Bengals @ Commanders
Final Score: Bengals 31, Commanders 17
Writer: Steven Pintado – @coachstevenp
The game got off to a fast start, with both first-team offenses showing explosiveness. The Commanders took an early lead in the second quarter, but after a defensive stop and a turnover, the Bengals responded with two scoring drives led by their second-team offense. The early portion of the game featured plenty of big plays, keeping the crowd energized.
In the second half, the Commanders’ offense struggled to get anything going and gradually faded from the spotlight. The Bengals executed strong clock management and walked out of Washington with a decisive victory.
Three Up
- Mitchell Tinlsey – Bengals receiver Tinsley put up one heck of a game with two impressive touchdown catches.
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt -Rookie running back Croskey-Merritt made several flashes in this game, showing he may be a significant contributor this year.
- Chris Rodriquez Jr – While the rookie stood out, Chris Rodriguez Jr. showed the Commanders that if they move on from Brian Robinson Jr., he should make the roster.
Three Down
- Tanner Hudson – After a show last week, Hudson would struggle with drops in this game as he tries to be one of the top four tight ends to make the roster.
- Ben Sinnott – Wish we got to see more from the young tight end. Just one target doesn’t help with his role in the offense.
- Michael Gallup – Gallup didn’t see a target until the fourth quarter, as he is currently looking for an outside roster spot.
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Burrow: 9/14, 62 yards, 1 TD
Joe Burrow saw extended action in tonight’s game, and his performance was a bit uneven. On the opening drive, he threw the ball well, but multiple drops from his receivers cost him a potential touchdown, which ended up being finished off by Chase Brown on the ground. Burrow also took too many sacks while trying to extend plays, though it did highlight his determination to make something happen on every snap. In the second quarter, he reminded everyone of his talent by firing a laser for a touchdown strike. While the night had its ups and downs, Burrow looked ready for the season and appears poised for a fantastic year.
Jake Browning: 16/25, 159 yards, 2 TD | 1 carry, 1 yard
In the second quarter, backup quarterback Jake Browning took the field and continued to show why he’s considered one of the better No. 2 options in the league. He looked poised in the pocket, delivering several sharp throws while also displaying the ability to move around and extend plays. Both of his touchdown passes were perfectly placed to Mitchell Tinsley, where only the receiver had a chance to make the catch. Browning meshed well with the second-team offense, leading two scoring drives, and is firmly locked in as Joe Burrow’s backup.
Desmond Ridder: 1/1, 7 yards | 2 carries, -2 yards
Desmond Ridder entered the game with under five minutes remaining and attempted just one short pass. The Bengals typically carry only two quarterbacks on the roster, and even after a solid Week 1 showing, Ridder is far from a lock to make the team.
Running Back
Chase Brown: 5 Carries, 16 yards, TD
Chase Brown played only on the opening drive but was heavily involved throughout it. While he didn’t gain much on the ground outside of a few short runs, he capped the possession with a 3-yard touchdown. Brown was featured on nearly every play of that drive, a clear indication that he’s in line for a significant workload this season.
Tahj Brooks: 11 carries, 47 yards | 4 targets, 3 receptions, 9 yards
Brooks saw plenty of action in this game, playing from the late first quarter through the late third quarter. While his performance was average at best, it was an improvement over his Week 1 showing. On several runs, he displayed effort and some shifty movement through the middle of the line. His best run came on a chance-of-direction play, where he picked up 14 yards. The rookie running back looks likely to make the 53-man roster, given the lack of depth behind Brown and Samaje Perine. Brooks has more to offer than he showed and could become a weapon in the Bengals’ passing game.
Samaje Perine: 1 carry, 3 yards
Veteran running back Samaje Perine saw limited action, playing only the first two drives and recording just one short carry. His backup role appears secure, and the team didn’t need to see much from him in this game.
Kendall Milton: 9 carry, 22 yards
Kendall Milton got his first touch on the final play of the third quarter. On a few runs, he showed his high motor and ability to run through defenders, often dragging tacklers along to pick up extra yardage. However, it was an otherwise inefficient night for Milton. He may struggle to make the roster unless the Bengals decide to carry four running backs.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
JaMarr Chase: 1 target, 1 reception, 11 yards
Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase played only the opening drive of the game. His lone catch came on a short curl route, where he showed his toughness by fighting for extra yards after the grab. On the very next play, he drew a deep pass interference penalty that set up a touchdown. With that, his day was done.
