CINCINNATI — Few expected that by Week 3 of the NFL season, the Washington Commanders would hold a better record than the Cincinnati Bengals, but that was the case as the teams faced off on Monday night at Paycor Stadium.
The Bengals started strong, quickly moving down the field on their opening drive, with quarterback Joe Burrow connecting with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase for a 41-yard touchdown. The play saw Chase get past Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil, while safety Percy Butler arrived too late to prevent the score.
Washington, however, responded efficiently. After a Bengals missed field goal, Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the offense down the field. The seven-play, 62-yard drive culminated in a 24-yard rushing touchdown by Ekeler, putting Washington ahead 14-7 after another extra point.
While Washington’s offense excelled, their defense struggled to live up to the aggressive style sought by defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Playing softer coverage, they allowed Burrow to drive the Bengals back down the field. This time, kicker Evan McPherson converted a field goal, trimming Washington’s lead to 14-10 with over five minutes left in the half.
Daniels and the Commanders’ offense had plenty of time left in the half and made the most of it. Daniels connected with receiver Terry McLaurin for a 55-yard bomb, beating Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt. On the next play, Daniels kept the ball on an option and scored on a four-yard run, extending Washington’s lead to 21-10.
Cincinnati’s offense, trying to rally before the half, managed to set up another field goal, cutting Washington’s lead to 21-13 with just 22 seconds remaining. Coach Dan Quinn chose to have Daniels kneel to end the half, with the Commanders holding an eight-point lead and set to receive the second-half kickoff.
Daniels, a rookie showing impressive poise in his first few NFL games, approached the game with a calm demeanor, despite the heightened expectations of playing on Monday Night Football. Coach Quinn praised his quarterback’s ability to handle pressure, noting that Daniels is not one to let the moment overwhelm him.
The Commanders made a significant late-camp addition by signing receiver Noah Brown, who has quickly become a key part of the offense. Though he didn’t have the offseason to build chemistry with Daniels, the two have been making up for lost time. Brown showcased his potential in Washington’s Week 2 game against the Giants, helping set up the game-winning field goal with a 34-yard catch.
With Washington leading at halftime, Daniels looks to continue his steady play, while the Bengals will aim to find answers on both sides of the ball as the game progresses.
Stay tuned to CommanderGameday for more updates throughout the 2024 NFL season.
