.jpg)
The Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals have had a couple of notable recent matchups that have sparked interest among fans and analysts alike. Their regular season clash on September 23, 2024, was particularly memorable. In that game, the Commanders defeated the Bengals 38–33 in what turned out to be a breakout performance for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. He completed 21 of 23 passes, an astonishing 91.3% completion rate, setting a new NFL record for a rookie. Daniels threw two touchdowns and added another rushing score, demonstrating both accuracy and mobility. The Commanders' offense was highly efficient, scoring on every drive except for the end-of-half kneel-downs. It was a clean and aggressive game, with neither team committing a turnover or punting—a rarity in NFL history. Joe Burrow had a strong showing for Cincinnati, passing for over 320 yards and three touchdowns, but his efforts fell just short as Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin for a late game-winning touchdown.
.jpg)
Their rematch came during the 2025 preseason on August 18, where the Bengals took the win with a 31–17 scoreline. Joe Burrow played briefly, completing 9 of 14 passes and throwing a touchdown before being substituted. Backup quarterback Jake Browning stepped in and added two more touchdowns, making use of depth players like Mitchell Tinsley. The Commanders showed flashes of promise, especially from Jayden Daniels, who didn’t attempt a pass but scored on a 14-yard quarterback run during his first series. Washington also leaned on their running backs, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jacory Croskey-Merritt combining for over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. Notably absent from the lineup was Brian Robinson Jr., sparking speculation about his future with the team. The Commanders appeared to be testing new offensive combinations, while the Bengals used the game to evaluate their quarterback depth and receiver options.
The regular season game showcased both teams at full strength and offered a glimpse into the potential of the Commanders’ young quarterback. The preseason contest, while less competitive in terms of stakes, highlighted roster battles and strategic evaluations. Across both games, the contrast was clear—Washington emerging as a rising force behind a new franchise quarterback, and Cincinnati continuing to rely on the proven talent of Joe Burrow while developing their depth.
Continuing from their recent matchups, both teams are clearly in different stages of development and strategy, and their performances reflect that. The Washington Commanders appear to be building around Jayden Daniels, who has already shown flashes of elite-level poise and athleticism. His play in the 2024 regular season game not only broke records but also energized a franchise that had been struggling for identity in recent years. That win over Cincinnati served as a statement — not just because of the final score, but because of how composed and efficient the Commanders were in all phases of the game. The offensive line gave Daniels time, the receivers were sharp in their routes, and the coaching staff demonstrated aggressive, confident play-calling that allowed the young quarterback to thrive under pressure.
The Bengals, on the other hand, remain a team with a veteran foundation built around Joe Burrow. Although Burrow had a productive outing in the 2024 loss, the game revealed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in containing mobile quarterbacks and defending short-to-intermediate passes. Cincinnati’s defense was frequently caught off guard by Washington’s balance of quick throws, inside runs, and creative formations. However, they remained competitive throughout the game, showcasing why they continue to be viewed as one of the stronger teams in the AFC when healthy.
In the 2025 preseason, while the stakes were lower, certain trends became clear. Cincinnati demonstrated their depth at key positions. Jake Browning, their backup quarterback, was calm and effective, and several young receivers made strong cases for regular season snaps. Their offensive unit appeared smooth even without starters playing extended minutes. However, the game raised concerns about the protection of Joe Burrow. He took a couple of hits early on that prompted criticism from both fans and former players, with many questioning why he was even playing in a meaningless preseason game. This led to renewed discussion about the Bengals’ offensive line and whether the team has done enough to protect its most important player.
For Washington, the preseason loss wasn't as significant as what it revealed about the team's depth and emerging contributors. Players like Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. capitalized on their opportunities, especially with Brian Robinson Jr. held out amid swirling trade rumors. Head coach Dan Quinn appears to be reshaping the team’s identity, placing more emphasis on toughness and adaptability. Even in a preseason loss, there were encouraging signs that Washington is building a well-rounded roster around its new offensive cornerstone.
These two matchups — a close, high-scoring thriller in the regular season and a more experimental preseason encounter — reflect how both franchises are navigating different trajectories. The Commanders are in the early stages of a potential resurgence, led by young talent and a new coaching regime. The Bengals are looking to maintain their status as contenders, but with growing urgency to address lingering issues, particularly around offensive protection and consistency on defense. Their future meetings could evolve into a compelling rivalry if both quarterbacks continue to rise.
Expanding further, the contrast in culture and momentum between the two teams is becoming more pronounced, especially when viewed through the lens of their recent meetings. Washington, for a long time mired in organizational instability and underperformance, is starting to shift its reputation. The arrival of Jayden Daniels has infused the franchise with a renewed sense of purpose and belief. His calm demeanor, ability to extend plays, and leadership qualities have quickly won over teammates and coaches alike. The coaching staff seems to trust him with more responsibility each time he’s on the field, which is a strong sign for a rookie quarterback. That regular-season win against Cincinnati in 2024 wasn’t just a single game victory—it was symbolic of a changing era. It showed that Washington could go toe-to-toe with one of the AFC’s most established teams and come out on top, not because of a fluke, but because they executed better when it mattered.
In the same vein, the Bengals’ role in these recent matchups has been more telling than it might seem. Even though they dropped the 2024 regular-season game in dramatic fashion, they played well enough to win on most nights. Joe Burrow, ever the competitor, continued to show why he’s among the league’s elite quarterbacks. But the game also revealed how reliant Cincinnati has become on Burrow’s brilliance to cover for deeper issues. Their defense struggled with assignments, particularly when defending mobile quarterbacks, and their offensive line still left too many openings for pressure. This has raised concerns about how sustainable their current build is, especially considering Burrow's injury history. In the preseason, the Bengals’ 31–17 win looked good on paper, but it also raised new questions—particularly the risk of exposing Burrow to unnecessary contact in an exhibition game, something that drew criticism across the league.
From a broader perspective, both teams are navigating different challenges. Washington is focused on development, chemistry, and solidifying the pieces around its young core. They're experimenting, trying to determine which players can support a new franchise direction and which ones might be moved or replaced. The potential trade of Brian Robinson Jr., once viewed as a key piece, speaks to how fluid and competitive the roster construction has become. They’re looking for players who fit not just the scheme but the culture Dan Quinn is trying to instill—gritty, accountable, and team-first.
Cincinnati, in contrast, is trying to optimize a shrinking window. With Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins still in their prime (though Higgins' contract status is always in the background), the Bengals are under pressure to win now. Every preseason rep, every injury scare, and every mistake gets magnified because expectations are high. The recent games against Washington have highlighted both the team's strengths—like quarterback depth, receiver talent, and scoring potential—and its weaknesses, such as inconsistent pass protection and gaps in defensive cohesion.
Looking ahead, if these trends continue, future Commanders-Bengals matchups could develop into an intriguing cross-conference rivalry. One team is rising, with the excitement of discovery and potential. The other is contending, trying to stay near the top while managing risk and expectation. And in both cases, the quarterbacks—Daniels and Burrow—are at the center of everything, representing both hope and pressure in different ways.
Subscribe by Email
Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email
No Comments