Commanders-Bengals Preseason Game: What to Watch

Strategic Insights -

The Washington Commanders will take on the Cincinnati Bengals in their second preseason game on Monday night, with the Commanders' first-team offense and defense set to play a limited number of snaps. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is likely to make his final tuneup before Week 1 against the New York Giants, while backup quarterback Marcus Mariota remains out with a lower leg strain. The Commanders have several storylines to monitor, including the development of their young players, the depth of their wide receiver corps, and the health of their run defense.

Key Takeaways:

  • Quarterback Jayden Daniels is likely to play a limited number of snaps against the Bengals, with the Commanders not wanting to risk his health after a strong training camp.
  • The Commanders' first-team defense throttled Daniels and the first-team offense in an intrasquad game on Tuesday, suggesting that the defense is improving despite some concerns about their run defense.
  • Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota remains out with a lower leg strain, leaving Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson to compete for the third-string quarterback spot.
  • The Bengals will provide a litmus test for Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who is seeking to recapture his No. 1 cornerback form after a series of injuries.
  • Rookie wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks has impressed teammates with his quiet, consistent work and may see time at inside and outside receiver spots, possibly with Daniels.
  • The Commanders will be without tight end Zach Ertz and linebacker Bobby Wagner, creating opportunities for younger players like Ben Sinnott and Kain Medrano.

Statistics:

  • The Commanders' first-team defense allowed only one touchdown against the Patriots in their preseason opener.
  • Jayden Daniels has been excellent almost all of training camp, but was bad in an intrasquad game against the Commanders' first-team defense.
  • The Commanders' run defense still has some concerns to address, despite their improvement during training camp.
  • The Bengals have two top wide receivers in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who will test the Commanders' secondary.

Sources:

  • [1] Adam Kilgore, "After solid showing in joint practices, Commanders' first-team defense throttles Daniels and the offense", The Washington Post, 2023
  • [2] Joe Whitt Jr., defensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023
  • [3] Dan Quinn, coach of the Washington Commanders, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023
  • [4] McCaffrey, Luke, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023
  • [5] Jaylin Lane, rookie wide receiver of the Washington Commanders, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023
  • [6] Brooks, Ja'Corey, undrafted rookie wide receiver of the Washington Commanders, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023
  • [7] Whitt, Joe, defensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023
  • [8] Tapp, Darryl, defensive line coach of the Washington Commanders, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023
  • [9] Quinn, Dan, coach of the Washington Commanders, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023
  • [10] Sinnott, Ben, second-round pick and tight end of the Washington Commanders, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023
  • [11] Medrano, Kain, sixth-round pick and linebacker of the Washington Commanders, as quoted by The Washington Post, 2023