NFL: Washington Commanders dupe Cincinnati Bengals

By Kai Esser

It took until week three before the NFL witnessed the first top performance from a rookie quarterback.

With an absolutely top performance from quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders surprisingly and deservedly won 38:33 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Daniels excelled with 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. 91 percent of completed balls is a new NFL record for a rookie.

Just before the two-minute warning, when the Bengals were about to regain possession, the number two pick in this year’s draft threw a perfect 28-yard touchdown pass to receiver Terry McLaurin in the corner of the end zone, ending the game.

The passer rating of 141.7 is one of the highest for a rookie quarterback who played every snap on offense. He also had 40 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson also each scored a touchdown, with offensive lineman Trent Scott scoring the score on a trick play.

For the Bengals, who traditionally start off poorly, the false start is now complete. Only two percent of all teams that started 0-3 have ever made the playoffs. The Bengals are one of three teams that are still winless.

Burrow does what he can – but is let down by his defense

Quarterback Joe Burrow and his offense cannot be blamed for this defeat. The first overall pick of 2020 impressed with 324 yards and three touchdowns. He also missed his target on only nine passes, a rating of 127.5 is also outstanding.

The best receiver was Ja’Marr Chase with 118 yards and two touchdowns, Andrei Iosivase contributed 52 yards and one touchdown. Tee Higgins was unremarkable with only three catches for 39 yards.

On the ground, the duo Chase Brown/Zack Moss also managed a solid 120 rushing yards, with the latter being responsible for the game’s touchdown.

The reason for the defeat is the Bengals’ defense. Daniels was only sacked twice for a loss of six yards, and the Bengals only forced three plays for negative yards. None of the defensive backs can be happy about a blocked pass.

The Bengals, who are on fire, have to face the resurgent Carolina Panthers in week four. The Commanders, who are on target with two wins from three games, travel to the Arizona Cardinals.