Jayden Daniels delivered exactly what Washington needed in Monday night’s Commanders vs Bengals preseason finale at Northwest Stadium. The rookie quarterback was crisp and efficient in his lone possession. Isn’t that really all that mattered in a 31-17 exhibition loss?
Daniels capped a perfect 74-yard touchdown drive with a 14-yard rushing score. The 2023 Heisman winner evaded pass rushers and found the end zone on just his fourth play. He didn’t attempt a single pass. He didn’t need to – execution was flawless.
Washington’s decision to limit Daniels made perfect sense. The team played without three starting offensive linemen. Two starting receivers sat out. Tight end Zach Ertz remained sidelined. A slick field from pregame rain provided yet another concern.
Commanders vs Bengals: Supporting Cast Steps Up
Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt continued his impressive preseason surge. The seventh-round pick raced 27 yards for a touchdown on Washington’s second possession. He finished with 46 yards on 11 carries. His camp performance keeps building momentum.
Chris Rodriguez boosted his roster chances with 62 rushing yards on six attempts. Rodriguez’s 40-yard run helped set up Daniels’ touchdown. The running back depth chart is taking shape. And Brian Robinson Jr. does not appear to be part of it.
Deebo Samuel contributed a 19-yard Jet Sweep run on the opening touchdown drive. The veteran showed his speed in limited action.
Bengals Control Matchup
Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow played three possessions and completed 9 of 14 passes for 62 yards. The 2020 Heisman winner found Charlie Jones for a 4-yard touchdown pass. Chase Brown punched in a 1-yard score on the opening drive.
The Bengals improved to 1-1 in preseason play. They’ve scored touchdowns on four of five possessions with Burrow at quarterback. Cincinnati used starters longer to try and avoid a slow start to the regular season.
Mitchell Tinsley caught two touchdown passes from Jake Browning in 20 seconds late in the first half. Commanders fans will surely remember how tough a cut Tinsley was for the organization. Both of his catches were spectacular and gave him every opportunity to crack a talented wide receiver room.
The Bengals led 28-14 at halftime.
Key Absences Shape Commanders vs Bengals Game
Terry McLaurin remained out due to his ongoing contract dispute. The 2024 second-team All-Pro receiver continues holding out. His absence continues to be a major distraction.
Robinson didn’t dress for Monday’s game. The running back wasn’t at Northwest Stadium amid trade speculation. Robinson rushed for 799 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Croskey-Merritt’s emergence affects Robinson’s future.
Matt Gay connected on a 27-yard field goal for Washington’s only second-half points. Evan McPherson drilled a 54-yarder with 3:06 remaining for Cincinnati.
Looking Ahead After Commanders vs Bengals
Cincinnati wraps up exhibition play Saturday against Indianapolis.
Washington finishes preseason Saturday against Baltimore. The focus remains on health and execution heading into the regular season. Daniels showed he’s ready for the moment when it counts.