Joe Burrow directs two touchdown
drives, Bengals outlast Jayden Daniels' Commanders for 31-17 win
[August 19, 2025]
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — In a matchup of LSU Heisman Trophy-winning
quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels rushed for a 14-yard touchdown in his
lone possession, while Joe Burrow directed two touchdown drives in
the Cincinnati Bengals’ 31-17 win over the Washington Commanders on
Monday night.
Burrow played three possessions, completing 9 of 14 passes for 62
yards. The 2020 Heisman winner found wide receiver Charlie Jones for
a 4-yard touchdown reception on his final toss. Running back Chase
Brown’s 1-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal capped a 58-yard drive
on the opening possession at Northwest Stadium.
The Bengals (1-1) planned on using their starters longer in
preseason games to hopefully avoid a string of poor regular-season
starts. Over two games with Burrow at quarterback, Cincinnati scored
touchdowns on four of five possessions.
“Those are just incredibly valuable reps that usually you work out
those kinks in the first couple of weeks in the regular season, and
we’ve worked them out the last two weeks,” Burrow said.
Head coach Zac Taylor had his share of nitpicks, as all coaches do,
but said he likes "where this offense and this team is at right now
at this point.”
In Daniels’ likely only preseason appearance, Washington (0-2) drove
74 yards on four plays to tie the score 7-7. Following runs of 19
and 40 yards by Deebo Samuel and Chris Rodriguez, respectively,
Daniels evaded pass rushers and suspect tackling for a 14-yard dash
up the middle. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year and 2023
Heisman recipient did not attempt a pass, nor a slide on the
touchdown despite running into traffic.
“I'm playing football. I know everybody puts an emphasis on the
preseason, but it's a game to me,” Daniels said.
Washington head coach Dan Quinn would prefer his star quarterback to
choose caution at times in those spots, “but it is part of his game.
It's what makes him a special player. ”
Considering the Commanders played without three offensive line
starters, two starting receivers, and tight end Zach Ertz, limiting
Daniels’ exposure to hits and a slick field courtesy of pre-game
rain was probably the proper call. Terry McLaurin, a 2024
second-team All-Pro wide receiver, remains a non-participant amid a
contract dispute.
Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt raced for a 27-yard
touchdown on Washington’s second possession and finished with 46
yards on 11 carries. The seventh-round pick became a training camp
sensation for the Commanders, and his scoring scamper won’t dampen
any enthusiasm. Rodriguez increased his chances for a rotation spot
by rushing for a team-high 62 yards on six carries.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during the
first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington
Commanders Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick
Wass)
Matt Gay's 27-yard field goal accounted for
Washington's second-half scoring. Cincinnati kicker Evan McPherson
drilled a 54-yard field goal with 3:06 remaining.
Receiving notice
Bengals roster hopeful Mitchell Tinsley made two impressive
touchdown catches — both from quarterback Jake Browning — in a span
of 20 seconds late in the first half. Following linebacker Barrett
Carter's interception, the wide receiver’s leaping, toe-tapping
reception with 14 seconds remaining gave Cincinnati a 28-14 halftime
lead.
Robinson Removed
Commanders RB Brian Robinson did not dress for Monday’s game, nor
was he at Northwest Stadium amid recent reports of Washington
seeking to trade the four-year veteran. Quinn said that he and
general manager Adam Peters informed Robinson of their decision to
sit him out on Sunday afternoon. Quinn declined to share Robinson's
reaction. “News like that is not always that easy,” the coach said.
Robinson rushed for 799 yards and eight touchdowns last season, but
the emergence of Croskey-Merritt has the Commanders reconsidering
their backfield options.
Injuries
Bengals: 2023 first-round pick Myles Murphy remains sidelined. Head
coach Zac Taylor recently said the defensive end was a “week-ish”
away from returning. Cincinnati is thin off the edge with 2024 NFL
sack leader Trey Hendrickson out while seeking a contract extension.
Commanders: Rookie cornerback Trey Amos was held out of the game
after experiencing hamstring tightness following Saturday's
practice. The second-round pick warmed up pre-game, but the staff
decided to keep him out.
Up next
Bengals: Wrap up the preseason Saturday against Indianapolis.
Commanders: Play their exhibition finale Saturday against Baltimore.
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