CINCINNATI — Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased his talent as he led the Washington Commanders to a 38-33 upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on “Monday Night Football.”
Daniels, selected as the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, guided the Commanders to touchdowns on their first four drives, giving them a commanding 28-13 lead in the third quarter. The former Heisman Trophy winner from LSU exhibited his dual-threat capabilities, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for one, completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards, while also gaining 39 yards on the ground across 12 carries.
The Bengals struggled offensively for much of the game but mounted a second-half comeback. A fourth-down touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to wide receiver Andrei Iosivas narrowed the Bengals’ deficit late in the third quarter. Washington responded with a field goal before Burrow connected with Chase for their second touchdown of the game, making it 31-26. However, Daniels capped a 12-play, 70-yard drive with an impressive 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, securing the win for Washington.
With this victory, the Commanders improved their record to 2-1, while the Bengals fell to 0-3.
Key points to note from the matchup include:
– The Commanders appear to have found a promising young quarterback in Jayden Daniels, who threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 39 yards.
– Daniels displayed his passing prowess with a key 55-yard completion to McLaurin to set up a touchdown and later threw the decisive touchdown.
– Running back Austin Ekeler had a strong performance before leaving with a concussion, contributing 119 all-purpose yards.
– The Bengals’ defense struggled to contain wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who scored touchdowns on two significant plays.
– A pivotal moment came when the Commanders converted a crucial fourth-and-4 in the game’s closing minutes, helping secure their victory.
Looking ahead, the Commanders will face the Arizona Cardinals next, while the Bengals aim to reverse their fortunes against the Carolina Panthers.