Andrei Iosivas: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 26 yards
Bengals WR3 Andrei Iosivas recorded two nice receptions while playing with Joe Burrow on his drives. He showcased excellent route-running ability, consistently creating separation. Iosivas looks locked in as the team’s WR3.
Mitchell Tinlsey: 6 targets, 5 receptions, 73 yards, 2 TD
The big winner for the Bengals tonight was Mitchell Tinsley. Facing his former team, Tinsley put on a show in the second quarter. His route running was impressive, allowing him to consistently create separation. He hauled in two standout touchdown catches: the first a precise back-shoulder grab to secure the score despite tight coverage, and the second where he leaped over a defender to snare the ball in the end zone. Tinsley’s performance made a strong case for him to earn a spot on the Bengals’ 53-man roster next week.
Charlie Jones: 7 targets, 4 receptions, 32 yards, TD
Charlie Jones played primarily in the first half of the game and showcased his impressive hands, making several difficult catches. His biggest play was a 4-yard touchdown, where Burrow delivered a tight pass in coverage. Jones has demonstrated he can produce when healthy, though staying on the field has been a challenge in past seasons. He looks likely to make the Bengals’ 53-man roster in 2025.
Tanner Hudson: 6 targets, 3 receptions, 18 yards
Tanner Hudson got off to a rough start with two consecutive drops on passes from Joe Burrow. The second drop was particularly costly, as it should have been an easy touchdown. Later in the game, he saw more targets and demonstrated his ability to use his big frame to make simpler catches underneath. Hudson is competing for the TE4 spot, but this performance did not help his case, and he could be among the final cuts this year.
Drew Sample: 1 target, 1 receptions, 1 yard
Blocking tight end Drew Sample had an opportunity for a 1-yard touchdown with the first-team offense. While he isn’t known for his receiving ability, he excelled in his primary role as a blocker. Sample is considered the Bengals’ starting tight end largely due to his proficiency in blocking.
Kendric Pryor: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 35 yards
Kendric Pryor received his first target in the second quarter and played through the early fourth quarter. He made a few impressive receptions, including one contested catch where he battled two defenders to secure the ball. However, he also had two drops, one near the sideline where he couldn’t get his feet down, and another while trying to extend for extra yardage. Pryor is fighting for the final roster spot, but he may have just lost ground to Mitchell Tinsley.
Cole Burgess: 1 target, 1 reception, 8 yards
Had a short slant route that he took up for a decent gain in the fourth quarter. He is not likely to make the roster.
Rashod Owens: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 13 yards
Rashod Owens is already considered a roster bubble player. He managed two decent receptions on short curl routes, but otherwise didn’t make a significant impact. He is unlikely to make the Bengals’ final roster.
Cam Grandy: 1 target, 1 reception, 2 yards
Tight end Cam Grandy recorded a reception in the middle of the second quarter from Jake Browning. It came on a short pass in the flat during a rollout by the quarterback. Grandy is unlikely to beat out Tanner Hudson for the TE4 spot on the roster.
Jamoi Mayes:1 target
Tough catch to make on a fourth-quarter target, but he ended up dropping it. He is not likely to make the roster.
Jordan Moore:1 target
Saw a deep shot from Browning, but it was not close enough for him to make the catch in the fourth quarter. He is not likely to make the roster.
Isaiah Williams: 1 target
Had a low attempt that he was not able to secure as it hit the ground. He is not likely to make the roster.
Washington Commanders
Quarterback
Jayden Daniels: 1 carry, 14 yards, TD
Commanders franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels played only four snaps, but that was all he needed to show he’s ready for the season. He was involved in all of the run plays, including one himself. On his touchdown play, Daniels looked sharp going through his progressions before getting shifty in the pocket and taking off for the score. He gave fans a brief scare as he bounced off a couple of defenders on his way into the end zone, but it also showed his toughness and playmaking ability.
Josh Johnson: 6/9, 56 yards, INT | 1 carry
With Marcus Mariota not playing, Josh Johnson took over on the second series and remained in until the final two minutes of the first half. He would also see one more drive in the middle of the third quarter as well. Unfortunately, he struggled to make much of an impression. While he connected on a few decent throws, his biggest mistake came on a deep ball thrown into empty space, which gave the Bengals an easy interception opportunity. He also nearly lost a fumble, though the offense was able to recover it. Overall, it was a below-average performance, and Johnson doesn’t appear to be a lock for the 53-man roster unless Mariota’s health remains a concern.
