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LANDOVER, Md.-- In a matchup of LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels rushed for a 14-yard touchdown in his lone possession, while Joe Burrow directed two touchdown drives in the Cincinnati Bengals' 31-17 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday night.
Burrow played three possessions, completing 9 of 14 passes for 62 yards. The 2020 Heisman winner found wide receiver Charlie Jones for a 4-yard touchdown reception on his final toss. Running back Chase Brown's 1-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal capped a 58-yard drive on the opening possession at Northwest Stadium.
The Bengals (1-1) planned on using their starters longer in preseason games to hopefully avoid a string of poor regular-season starts. Over two games with Burrow at quarterback, Cincinnati scored touchdowns on four of five possessions.
In what was likely Daniels' only preseason appearance, Washington (0-2) drove 74 yards on four plays to tie the score 7-7. Following runs of 19 and 40 yards by Deebo Samuel and Chris Rodriguez, respectively, Daniels evaded pass rushers and suspect tackling for a 14-yard dash up the middle. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year and 2023 Heisman recipient did not attempt a pass.
Considering the Commanders played without three offensive line starters, two starting receivers and tight end Zach Ertz, limiting Daniels' exposure to hits and a slick field courtesy of pre-game rain was probably the proper call. Terry McLaurin, a 2024 second-team All-Pro wide receiver, remains a non-participant amid a contract dispute.
Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt raced for a 27-yard touchdown on Washington's second possession and finished with 46 yards on 11 carries. The seventh-round pick became a training camp sensation for the Commanders, and his scoring scamper won't dampen any enthusiasm. Rodriguez increased his chances for a rotation spot by rushing for a team-high 62 yards on six carries.
Matt Gay's 27-yard field goal accounted for Washington's second-half scoring. Cincinnati kicker Evan McPherson drilled a 54-yard field goal with 3:06 remaining.
Bengals roster hopeful Mitchell Tinsley made two impressive touchdown catches -- both from quarterback Jake Browning -- in a span of 20 seconds late in the first half. Following linebacker Barrett Carter's interception, the wide receiver's leaping, toe-tapping reception with 14 seconds remaining remaining gave Cincinnati a 28-14 halftime lead.
Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. did not dress for Monday's game, nor was he at Northwest Stadium amid recent reports of Washington seeking to trade the four-year veteran. Robinson rushed for 799 yards and eight touchdowns last season, but the emergence of Croskey-Merritt has the Commanders reconsidering their backfield options.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (82) catches a touchdown pass as Washington Commanders cornerback Car'lin Vigers (22) defends during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (82) catches a touchdown pass as Washington Commanders cornerback Car'lin Vigers (22) defends during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is congratulated by teammate Chris Rodriguez Jr. (36) after scoring during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is congratulated by teammate Chris Rodriguez Jr. (36) after scoring during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)