Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season was a memorable one for the Washington Commanders, as rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had a breakout game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Commanders emerged victorious with a 38-33 upset win on “Monday Night Football,” improving their record to 2-1 for the season. Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, put on an impressive performance, throwing for 254 yards and two passing touchdowns while also showcasing his running skills by finding the end zone with his legs. The highlight of the game came on the Commanders’ final drive when Daniels connected with tight end Zach Ertz for a critical first down before throwing a 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin to seal the victory.
The Bengals, on the other hand, are now 0-3 on the season and are at a loss for words after their disappointing loss to the Commanders. Despite starting strong with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals struggled to contain Washington’s offense, which scored touchdowns on its first three drives. Burrow had a solid performance, throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions, but it was not enough to secure a win for his team. The Commanders’ defense proved to be a challenge for the Bengals, with Daniels leading the charge and demonstrating his composure and leadership on the field.
The Commanders’ victory was a crucial one, as they knew that no team has made the playoffs in the modern era after starting the season 0-3. Therefore, the game against the Bengals was a must-win for Washington, and they delivered a strong performance to secure the victory. Daniels showed that he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Commanders, with his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. The rookie quarterback’s confidence and poise under pressure were on full display, especially on the crucial plays in the final moments of the game.
Washington’s offense set the tone early in the game, scoring touchdowns on their first three drives, all of which came on the ground. Running back Austin Ekeler and Daniels both contributed rushing touchdowns, while offensive tackle Trent Scott surprised everyone by catching a one-yard touchdown pass from Daniels. The Commanders’ balanced offensive attack kept the Bengals’ defense on their toes throughout the game, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the team’s play-calling. Despite facing a talented Bengals team with a potent offense led by Burrow and Chase, the Commanders’ defense stood strong and made key stops to secure the win.
Overall, Week 3 was a statement game for the Washington Commanders, as they demonstrated their potential to be a competitive team in the 2024 NFL season. With Jayden Daniels leading the charge, the Commanders have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with and are capable of taking on some of the league’s top teams. The victory over the Bengals highlighted the team’s resilience, determination, and ability to rise to the challenge when facing adversity. As the season progresses, the Commanders will look to build on this success and continue to make strides towards their goal of reaching the playoffs.
