The Cincinnati Bengals were hoping for a breakout performance from their star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, and they got it on Monday night against the Washington Commanders. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the brilliance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who led Washington to a thrilling 38-33 victory. The Bengals are now off to a disastrous start, dropping their third game in as many tries. Meanwhile, the Commanders are feeling confident after picking up their second victory of the young season.
Daniels was responsible for the first two touchdown passes of his young NFL career, and he added a rushing touchdown to his impressive performance. He finished the game with 254 passing yards, completing 91.3% of his attempts. Daniels' pass completion percentage is the highest ever in an NFL game for a rookie who attempted at least 20 passes. His touchdown throws were caught by Trent Scott and Terry McLaurin, while Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. also reached the end zone on the ground.
Chase, who had struggled early in the season, exploded offensively, finishing the game with six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Joe Burrow also had a strong game, throwing for 324 yards. It was a historic night, as it was the first time in over 70 years that an NFL game ended without a punt or turnover.
The Burrow-Chase duo quickly took control of the game. On the very first offensive drive, Burrow connected with Chase on a deep pass, and Chase took care of the rest, rushing into the end zone for a 44-yard touchdown.
The Commanders responded by relying on their rushing attack to take control of the contest. Robinson Jr. first tied the game with a one-yard run, and then Ekeler gave Washington the lead, 14-7, with a beautiful 34-yard run.
Later on, with the Commanders holding a four-point lead, Daniels took the game into his own hands. He led Washington closer to the end zone with a 55-yard pass to McLaurin, and then Daniels found the end zone himself, carrying the ball into the end zone from four yards out. That gave the Commanders a 21-10 lead.
Daniels, who was still searching for his first career touchdown pass, ended the wait in a special way. A play-action fake allowed him to complete a one-yard pass to offensive lineman Scott, giving Washington a 28-13 advantage.
Canadian Benjamin St-Juste stood out for the Commanders at the end of the third quarter as the Bengals were in the red zone. He showed excellent coverage, forcing Tee Higgins to miss out on a touchdown on third down. Unfortunately for St-Juste, Burrow and the Bengals didn't give up. On fourth down, Burrow found Andrei Iosivas in the end zone for a touchdown, bringing Cincinnati within eight points, 28-20.
For the first time in the game, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Commanders failed to convert a drive into a touchdown. However, a field goal still allowed them to increase their lead.
The Burrow-Chase duo charged back to give the Bengals some hope with a long touchdown pass, just like in the first quarter. Burrow completed a 31-yard pass to his receiver, but Cincinnati missed the two-point conversion, leaving the gap at five points.
Daniels, who had been dominant throughout the game, compounded the Bengals' misery in the second half of the fourth quarter by continuing to orchestrate efficient offensive drives. Daniels managed a first down on fourth down and then completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to McLaurin.
Zack Moss cut the lead with a rushing touchdown in the final minute, but the Bengals were unable to recover the onside kick.
