Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season wraps up tonight with an exciting Monday Night Football doubleheader. The primetime slate begins with the Jacksonville Jaguars facing the Buffalo Bills, followed by the Washington Commanders (1-1) traveling to Cincinnati to take on the winless Bengals (0-2) at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, are seeking their first victory of the season, while Washington looks to build on momentum after a narrow victory over the Giants. Here’s a breakdown of the key storylines and what to watch in tonight’s second game.
Washington’s offense showed great promise in their 21-18 win over the New York Giants in Week 2, putting up 425 total yards and 22 first downs. However, their red zone efficiency left much to be desired. Despite getting inside the 10-yard line four times, they settled for field goals, thanks in part to four costly false starts and a general inability to gain ground in tight spaces. In total, Washington managed just 27 yards on plays inside the red zone. They will need to be far more effective tonight, as field goals won’t be enough to keep pace with the explosive Cincinnati offense.
Jayden Daniels, Washington’s rookie quarterback, has shown continued growth since taking over, but he will need to capitalize on red zone opportunities to keep the Commanders competitive. Although the Bengals’ offense ranks 21st in points per game, they possess big-play potential with the likes of Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
Both teams come into this game with defensive concerns. Washington has allowed opponents to score on 10 of 16 possessions this season, a troubling statistic for head coach Ron Rivera. Cincinnati, on the other hand, is coming off a loss to the Chiefs where their defense was tested repeatedly by Patrick Mahomes. If the Commanders’ defense continues to bend, the Bengals, despite their early struggles, are capable of delivering explosive plays that could turn the tide quickly.
One of the marquee matchups tonight is the clash between two former LSU Heisman-winning quarterbacks. Joe Burrow, who led the Tigers to a national championship in 2019 and set numerous records along the way, is looking to get his Bengals back on track after an 0-2 start. Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman winner and Washington’s No. 2 overall pick, has impressed early in his NFL career, leading the Commanders to a 1-1 start.
This will be the first meeting between these two Tiger legends at the professional level. They join Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray as just the second pair of quarterbacks from the same school, both Heisman winners, to face each other in the NFL.
The Bengals enter this game desperate for a win. After a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week, Cincinnati can’t afford to fall to 0-3 if they hope to remain in the playoff conversation. Burrow, Chase, and the Bengals’ offense will be critical in putting pressure on Washington’s defense early. Despite their slow start, the Bengals have too much talent to stay down for long, and playing in front of a home crowd under the bright lights of Monday Night Football could provide the spark they need.
Adding to the excitement, the Bengals will induct two franchise legends—Corey Dillon and Tim Krumrie—into their Ring of Honor during a special halftime ceremony. Dillon, the team’s all-time leading rusher, and Krumrie, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, are two of the most beloved figures in Bengals history. Their induction will undoubtedly add an emotional boost to the home crowd, making Paycor Stadium a tough place for the Commanders to play.
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