Bengals vs. Commanders: Preseason Highlights and Insights

Bengals Outpace Commanders 31‑17 in Preseason Clash

In a preseason matchup on August 18, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals emerged with a solid 31‑17 victory over the Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland. Star quarterback Joe Burrow led the charge, completing 9 of 14 passes for 62 yards and connecting on a 4‑yard touchdown to Charlie Jones. Backup QB Jake Browning commanded the offense with 16 of 25 passes for 159 yards and two scoring connections with Mitchell Tinsley.

Commanders' Bright Spots Amid Disappointments

Jayden Daniels Flashes Talent

Rookie QB Jayden Daniels electrified fans early in his debut, scrambling 14 yards for a dramatic touchdown. Though he didn't throw a pass, his instincts and athleticism were on full display.

Coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels’ playmaking, even as he encouraged the young quarterback to slide in the future to avoid risks.

Backfield Shakeup and Roster Moves

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. was notably kept out of the game amid mounting trade speculation. In his stead, the Commanders leaned on a group of ballers: Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt, and Austin Ekeler, with Croskey-Merritt especially making his mark thanks to a 27-yard touchdown run.

Defensive Sparks

Despite the loss, Washington's defense showed energy and potential. Standouts included cornerback Marshon Lattimore, safety Quan Martin, and rookie Trey Amos (though Amos sat out due to a hamstring issue).

Takeaways and Areas to Watch

• Five winners from the Bengals:

  • Chase Brown (RB): Showed power with a goal‑line score.

  • Charlie Jones (WR): Dependable in clutch moments.

  • Mitchell Tinsley (WR): Two acrobatic TDs; strong roster push.

  • Tycen Anderson (S): Bounce-back interception.

  • Barrett Carter (LB, rookie): Intercepted and helped set up scoring.

• Three notable Bengals concerns:

  • Defense: Still struggling with tackling and run-stopping early in camp.

  • Injury question marks: Lineman Lucas Patrick exited early; backups are being tested.

  • Depth WRs: Isaiah Williams, Kendric Pryor, and Cole Burgess lost ground to Tinsley.

• Burrow’s Reflections: Post-game, Joe Burrow acknowledged “we still got some kinks to work out,” signaling a realistic and disciplined camp approach.

Game Summary at a Glance

A Preseason Worth Noting

The Bengals picked up a confident win behind depth players and a poised performance by Burrow and Browning, yet defensive lapses and injuries remain concerns. On the Commanders side, Jayden Daniels injected excitement into the preseason, while their revamped backfield and defensive flashes offered promise—despite losing the game.

As the preseason unfolds, keep an eye on:

• Daniels' development and how Washington manages its QB depth.

• The Commanders’ running back shuffle and if Robinson Jr. stays or is traded.

• Bengals tightening up defensively and sharpening their WR depth.

• How both teams address discipline and protection issues heading into the regular season.

Let me know if you'd like a follow-up look once the regular season kicks off—or deeper player compar

Conclusion

The Bengals vs. Commanders preseason game offered a compelling glimpse into both teams’ current trajectories and future potential. Cincinnati’s victory showcased their offensive depth and resilience, led by Joe Burrow’s steady command and the emerging talent of players like Mitchell Tinsley and Chase Brown. However, defensive inconsistencies and injury concerns serve as reminders that the Bengals still have work to do before the regular season.

For the Washington Commanders, the game highlighted promising individual performances, particularly from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose dynamic playmaking hints at a bright future. Meanwhile, the ongoing backfield uncertainty surrounding Brian Robinson Jr. and a defense still finding its footing suggest that the Commanders face significant challenges ahead.