CINCINNATI – Jayden Daniels showed why he was the second overall pick in this year’s draft, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another score as the Washington Commanders secured a thrilling 38-33 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.
The Commanders displayed incredible consistency, scoring on all of their drives except for the kneel downs in each half.
Daniels, leading Washington (2-1) to their second consecutive win, was nearly flawless, completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards. The LSU product sealed the victory with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin with just 2:10 remaining on the clock.
McLaurin had a standout performance, finishing with four receptions for 100 yards.
On the Bengals’ side, quarterback Joe Burrow put forth a valiant effort, completing 29 of 38 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. His main target, Ja’Marr Chase, caught six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Despite their efforts, the Bengals fell to 0-3 for the first time since head coach Zac Taylor‘s inaugural year in 2019.
Zack Moss managed a late-game touchdown on a 1-yard run with 40 seconds left, but the Bengals’ hopes were dashed as they failed to recover the onside kick, allowing Washington to run out the clock.
The Bengals were full of energy from the onset, with Chase recording his first touchdown of the season on their opening drive.
On first and 10 from the Washington 41-yard line, Burrow found Chase in single coverage and threw a perfect deep pass, putting Cincinnati up 7-0. This touchdown was also a milestone for Burrow, marking his 100th career touchdown in just his 55th game, tying him for the seventh-most touchdown passes in NFL history.
However, Cincinnati suffered a significant blow in the second quarter when they lost starting right tackle Trent Brown to a right knee injury.
After the Bengals’ kicker Evan McPherson missed his first field goal attempt of the season from 48 yards, the Commanders capitalized, driving 62 yards in seven plays. The drive was capped by Austin Ekeler‘s electrifying 24-yard touchdown run.
McPherson put Cincinnati back on the board with a 28-yard field goal, cutting Washington’s lead to 14-10.
Daniels then showcased his precision, connecting with McLaurin on a stunning 55-yard pass. One play later, Daniels himself punched it in from 4 yards out, marking his third rushing touchdown of his rookie season.
McPherson added a 31-yard field goal before halftime, leaving the Bengals down 21-13.
The second half began explosively as Ekeler returned the kickoff 62 yards to the Cincinnati 33-yard line but was later evaluated for a concussion after a big hit. Nine plays later, Daniels found Trent Scott for a 1-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 28-13.
The Bengals mounted a rally, with Burrow capping a third-quarter drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Andrei Iosivas on fourth down. Burrow’s 31-yard strike to Chase followed, cutting Washington’s lead to 31-26 with 9:42 left in the game after a failed two-point attempt.
But it was Daniels’ unwavering poise and clutch performance that ultimately sealed the game for the Commanders. With labeled precision and remarkable maturity, the rookie quarterback lifted Washington to yet another victory in this young season. And for Bengals fans, the wait for that elusive first win continues.
—Mike Petraglia, Field Level Media
