CINCINNATI — The Washington Commanders, led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, pulled off a remarkable 38-33 triumph over Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on a captivating edition of “Monday Night Football.” Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft, commanded the field with poise and precision, orchestrating scoring drives on the team’s initial four possessions to establish a commanding 28-13 lead by midway through the third quarter. Despite a late resurgence from the Bengals, Washington held firm, securing a signature win.
Daniels, the former Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, showcased his versatility, dazzling both as a passer and a rusher. The dynamic quarterback completed an extraordinary 21 of 23 passes, amassing 254 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 39 yards on the ground from 12 rushing attempts. His seamless command of the offense was on full display, leaving the Bengals’ defense scrambling for answers.
On the other side of the ball, Cincinnati’s offense faltered early, unable to gain momentum. However, Burrow and the Bengals mounted a second-half charge, closing the gap. A pivotal moment came late in the third quarter when Burrow connected with sophomore receiver Andrei Iosivas for a fourth-down touchdown, bringing Cincinnati within striking distance at 28-20. But Washington swiftly responded with a field goal to maintain a two-possession lead.
Undeterred, Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase in the end zone for their second touchdown of the evening with 9:42 left in the fourth quarter, shrinking the deficit to 31-26. Yet, it was Daniels who had the final word, orchestrating a masterful 12-play, 70-yard drive that consumed over seven minutes of game clock. The drive culminated in a flawless 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin, effectively sealing the outcome and silencing the Cincinnati crowd.
With this exhilarating victory, Washington improves to 2-1 on the season, while the Bengals find themselves reeling at 0-3. The Commanders, long in search of a franchise quarterback, appear to have unearthed a gem in Daniels.
A Star Emerges: Daniels Shines Bright
Jayden Daniels delivered a statement performance, completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, leading Washington to a thrilling victory over the Bengals. Beyond his aerial prowess, Daniels showcased his mobility, rushing 12 times for 39 yards, and further exemplifying his dual-threat capabilities.
Early in the contest, Daniels punished the Bengals’ secondary with a pinpoint 55-yard strike to McLaurin, setting up Washington’s third touchdown. Just moments later, facing a critical fourth-and-4, Daniels absorbed a hard hit from a blitzing defender but managed to deliver another inch-perfect throw to McLaurin for the game-clinching 27-yard touchdown.
His versatility shone through once again when he scrambled for a 4-yard touchdown around the left edge, mere plays after McLaurin’s game-breaking 55-yard reception. The Commanders had sought stability at the quarterback position for years, cycling through numerous starters. But through three games, Daniels has provided Washington a reason to hope for a brighter future.
Key Contributor: Austin Ekeler
Running back Austin Ekeler delivered an impactful performance before exiting in the third quarter due to a concussion. Ekeler tallied 119 all-purpose yards, highlighted by a 62-yard kick return. His burst was evident on a 24-yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter, reinforcing his value to the Washington offense.
Defensive Struggles: Containing Ja’Marr Chase
One glaring deficiency in Washington’s game plan was the inability to contain Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase, one of the NFL’s most electrifying talents. Chase tormented the Commanders’ secondary, scoring touchdowns of 41 and 31 yards, exploiting single-high coverage that left corners Mike Sainristil and Benjamin St-Juste isolated without safety help.
Pivotal Moment: Bold Fourth-Down Conversion
With just over four minutes remaining, Washington faced a critical fourth-and-4 from the Bengals’ 38-yard line. Instead of opting for a long field goal or a punt, the Commanders chose to gamble, and Daniels rewarded their confidence with a 9-yard completion to tight end Zach Ertz. Three plays later, Daniels delivered the knockout punch with his 27-yard touchdown pass to McLaurin.
Concerning Trend: Run Defense Woes
Washington’s run defense remains a pressing issue. Entering Monday ranked 29th in the league, the Commanders had allowed an average of 5.1 yards per carry. Against the Bengals, the problem persisted, as they surrendered 6.2 yards per carry. Washington has deployed a two-deep safety alignment frequently, leaving the box vulnerable. However, the front seven must step up to shore up this concerning weakness moving forward.