2024-09-24 18:25:04
Washington’s defense played well enough once again to keep it in the game, holding the Bengals to field goals on two of their drives and forcing an incompletion on a two-point attempt in the fourth quarter, but the unit continues to be a work in progress. Burrow was impressive as expected, completing 29 of 38 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to Ja’Marr Chase.
The Commanders went the entire game without forcing a punt from the Bengals, marking the third consecutive game that they have forced two or fewer. Explosive plays also continue to be an issue, as shown by Chase’s 41- and 31-yard touchdowns, though those were the only two plays from the Bengals that went those distances.
The offense has shown it can handle itself while the defense improves, though, as the unit went 3-for-3 in the red zone, starting with their opening drive after McCaffrey’s reception put them at the Bengals’ 2-yard line. Robinson ran unopposed into the end zone two plays later, tying the score at 7-7 following Burrow’s 41-yard shot to Chase.
Washington needed to rely on the Bengals to make some mistakes on offense. While they were sparse, the few gaffes Cincinnati had were pivotal. Evan McPherson missed a field goal — his first in 30 tries — wide left on a 48-yard attempt that would have put the Bengals up 10-7. The Commanders responded with a seven-play, 62-yard drive, which ended with Austin Ekeler scampering through a running lane made by Nick Allegretti for a 24-yard touchdown.
