In a Monday night thriller, the Washington Commanders pulled off a stunning 38-33 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, led by an extraordinary performance from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 overall draft pick set an NFL rookie record for completion percentage at 91.3%, completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards. Daniels threw two touchdowns and ran for another, propelling Washington to a 2-1 start to the season, while the Bengals fell to a disappointing 0-3.
Washington’s offense was nearly flawless, scoring on every possession except for kneel-downs to end both halves. Remarkably, the Commanders have gone two straight games without punting or turning the ball over, a feat unheard of in the Super Bowl era. Cincinnati, too, avoided punts and turnovers, marking the first time both teams accomplished this in the same game since the Super Bowl era began.
Daniels’ composed, efficient performance was the story of the night. His first NFL touchdown pass came early in the second half, a 1-yard toss to offensive tackle Trent Scott, marking the second consecutive game where the Bengals allowed a score to a lineman. With Washington leading 31-26 late in the fourth quarter, Daniels delivered a 27-yard touchdown strike to star receiver Terry McLaurin, who finished with 100 yards on four receptions, sealing the victory with just over two minutes remaining.
Daniels also made his presence felt on the ground, rushing for a touchdown alongside running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, who each contributed scores in the first half. The Commanders’ ground attack complemented Daniels’ precision passing, keeping the Bengals’ defense off balance all night.
Despite Joe Burrow’s season-high 324 passing yards and three touchdown throws, the Bengals couldn’t keep pace. Ja’Marr Chase was Burrow’s top target, grabbing six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. However, Cincinnati’s red-zone struggles early in the game proved costly, as they had to settle for two field goals by Evan McPherson, who also missed one.
Cincinnati mounted a late rally, closing the gap to 38-33 on a 1-yard touchdown run by Zack Moss, but McPherson’s onside kick failed, sealing the Commanders’ win. Burrow’s Bengals are now off to their worst start since the 2019 season, when they opened with 11 straight losses en route to a 2-14 finish.
For Washington, the victory represents a major confidence boost as Daniels continues to shine. His poise, efficiency, and ability to deliver in clutch moments signal a bright future for the Commanders. Meanwhile, Cincinnati will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further into a lost season.
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