Bengals vs Commanders – Fearsome 31-17 Bengals Win vs Commanders Reveals 4 Major Truths

Fearsome Bengals Victory Over Commanders Exposes Key Strengths and Flaws

CINCINNATI – In a game that was far from a flawless exhibition, the Cincinnati Bengals secured a 31-17 victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL preseason. While the final score leans positive for Cincinnati, the performance unearthed critical storylines for both franchises, from quarterback scares to emerging heroes.

1. Burrow’s Bumpy Night Raises Concerns

The primary goal for any starting quarterback in the preseason is simple: get some reps and get out healthy. Joe Burrow accomplished the first part but gave the Bengals a major scare on the second. While he led two scoring drives, the journey was fraught with danger.

Burrow was sacked twice for significant losses—one for 17 yards where he scrambled frantically backwards, and another for a 14-yard loss that resulted in a fumble (fortunately recovered by center Ted Karras). He finished his night completing 9 of 14 passes for just 62 yards and a 4-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Jones.

The first drive, a nine-play slog culminating in a Chase Brown 1-yard TD, was heavily aided by 30 yards in penalties against Washington. The takeaway is clear: the Bengals’ offense, the team’s overwhelming strength, is not yet in regular-season form. For a team desperate to avoid a fourth-straight 0-2 start, the inconsistent line play and pressure on Burrow are points of intense focus.

2. Jayden Daniels’ Electrifying Washington Debut

Amidst some offseason uncertainty in the nation’s capital, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels provided a massive jolt of optimism. In his highly anticipated preseason debut, Daniels piloted the Commanders on a breathtaking four-play, 74-yard touchdown drive.

The drive was a pure, unadulterated display of speed and power. It featured a 19-yard jet sweep by new weapon Deebo Samuel, a gorgeous 40-yard run by Chris Rodriguez Jr., and was capped by Daniels himself. On a 14-yard scramble, the rookie dropped back, weaved through the trenches, broke a pathetic tackle attempt, and sprinted into the end zone. He didn’t attempt a pass, but he didn’t need to. His cameo was a perfect glimpse into his game-changing potential and instantly lifted the vibes for a franchise with lofty expectations.

3. Mitchell Tinsley’s Roster-Claiming Performance

The Bengals’ wide receiver room is already among the NFL’s most loaded, but undrafted free agent Mitchell Tinsley screamed for attention. Returning to face his former team (the Commanders), Tinsley was the undeniable star of the first half.

He put on a clinic, hauling in five catches for 73 yards and two spectacular touchdowns from backup QB Jake Browning. His first was a 13-yard leaping grab where he high-pointed the ball on the outside shoulder. His second, a 21-yard score just before halftime, was an even better toe-tap reception at the back of the end zone. His best play might have been a one-handed snag over the middle after a defender initially battened the ball.

With a crowded depth chart behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins that includes Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, and 2024 third-rounder Jermaine Burton, Tinsley’s magnificent performance throws a fascinating wrench into the Bengals’ final roster calculations.

4. Commanders’ Run Game Thrives Without Robinson

The biggest news ahead of kickoff was the absence of running back Brian Robinson Jr., a strong trade candidate. His potential departure seemed to light a fire under the rest of Washington’s backfield, as they exploded out of the gate.

The Commanders’ first two drives were a masterclass in ground-and-pound dominance. They racked up 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just six carries. After the initial burst from Samuel and Rodriguez, rookie Bill Croskey-Merritt blasted through the line for a 27-yard touchdown on the second drive.

This explosive showing, combined with the presence of veteran Austin Ekeler and the dynamic running of QB Jayden Daniels (the team’s leading rusher in 2024), provides compelling evidence that Washington’s rushing attack will remain a powerful force, with or without Robinson. However, a dose of perspective is needed: this outburst came against a Bengals defense that has looked decidedly porous through two preseason games.

Conclusion

This preseason clash was more valuable for its revelations than its result. The Bengals won but have serious protection issues to solve. The Commanders lost but found a new franchise energy in Jayden Daniels and confidence in their deep running game. For both teams, the film from this game will be instrumental in shaping their final preparations for the 2025 NFL season.