Ben Child
John Keim
John Keim
ESPN Workers Author
John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Submit. He began overlaying the group in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored 4 books. You too can take heed to him on ‘The John Keim Report’, which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and observe him on Twitter @john_keim
CINCINNATI — Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders stole the present of their 38-33 upset victory over Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on “Monday Night time Soccer.”
Daniels, the No. 2 choose within the 2024 draft, led the Commanders down the sphere for touchdowns on every of their first 4 full drives to construct a 28-13 lead halfway via the third quarter and held off the Bengals from there. The previous Heisman winner from LSU confirmed off his dual-threat means within the win. He tossed two TDs and ran for one, ending the night time 21-of-23 for 254 yards whereas operating for an additional 39 on 12 carries.
In the meantime, the Bengals’ offense struggled to search out its rhythm for many of the recreation however made its push within the second half. A fourth-down landing move from Burrow to second-year extensive receiver Andrei Iosivas pulled Cincinnati inside a rating with simply over three minutes remaining within the third quarter. Washington answered that with a discipline aim earlier than Burrow discovered Chase for the pair’s second TD connection of the night time with 9:42 left within the fourth quarter to make the rating 31-26. However Daniels had the ultimate say, spectacularly capping off a 12-play, 70-yard drive that lasted over seven minutes with an ideal 27-yard TD move down the sideline to wideout Terry McLaurin to seal the spectacular win.
The Commanders improved to 2-1 on the season. The Bengals dropped to 0-3.
Listed here are an important issues to know from Monday night time for each groups:
The Commanders seem to have discovered a younger quarterback to construct round.
Rookie Jayden Daniels revealed himself to the NFL world, finishing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-33 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He additionally rushed 12 instances for 39 yards.
Daniels harm Cincinnati together with his arm — dropping an ideal move to receiver Terry McLaurin for a 55-yard achieve to arrange the Commanders’ third landing within the first half. Then, three performs after changing a fourth-and-4, Daniels was drilled by a blitzing defender — and positioned one other good ball to McLaurin for the game-clinching 27-yard landing move.
Daniels harm the Bengals together with his legs, too, scrambling for a 4-yard landing run round left finish two performs after McLaurin’s 55-yard catch.
Washington has appeared for a franchise quarterback for a very long time, via first-round picks (4 since 2002), trades and free agent signings. The Commanders began 10 quarterbacks within the earlier 5 years. Via three video games, Washington can lastly look to the long run with pleasure due to Daniels.
Promising efficiency: Working again Austin Ekeler. Earlier than leaving early within the third quarter with a concussion, Ekeler gained 119 all-purpose yards, with 62 approaching a kick return. Ekeler has appeared good since coaching camp opened and confirmed glorious burst on a 24-yard landing within the first quarter.
Largest gap within the recreation plan: Defending receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The Bengals extensive receiver is without doubt one of the most harmful talent gamers within the NFL. He scored touchdowns on catches of 41 and 31 yards when the Commanders opted for single-high protection, leaving corners Mike Sainristil and Benjamin St-Juste with no assistance on Chase’s respective touchdowns.
Pivotal play: Washington transformed a fourth-and-4 with 4 minutes, 25 seconds left within the recreation from the Bengals’ 38-yard line. The Commanders may have tried a 56-yard discipline aim or punted and performed protection. As an alternative, they opted to go for it, and Daniels accomplished a 9-yard move to tight finish Zach Ertz. Three performs later, Daniels clinched it with a landing move to McLaurin.
Troubling development: Defending the run. Washington entered Monday night time ranked twenty ninth vs. the run, permitting 5.1 yards per carry. However the Commanders allowed 6.2 yards per carry Monday night time. They’ve used a number of two-deep security appears to be like, maintaining an additional defender out of the field, however they have to play higher alongside the entrance. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: vs. Arizona Cardinals (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 29)
For the second time in three video games, the Bengals have been large house favorites over a group that had a tough 2023 season. And but once more, Cincinnati suffered a surprising upset.
Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders topped the Bengals 38-33 to ship Cincinnati to an 0-3 begin.
Daniels produced a masterful efficiency. Washington scored touchdowns on 5 of its first six drives, together with a 27-yard move from Daniels to extensive receiver Terry McLaurin to salt away the win with 2:10 left.
Earlier than the season began, the Bengals have been within the dialog to problem Kansas Metropolis for the AFC title. However a 3rd AFC title assembly in 4 seasons between the groups appears very distant proper now. Based on ESPN Analysis, solely six groups have reached the playoffs within the Tremendous Bowl period after an 0-3 begin to the season.
Troubling development: Failing to transform possessions into touchdowns was a problem final week in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and endured in opposition to Washington. Within the second quarter, Cincinnati had three drives inside Washington’s 30-yard line. The Bengals settled for discipline aim tries on all three of them. Kicker Evan McPherson made 2 of three makes an attempt.
Largest gap within the recreation plan: Containing Daniels. The rookie quarterback made operating the offense look easy in his third profession begin. Daniels accomplished 14 of his first 16 passes for 182 yards and a landing. He additionally scrambled for one landing to assist the Commanders torch Cincinnati’s protection. Washington scored touchdowns on its first 4 drives. — Ben Child
Subsequent recreation: vs. Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 29)
