Burrow & Daniels Shine in Bengals’ Preseason Victory Over commanders
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Cincinnati’s quarterback looked sharp, while Washington showcased promising rookies in a 31-17 preseason matchup.
In a compelling preseason contest featuring two recent Heisman Trophy winners, teh Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Washington Commanders 31-17 on Monday night. Joe Burrow, the 2020 Heisman recipient, efficiently directed two touchdown drives, while Jayden Daniels, the reigning Heisman winner, impressed with a rushing touchdown in what was likely his only preseason appearance.
bengals’ Offense Shows Early Promise
Burrow played three possessions, completing 9 of 14 passes for 62 yards. He connected with wide receiver Charlie Jones for a 4-yard touchdown on his final throw of the night. Running back Chase Brown punctuated the Bengals’ opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-goal, capping a 58-yard march. The Bengals (1-1) are intentionally utilizing thier starters for extended periods during preseason games, hoping to avoid the slow starts that plagued them in recent seasons. Over two preseason games, Cincinnati has scored touchdowns on four of five possessions with Burrow under center.
Daniels Makes Impact in Limited Action
Despite not attempting a pass, Daniels made his mark for the Commanders (0-2). Washington drove 74 yards on just four plays to tie the game 7-7, fueled by runs of 19 and 40 yards from Deebo Samuel and Chris rodriguez, respectively. Daniels then showcased his athleticism, evading pressure and suspect tackling for a 14-yard touchdown run. A senior official stated that limiting Daniels’ exposure to hits, given the absence of several key offensive linemen and a rain-slicked field, was a prudent decision. Notably, 2024 second-team All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin remained sidelined due to a contract dispute.
Rookie Standouts Emerge for Washington
While the Commanders’ offense was hampered by the absence of key players, several rookies stepped up. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt raced for a 27-yard touchdown on Washington’s second possession, finishing the night with 46 yards on 11 carries. The seventh-round pick has quickly become a training camp sensation, and his performance suggests a shining future. Rodriguez further bolstered his case for a roster spot, leading the team with 62 rushing yards on six carries.
Special Teams & Injury Concerns
Matt Gay added a 27-yard field goal for washington’s second-half scoring, while Evan McPherson drilled a 54-yard field goal with 3:06 remaining to extend Cincinnati’s lead.
The Bengals are currently navigating some injury concerns. 2023 first-round pick Myles murphy remains sidelined,with Head Coach Zac Taylor indicating he is “a week-ish” away from returning. Cincinnati is also thin on the defensive edge with 2024 NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson currently seeking a contract extension. washington is also dealing with injuries, as wide receiver Noah Brown, a 2024 starter, continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in June mini-camp.
Looking Ahead
The Commanders will conclude their preseason schedule Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals will wrap up their preseason slate Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts. The performance of both teams’ starters and emerging rookies will be closely watched as thay prepare for the upcoming regular season.
