nash for a 24-yard strike that put Dallas up 24-7. His poise under pressure? Impeccable. His decision-making? Sharp. Even the Falcons’ defense — which had shown flashes of life in Weeks 2 and 3 — couldn’t contain him. The final stat line: 14 of 21 for 172 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, plus 32 rushing yards and another score. After the game, head coach Mike McCarthy said, "We’ve got a guy here who could start for half the league." That’s not empty praise. It’s a signal. Milton isn’t just competing for a roster spot anymore — he’s in the conversation for the No. 2 QB job.
Other Key Preseason Finale Results
While the Ravens and Cowboys dominated headlines, other games told their own stories. The Indianapolis Colts stunned the Cincinnati Bengals 41-14 behind third-string QB Riley Leonard, who completed 15 of 20 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. Leonard, a rookie from Alabama, had been buried on the depth chart before this game. Now? He’s on the radar. His connection with WR L. Treadwell — who caught six passes for 116 yards and a TD — was electric. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins gave starter Tua Tagovailoa just one series. He threw a 25-yard TD to Jaylen Waddle before being sacked twice. It was enough. The Dolphins’ defense, led by rookie LB Jaylen Johnson, held Jacksonville to six points — a sign they might be ready for Week 1. In Arizona, Geno Smith played one drive for the Las Vegas Raiders — and threw a touchdown. But the Arizona Cardinals won 20-10 anyway, thanks to a suffocating secondary that picked off two passes.What This Means for the Regular Season
Preseason records don’t matter — except when they do. The Ravens’ 4-0 run isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s a blueprint. They didn’t rely on stars. They built depth. They trusted their backups. And when the moment called for it, they delivered. That’s the kind of team that wins in January. The Cowboys? They’re still a question mark. Milton looked great, but his supporting cast was thin. Can they survive if Prescott gets hurt? The Falcons? They’re in chaos. Quarterback E. Stick played well statistically — 198 yards, one TD — but his decision-making under pressure was shaky. They’re still searching for an identity. Meanwhile, the Colts’ win was the biggest surprise. Leonard’s performance might force them to re-evaluate their entire QB hierarchy. And don’t sleep on the Denver Broncos — they won their first two preseason games, too. Their offense, led by Jarrett Stidham, looked sharper than anyone expected.
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 NFL preseason was defined by depth, not drama. With no injuries to stars and no major controversies, it was a quiet, efficient month of football. But beneath the surface? A quiet revolution. Teams are no longer treating preseason as a glorified scrimmage. They’re using it to evaluate, to experiment, to identify hidden gems. The Ravens didn’t just win games — they built confidence. The Cowboys didn’t just find a backup — they found a leader. And the Colts? They didn’t just beat a team — they found their future.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tyler Loop’s 61-yard field goal significant?
Tyler Loop’s 61-yard field goal was the longest of the 2025 NFL preseason and the longest in Baltimore Ravens franchise history for exhibition games. It’s rare for any kicker to make a field goal beyond 60 yards — only 13 such kicks have been made in NFL history, including playoffs. This wasn’t just luck; it was precision under pressure, and it signals that the Ravens’ special teams unit could be a game-changing asset in tight late-season matchups.
Did Joe Milton secure the backup QB job for the Cowboys?
While not officially named, Milton’s performance — two touchdowns, strong decision-making, and leadership under pressure — made him the clear frontrunner for the No. 2 QB spot behind Dak Prescott. With Cooper Rush still recovering from injury, Milton’s showing could push him past other contenders like Ben DiNucci. Coaches have indicated they’ll evaluate him closely during final roster cuts on August 27.
How did the Colts’ third-string QB Riley Leonard impact their season outlook?
Riley Leonard’s 189-yard, one-TD performance against Cincinnati shifted the entire quarterback depth chart. With Sam Ehlinger struggling and Anthony Richardson still rehabbing, Leonard’s poise and accuracy suggest he could be the team’s emergency starter if needed. He’s now in serious contention for the practice squad’s QB spot — and possibly even a roster spot if injuries strike early in the season.
Why did the Ravens dominate despite not playing starters?
Baltimore’s dominance came from superior depth and disciplined coaching. Their second-team defense held Washington to 3 points and forced three turnovers. Their offensive line, mostly reserves, gave QB D. Johnson clean pockets. The Ravens have built a culture where backups play like starters — a trait that helped them reach the AFC Championship last year. This performance confirms they’re built for the long haul.
What’s next for the Atlanta Falcons after this loss?
The Falcons’ offense showed flashes — E. Stick threw for 198 yards — but their red-zone inefficiency (0-for-3) and lack of a true running game are alarming. With Bijan Robinson sidelined and their offensive line inconsistent, they’re facing a tough decision: stick with Stick as the starter or give a chance to rookie Desmond Ridder. Their Week 1 opener against Carolina will be a litmus test.
Were there any major injuries reported during Week 4?
Thankfully, no major injuries were reported across the four Week 4 games. Tua Tagovailoa was sacked twice but walked off under his own power. The Ravens’ starting defense didn’t play at all, preserving key players. The only concern was a minor hamstring strain for Bengals RB K. Milton, but he’s expected to be ready for Week 1. This clean slate gives all teams confidence heading into the regular season.
