Last season, the Washington Commanders shocked the Cincinnati Bengals 38-33 in a riveting primetime matchup that propelled both franchises in opposite directions. The loss dropped the Bengals to 0-3 for the first time in the Joe Burrow era, while the thrilling fourth-quarter comeback represented an arrival for the NFL’s eventual rookie of the year.
During the second episode of “Quarterback,” the popular Netflix documentary series, Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback called that Week 3 matchup a coming-out party for Washington’s Jayden Daniels. He’s not wrong. The dynamic Daniels was excellent that night and went on to have a historic debut season that is arguably the best rookie season ever.
The two LSU Heisman Trophy winners shared the field again, albeit this time during a preseason friendly in which Cincinnati defeated Washington during Monday Night Football, 31-17. The Bengals earned their first preseason victory since 2022, snapping a streak of seven consecutive exhibition games without a win, while Washington dropped to 0-2 this preseason.
While Burrow played extensively during the first half, leading Cincinnati’s first three drives, Daniels was barely able to break a sweat during his limited playing time. To recap:
Washington’s opening drive started with a 19-yard jet sweep by receiver Deebo Samuel followed by a 40-yard gain off tackle by running back Chris Rodriguez. Rodriguez’s second rushing attempt gained one yard before Daniels finally dropped back to pass the ball. But with no one open, the franchise quarterback improvised, scrambling for a 14-yard touchdown. After the four-play scoring drive, head coach Dan Quinn informed Daniels his night had concluded. After just one minute and 51 seconds, they had seen more than enough, and the 24-year-old’s second preseason was officially in the books.
The other highlight of the night was a 27-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With news that running back Brian Robinson Jr. will likely be playing elsewhere soon, the Commanders’ seventh-round rookie affectionately known as “Bill” is clearly trying to make a name for himself. In Washington’s two preseason games, Croskey-Merritt has amassed 18 times for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Those two scoring drives were encouraging for the burgundy and gold, especially since they were without the services of right guard Sam Cosmi, left guard Brandon Coleman and/or left tackle Laremy Tunsil, as well as receiver Terry McLaurin.