Washington Commanders VS Bengals Match Player Stats The Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals clashed in an electrifying Monday Night Football showdown on September 23, 2024. The high-scoring affair ended with the Commanders securing a thrilling 38-33 victory over the Bengals. This game was unique as it featured no punts or turnovers, a rarity in NFL history. In this article, we delve deep into the player statistics, analyzing key performances that defined this spectacular game.
Quarterback Duel: Jayden Daniels vs. Joe Burrow
Jayden Daniels’ Historic Performance
Washington’s rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, put on a record-breaking display. His stats were nothing short of remarkable:
- Completions: 21 of 23 (91.3% completion rate)
- Passing Yards: 254 yards
- Passing Touchdowns: 2
- Rushing Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 0
Daniels’ efficiency set a new rookie record, marking one of the most precise passing game in NFL history.
Joe Burrow’s Resilient Effort
On the opposite side, Joe Burrow did his best to keep the Bengals in contention:
- Completions: 29 of 38
- Passing Yards: 324 yards
- Passing Touchdowns: 3
- Interceptions: 0
Despite Burrow’s solid performance, the Bengals’ defense failed to contain the Commanders’ offensive firepower.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Aerial Dominance
Washington Commanders
- Terry McLaurin: 4 receptions, 100 yards, 1 touchdown
- Jahan Dotson: 6 receptions, 72 yards
- Logan Thomas (TE): 5 receptions, 55 yards, 1 touchdown
McLaurin’s 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter played a crucial role in sealing the win for Washington.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Ja’Marr Chase: 8 receptions, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
- Tee Higgins: 6 receptions, 85 yards
- Irv Smith Jr. (TE): 4 receptions, 48 yards
Chase continued his dominance, but it wasn’t enough to lift Cincinnati past Washington.
Running Backs: Ground Game Contributions
Washington Commanders
- Brian Robinson Jr.: 15 carries, 85 yards, 1 touchdown
- Austin Ekeler: 10 carries, 47 yards
Robinson Jr.’s early touchdown helped the Commanders set the tone for the game.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Zack Moss: 12 carries, 70 yards, 1 touchdown
- Joe Mixon: 8 carries, 42 yards
Moss provided some late-game fireworks, but Cincinnati’s rushing attack lacked overall consistency.
Defensive Performances: Key Tackles and Stops
Washington Commanders
- Jamin Davis (LB): 9 tackles, 1 sack
- Kendall Fuller (CB): 6 tackles, 2 pass deflections
- Jonathan Allen (DT): 5 tackles, 1 sack
The Commanders’ defense tightened up in the second half, stopping key drives and maintaining the lead.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Logan Wilson (LB): 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- Trey Hendrickson (DE): 7 tackles, 1 sack
- Chidobe Awuzie (CB): 5 tackles, 1 interception
Despite individual efforts, the Bengals’ defense struggled to contain Washington’s well-balanced offense.
Special Teams: Game-Deciding Kicks
- Washington Commanders Kicker (Joey Slye): 3/3 field goals, longest 48 yards
- Cincinnati Bengals Kicker (Evan McPherson): 2/2 field goals, longest 52 yards
Slye’s perfect kicking ensured Washington maintained its lead throughout the game.
Historical Significance: A No-Punt Game
This game entered the record books as one of the rare contests where neither team punted. The last such game in the NFL occurred in 1940. The offensive efficiency displayed was a testament to elite play-calling and execution.
Post-Game Reactions and Season Implications
Washington Commanders
The Commanders’ victory signals a strong start to the season. Jayden Daniels’ exceptional debut performance has ignited optimism within the franchise. With a balanced offense and an improving defense, Washington looks poised for a competitive season.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ 0-3 start raises concerns. Despite Burrow’s efforts, defensive lapses have cost Cincinnati games. Adjustments must be made if they hope to turn the season around and make a playoff push.
Conclusion
The Washington Commanders vs. Bengals matchup was a thrilling offensive showcase with record-breaking moments. Both teams demonstrated their strengths and weaknesses, making this a must-watch game for NFL fans. As the season progresses, lessons learned from this matchup will shape their respective campaigns.
