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LANDOVER, Md. — In a matchup of LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks, Washington’s 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 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 Daniels’ likely only preseason appearance, Washington (0-2) drove 74 yards on four plays to tie the score at 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 on a slick field courtesy of pregame 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.
Receiving notice
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 of Sam Hartman, the wide receiver’s leaping, toe-tapping reception with 14 seconds remaining remaining gave Cincinnati a 28-14 halftime lead.
Robinson removed
Commanders RB Brian Robinson 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.
Injuries
Bengals: 2023 first-round pick Myles Murphy remains sidelined. Head coach Zac Taylor recently said the defensive end was a “week-ish” away from returning. Cincinnati is thin off the edge with 2024 NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson out while seeking a contract extension.
Commanders: Beyond McLaurin, Washington remains without wide receiver Noah Brown. The 2024 starter has been a limited training-camp participant after suffering a knee injury during a June minicamp.
Up next
Bengals: Wrap up the preseason Saturday against Indianapolis.
Commanders: Play their exhibition finale Saturday against Baltimore.
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