The Washington Commanders will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football for Week 3. It’s also another first for starting quarterback Jayden Daniels.
“It’s special, obviously. To be able to play one this early. Just coming out my first actual game my first home opener, now [my] first Monday night game, it’s gonna be special, but at the end of the day it’s another game. You’re just playing later on in the week,” Daniels told media after Thursday’s practice.
Commanders vs. Bengals: Week 3 Preview
The Commanders bounced back Sunday beating the New York Giants 21-18, giving them their first win. The Bengals are still looking for their first win, and go into Monday night with a chip on their shoulder. The Commanders look to do more than kick-field goals to win games. Fans expect to eventually see an explosive use of wide receiver Terry McLaurin downfield.
On the other side, the Bengals will probably try to stop the Commanders’ run game to get control of the time clock, something the Commanders have masterfully managed thus far. Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is averaging 6.0 yards per carry with 173 yards on the season. The Bengals have allowed the 7th-most rushing yards in the NFL. This will be a great test to see if the Commanders can capitalize in the red zone or if they truly have an offensive strategy problem.
The Bengals are nothing to ignore. They managed to control the ball longer than the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. If it weren’t for a turnover, they may have beaten them.
Commanders vs. Bengals: Injury Reports
The Commanders are running a short list Monday night. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) has been ruled out of Monday’s game. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr.(thumb) has been ruled Questionable. The Bengals list is quite extensive. Safety Von Bell (back) has been ruled Questionable, while QB Joe Burrow‘s surgically repaired wrist is still under watch. No one has attributed the wrist to the 0-2 start, yet.
Tight end Mike Gesicki, wide receiver Tee Higgins, and Offensive tackle Amarius Mims are also Questionable. Bengals defensive tackle B.J. Hill (hamstring) has been ruled Doubtful. Fellow Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) has been ruled out of Monday’s game. Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (thumb) has been ruled Questionable while fellow defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) is out.
Commanders vs. Bengals: LSU QB Reunion
Monday night will also be more of an “LSU Bowl”. Both Bengals QB Joe Burrow and Daniels are LSU transfers, grads, and Heisman Trophy winners. Burrow had nothing but good things to say about Daniels, a stark contrast from cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt’s words earlier in the week accusing the Commanders of playing a “college offense” for Daniels.
Via the Bengals’ official website, Burrow said, “He’s a dynamic player. I really like his throwing motion. Seems like he can spin it and understands his fundamentals…I think he’s got a bright future. Obviously, he’s really fast and quick and dynamic. But I’m not sure he gets enough credit for the passer that he is.”
About Burrow, Daniels said, “I wish him nothing but the best in his success over in Cincinnati in what he’s done so far… It’s big for the whole state of Louisiana to see both of us go up against each other on Monday Night.”
Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. on ABC.
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