Key Points
- Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a 38-33 upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football.
- Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns, also rushing for 39 yards and a touchdown.
- The Commanders’ offense dominated early, with Daniels connecting with Terry McLaurin for key plays, including a 55-yard pass.
- The Bengals’ offense struggled to find rhythm, with Joe Burrow and his unit unable to finish key drives, leading to an 0-3 start.
- Both teams exhibited defensive vulnerabilities, especially in the run game for Washington and in pass defense for Cincinnati.
- Daniels sealed the win with a 27-yard touchdown pass to McLaurin, pushing the Commanders to a 2-1 record while the Bengals’ playoff hopes dwindle.
Rookie Jayden Daniels Shines as Commanders Upset Bengals in Monday Night Thriller
The Cincinnati Bengals entered Monday night as heavy favorites, but rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had other plans. In a thrilling 38-33 victory, Daniels led the Washington Commanders to an upset that stunned the home crowd at Paycor Stadium. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels showcased why Washington is betting on him to be their future, delivering an impressive performance that highlighted his dual-threat capabilities.
Commanders Strike First with Daniels in Command
The game began with the Commanders setting the pace. Daniels, coming off a celebrated career at LSU, completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. In addition to his air attack, he scrambled for 39 yards on 12 carries, further showcasing his versatility. Washington’s first four drives all ended in touchdowns, with Daniels connecting seamlessly with his receiving corps.
A standout moment came early in the second quarter when Daniels launched a perfect 55-yard pass to star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who beat double coverage to haul in the catch. This led to a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Daniels himself, capping off the drive and electrifying the Commanders’ sideline. The young quarterback’s composure and accuracy kept the Bengals’ defense on its heels, and his ability to evade pressure was crucial in maintaining offensive momentum.
Bengals Struggle to Find Rhythm
For the Bengals, it was another frustrating evening. Cincinnati’s offense, led by star quarterback Joe Burrow, struggled to establish any rhythm in the first half. While Burrow did manage to connect with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for two second-half touchdowns, the Bengals’ inability to finish drives early in the game proved costly. They settled for field goals instead of touchdowns, a decision that came back to haunt them.
Despite flashes of their offensive potential, the Bengals now find themselves in an 0-3 hole, a concerning start for a team with high playoff aspirations. Burrow, usually known for his poise under pressure, appeared out of sync for much of the night. Missed opportunities and miscommunications plagued the offense, leaving both fans and analysts baffled at the team’s early-season struggles.
Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed on Both Sides
Defensively, both teams showed significant vulnerabilities. The Commanders struggled to contain the Bengals’ running game, allowing an alarming 6.2 yards per carry. Washington’s defensive front, often considered a strength, was repeatedly gashed by Cincinnati’s rushing attack, highlighting a glaring weakness that will need to be addressed in future matchups.
The Bengals’ defense, meanwhile, failed to contain Daniels, who consistently found open receivers in key moments. Cincinnati’s secondary often appeared out of position, with multiple miscommunications leading to big plays for Washington. Pressure on Daniels was also inconsistent, allowing him to exploit single-high safety looks and make critical throws downfield.
Commanders Seal the Win
As the game neared its conclusion, Daniels once again delivered in the clutch. With less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter and a narrow 33-31 lead, he connected with McLaurin for a 27-yard touchdown that sealed the victory for Washington. This final play encapsulated the poise and confidence Daniels displayed throughout the game, marking his arrival as a rising star in the NFL.
The victory moves the Commanders to a 2-1 record, sparking new hope for a team in search of stability and success. For the Bengals, the road ahead looks much more challenging. With an 0-3 record, Cincinnati’s playoff hopes are quickly slipping away unless significant changes are made.
Looking Ahead: Commanders Ride the Wave, Bengals Seek Answers
While the Commanders celebrate a promising future with their rookie sensation at the helm, the Bengals are left with more questions than answers. Joe Burrow’s struggles and the defense’s inconsistency must be addressed if Cincinnati has any hope of salvaging their season.
As the NFL season continues to unfold, Jayden Daniels’ performance against the Bengals will be remembered as a defining moment in the Commanders’ quest to establish themselves as legitimate contenders.