Anytime two NFL teams get together for training camp; you can probably expect a fight or two. In the heat of the summer, two teams meet and want to hit someone in another uniform—standard stuff.
On Tuesday, the Washington Commanders made the short trip to Owings Mills, Md., for the first of two joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens. It was an excellent opportunity for the Commanders to compete against one of the NFL’s top franchises.
It didn’t take long for tempers to flare between the two teams. One scuffle involved Washington’s first-round rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. Forbes and Baltimore wide receiver Tylan Wallace. Wallace apparently wasn’t happy with Forbes reaching for the football and threw a punch at Forbes. Forbes responded with a punch of his own. Others got involved, with someone jerking Forbes down from behind.
And here it is. The first fight of joint practices between the #Ravens and #Commanders.
Tylan Wallace vs. Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Devin Duvernay flying in.
Laquon Treadwell with a good shot too.
Mark Andrews involved in another scirmish on the next snap. pic.twitter.com/j4Eb8g6YGb
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerWMAR) August 15, 2023
That wasn’t the only one.
Ravens tight end Mark Andrews slams Commanders cornerback Danny Johnson after a pass intended for him was broken up.
REALLY HEATING UP!#Ravens tight end Mark Andrews body slams #Commanders CB Danny Johnson
Shoves and scuffles ensue#HTTC @nbcwashington @JPFinlayNBCS pic.twitter.com/RopNJUbvKz
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) August 15, 2023
Center Nick Gates was also involved in another incident.
Less than an hour into joint practices, a fight.
Ravens DL Odafe Oweh hooked C Nick Gates around the back of the neck and got a couple pops in on his facemask. Gates threw a couple punches back and it broke up quickly.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) August 15, 2023
After practice, head coach Ron Rivera addressed the fighting.
“Yes. Coach Harbaugh asked for me to come over to their side of the field,” Rivera said. “So I went over, [Coach Harbaugh] addressed his guys, I addressed our guys, and they got back to it. Over here, I complimented Coach [Harbaugh] because we had a situation where one of their guys was a little out of bounds and made a play, and their guys came over and took care of it themselves. And I thought that was really big. I told Coach [Harbaugh] I really appreciated his guys doing that.”
The two teams will be back together for another joint practice on Wednesday.