Bengals vs. Commanders Preseason 2025: Burrow’s Struggles, Daniels’ Breakout, & Tinsley’s Surprise

Jayden Daniels vs. Joe Burrow: Preseason Showdown Recap | Commanders vs. Bengals 2025

Burrow Survives Pressure, Leads Two Scoring Drives

When you’re aiming for a strong regular-season start, simply getting there healthy is half the battle. Joe Burrow took a pair of concerning sacks in Monday’s preseason action but still led the Bengals to two touchdowns over three series. With Cincinnati looking to avoid a fourth consecutive 0-2 start to the season, the pressure is on the starters to perform early.

In the preseason opener, Burrow was sharp — completing 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles. But he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his own showing. That might’ve been up for debate then, but Monday’s performance against Washington left far less room for argument.

Burrow finished 9 of 14 for just 62 yards and a 4-yard touchdown to Charlie Jones. However, it was a grind. The first drive was a plodding nine-play series that ended with Chase Brown muscling in for a 1-yard score — though 30 of the 69 yards came via penalties against Washington. The second series turned chaotic, with Burrow retreating and scrambling before being sacked for a 17-yard loss. On the following drive, he was hammered for another sack and fumbled, though center Ted Karras recovered. A horse collar penalty helped extend the drive, and Burrow eventually capped it with his short TD toss to Jones.

It wasn’t pretty. The Bengals offense is expected to be the backbone of the team, so struggles — even in August — draw scrutiny. Especially when the defense is still looking leaky.

Jayden Daniels Lights It Up in Short Cameo

Things haven’t exactly been smooth in Washington this offseason, but Jayden Daniels briefly turned the tide — and the vibes — with one electric series on Monday night.

Making his preseason debut, the rookie quarterback took the field to loud anticipation — and delivered. He led a four-play, 74-yard scoring drive, finishing it himself with a dazzling 14-yard touchdown run. Daniels didn’t even attempt a pass. Big runs from Deebo Samuel and Chris Rodriguez Jr. set up the score, and Daniels took it from there, weaving through traffic and shrugging off a weak tackle attempt before sprinting into the end zone.

That was the end of his night — a short but powerful reminder of why Washington sees him as the future. With veteran Brian Robinson inactive (amid trade rumors), Terry McLaurin still awaiting a contract extension, and starting guards Sam Cosmi and Brandon Coleman both injured, the Commanders have plenty of concerns. But Daniels' promise offers hope heading into 2025.

Mitchell Tinsley Breaks Out

Despite an already deep wide receiver group, the Bengals may have discovered another weapon in Mitchell Tinsley.

The former undrafted free agent — who played in two games for Washington last season — made the most of his return to D.C., putting on a first-half show with five catches for 73 yards and two touchdowns.

Tinsley’s first score was a 13-yard grab on a back-shoulder throw where he spun back and high-pointed the ball. He outdid himself before halftime, pulling down a 21-yard touchdown while dragging his feet inside the back line. Arguably his most impressive catch didn’t even go for a score — a one-handed falling grab on a deflected pass over the middle.

Both of Tinsley’s touchdowns came from backup Jake Browning, but whether Tinsley can crack the final roster remains to be seen. With Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, and Charlie Jones already in the mix — and third-rounder Jermaine Burton still a question mark — Tinsley’s breakout complicates things. Then again, Joe Burrow would hardly complain about having another capable target.

Commanders Rushing Attack Shows Its Teeth

Even with Brian Robinson sitting out, Washington’s backfield came out blazing.

The Commanders wasted no time. On the game’s opening play, Deebo Samuel — in his first carry as a Commander — took a jet sweep 19 yards. Chris Rodriguez Jr. followed it up with a dazzling 40-yard run. Just two plays later, Jayden Daniels finished off the 74-yard drive with his 14-yard touchdown dash.

But the ground game didn’t stop there. On Washington’s next possession, rookie Bill Croskey-Merritt broke free for a 27-yard touchdown, capping a statement start for the Commanders offense. In total, the first two drives featured six rushes for 106 yards and two scores.

With Robinson potentially on the way out, Monday’s performances by Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt were timely. Veteran Austin Ekeler, expected to be a contributor this season, watched from the sidelines. And with Daniels — the team’s 2024 leading rusher — now officially under center, Washington’s rushing attack appears poised to remain a major threat.

That said, it’s worth noting: this came against a Bengals defense that has now given up 34 and 28 points in its two preseason outings. A cause for concern in Cincinnati.