Sam Hartman: 4/10, 29 yards, INT | 4 carries, 25 yards
Sam Hartman took the field for the two-minute offense at the end of the first half. His first few throws were wildly inaccurate, resulting in a pick in the game. He did connect on two solid passes in the fourth quarter, but that was the extent of his passing production. Hartman did showcase some athletic ability with 24 rushing yards. Overall, he is unlikely to make the Commanders’ roster.
Running Back
Chris Rodriquez Jr.: 6 carries, 62 yards
Chris Rodriguez was looking to make a case for a roster spot. He started strong with a 40-yard run, earning the first running back touch of the game. The rest of his carries went for solid gains. Rodriguez played primarily with the first-team offense and into the second quarter, giving him a solid shot at making the Commanders’ roster in 2025. He might even be the Week 1 starter on early downs.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt: 11 carries, 46 yards, TD | 2 targets, 2 receptions
Rookie “Bill” Croskey-Merritt entered the game on the second drive and, despite only getting two touches, made the most of his opportunities. On his second carry, he broke loose for a 27-yard touchdown, flashing the explosiveness and burst that fueled his offseason hype. After that Croskey-Merritt would get back in the game to start the 3rd quarter.
After a solid first run of 11 yards and his first catch for nearly 2 yards, Croskey-Merritt faded down the stretch. He didn’t produce many positive runs for the remainder of the game, likely a reflection of how stagnant the Commanders’ offense was in the second half. Despite that, the rookie will still have a chance to compete for serious touches in the offense moving forward, especially with Brian Robinson Jr.‘s time with the team seemingly drawing to a close.
Jeremy McNichols: 3 carries, 10 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 3 yards
Veteran running back Jeremy McNichols received his first touch in the second quarter. While his runs weren’t particularly impressive, the Commanders value his versatility in the offense. Expect McNichols to make the opening-day roster.
Kazmeir Allen: 3 carries, 9 yards | 1 target
Allen didn’t get a touch until the fourth quarter of this game. He had one run where he showed off his shiftiness, but nothing else was particularly impressive. He isn’t likely to make the team.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Deebo Samuel: 1 carry, 19 yards
Veteran star receiver Deebo Samuel played only the opening drive of the game, but the team made it clear they plan to feature him in multiple ways this season. On the very first play, Samuel took a jet sweep for a 19-yard gain, showcasing his trademark speed and shiftiness as a runner. He remains firmly locked into one of the starting roles.
Jaylin Lane: 6 targets, 3 receptions, 42 yards
Rookie receiver Jaylin Lane played the majority of the game and impressed with both quarterbacks. He showcased excellent separation skills and route running, consistently finding openings in the defense. His highlight came in the early fourth quarter on a diving catch while closely covered by a defender. If Lane continues this level of production next week, he should make the roster and contribute a meaningful role in the offense.
K.J Osborn: 2 targets, 1 reception, 9 yards
Veteran K.J. Osborn recorded one catch for nine yards while playing with the second-team offense. The other target came on a wild throw from Josh Johnson that resulted in the pick but not by Osborn’s fault. His performance indicates he could have a real shot to make the Commanders’ roster.
Ben Sinnott: 1 target
Second-year tight end Ben Sinnott saw his only target in the second quarter while playing with the second-team offense. The pass was thrown too high for him to make the catch. It would have been nice to see a few more targets his way, but Sinnott appears locked in to make the Commanders’ roster.
Tay Martin: 1 target, 1 reception, 15 yards
Receiver Tay Martin had one target in the game, which he turned into a great catch. He found space in the zone and made a solid play. Martin is fighting for one of the final roster spots, but it’s unlikely he will make the team.
Cole Turner: 1 target, 1 reception, 9 yards
Tight end Cole Turner had his lone catch in the third quarter of his game. It was a difficult catch, as he was running backwards toward the lineup, but he was able to secure it. The Commanders carried four tight ends last year, so Turner should have a shot to make this roster.
Ja’Corey Brooks: 2 targets, 1 reception, 7 yards
Rookie receiver Ja’Corey Brooks received his first target midway through the third quarter, hauling in a nice diving catch. Brooks may face an uphill battle to earn a roster spot on the Commanders.
Michael Gallup : 1 target
Veteran receiver Michael Gallup didn’t see a target until late in the fourth quarter, and that pass resulted in a drop. Gallup chances of making the team is slim.
Jacoby Jones: 1 target
Jones saw a target in the fourth quarter, but the defender broke it up. He is not likely to make the team.