Three lessons learned from Washington Commanders win over Cincinnati Bengals

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The Washington Commanders (2-1) took on the Cincinnati Bengals (0-3) at the Paycor Stadium and came away with a 38-33 victory on Monday Night Football in week 3 of the NFL season.

The Commanders put in an excellent offensive performance and scored in every campaign. The third loss puts the Bengals in a delicate situation in their quest for a post-season berth.

Since 1990, 162 franchises have started the season 0-3 and only four have made the playoffs. That’s a percentage of 2.5.

Jayden Daniels, the rookie quarterback who put on a show, was the highlight of the game.

What’s going on with the Bengals

Following the loss to Washington, head coach Zac Taylor spoke to the media about what a 0-3 start to the season means and his plans for the next few games.

“We have to create our own opportunities. When you lose three one-score games, no one’s going to give you anything. Again, there’s no gift we’re expecting to receive. We have to go take it. We haven’t done enough, really, dictating the tempo of the game, collectively (on) offense, defense (and) special teams.”

At least the HC seems to be aware that none of the team’s units are performing well.

“There hasn’t been one unit that’s really dominated to take the pressure off the other unit, so this falls on everybody. It’s frustrating. It’s a kick in the gut when you put in all this work in the offseason, in training camp, and (you) feel really good about the team, and you start off 0-3.”

He then added. “But again, that is where we are right now, and I told these guys we’ve got to find a way to get a win next Sunday and we’ll get this thing moving in the right direction. But right now, there’s a lot of frustration I know from the people that are supporting us, and we’re frustrated with ourselves that we haven’t found a way to win yet.”

“We’ve just got to figure that out, but no one’s going to point figures. We’ve put ourselves in a hole that I firmly believe we can dig ourselves out of. I’m excited to watch and see how this team responds.”

Cincinnati had high expectations for 2024, including as the biggest threat to the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs.

For now, everything indicates that the Bengals’ chances of reaching the postseason are minimal.

Here are three takeaways from the Commanders vs Bengals matchup.

1. Jayden Daniels is rising at the right time

It’s hypocritical to say that the Washington Commanders are tipped to be a strong team for 2024.

Until then, the narrative was of a team in reconstruction, drafting a rookie and looking for a new look for the franchise.

But there’s no denying that after Jayden Daniels’ performance against the Bengals a spark was rekindled for the fans. Maybe he’s the signal the team needed to become more confident and show their potential over the next few games.

As young and inexperienced as he is, Daniels played like a veteran: he showed maturity, arm strength and a personality to be envied. It’s not like he entered the NFL this year.

The path the Commanders are following looks bright.

2. Joe Burrow’s leadership in the lockeroom could be in jeopardy

It’s too early to say that with any certainty, but given what we’re seeing from Cincinnati, there’s some disagreement or disconnect in the locker room.

Joe Burrow may not be exercising his leadership as effectively as he could, which naturally has an impact on the rest of the squad.

He was even asked about it post-match and replied in a reflective tone.

“There will be some critical thinking I’ll have to do to see what kind of leader I want to be going forward and what I feel like the team needs from me going forward.”

Since the opening game, his countenance before, during and after games has seemed less motivated and possibly even in a frenzy.

It’s worth noting that the offense is ahead of the defense in terms of performance.

3. Bengals’ defense doesn’t seem to have any more to offer than it already has

Washington’s QB did everything and more with the Bengals’ pass rush.

The Commanders put up 38 points and didn’t even punt or commit any turnovers.

Not to mention that both the Commanders and the New England Patriots are franchises that aren’t enjoying good times, but Cincinnati still made them look like they could go far this season.

As for the secondary, it’s not a complete failure, but it hasn’t been able to do the basics that work.

It’s still time for the franchise to make more urgent adjustments and recover the strength and motivation that remains within them. Somewhere.