Cincinnati Bengals (0-3) – Washington Commanders (2-1): 33-38
Jayden Daniels (21/23, 254 yards, 2 TDs) started strong, but he also finished strong. With just over two minutes left, the Commanders' rookie quarterback held firm in the pocket, made a last-minute save and found Terry McLaurin 27 yards further in the end zone. Touchdown! 38-26 for Washington, the final blow!
The Bengals score well in the process, but their onside kick is covered, ending all their hopes.
Too bad for Joe Burrow (29/38, 324 yards, 3 TDs), the star of the evening is indeed called Jayden Daniels. In the air as on the ground, the Commanders rookie dazzled his world and signed the first great performance of his career.
Commanders put their foot down
If the Bengals score the first touchdown of the game, the Commanders' response is impeccable. A touchdown on each of their first four possessions! Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler then Jayden Daniels, all on the ground, and here is the team from the capital leading 21-13 at the break.
And above all, the youngsters from Washington did not weaken after the break, when Daniels found Trent Scott, an offensive lineman, in the end zone. An original way to throw his first career touchdown.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals let down by their defense
While it took Joe Burrow and his offense a half to get going, they were there in the second half. They scored twice, including the second by Ja'Marr Chase (6 rec, 118 yards, 2 TDs), to get back within field goal range (26-31).
That's where Daniels and McLaurin (4 rec, 100 yards, 1 TD) finished the game, symbolizing a game in which Cincinnati's defense was completely manhandled.
The Bengals gained more yards. But Washington was formidable on third (5/9) and fourth (3/3) attempts. Daniels and his teammates also signed a 3/3 in the red zone. With 91% of passes completed, Daniels signed a record for a rookie quarterback in an NFL game (20 passes attempted at least).
The Commanders can start dreaming of a better future. For the Bengals, it's a grimace. A contender now embarked on a very difficult mission to reach the playoffs.
