The Washington Commanders are back on the road in Week 3 with a trip to Cincinnati to face the 0-2 Bengals.
Washington defeated the New York Giants 21-18 last week, powered by seven Austin Seibert field goals only days after signing with the Commanders.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati is coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. A flag on fourth-and-16 with 38 seconds remaining kept the Chiefs’ final drive alive, allowing kicker Harrison Butker to drill a 51-yard-field goal as time expired.
The Commanders enter Monday night as big underdogs. What do they need to do to pull off the upset?
Here are four reasons for optimism ahead of Monday Night Football:
The Bengals have struggled to stop the run
Through two games, Cincinnati has allowed 319 rushing yards. New England rushed for 170 yards in Week 1 (4.4 yards per rush) and the Chiefs for 149 yards (4.7 yards per rush) in Week 2.
Washington running back Brian Robinson Jr. was outstanding last week, carrying the ball 17 times for 133 yards. For the season, the Commanders are averaging 176.5 yards rushing per game and 5.4 yards per attempt.
The Commanders have three running threats out of the backfield: Robinson, Austin Ekeler and quarterback Jayden Daniels. Robinson leads Washington with 173 rushing yards, and Daniels is right behind him (132 yards).
Jayden Daniels
There are advantages and disadvantages to starting a rookie quarterback. Daniels has grown as a passer through the first two weeks, particularly in the second half of the Week 2 win over the Giants. But his ability as a runner has caused the most problems. Daniels has bailed out the Commanders in the first two games with several big runs.
Cincinnati has faced Jacoby Brissett and Patrick Mahomes in the first two games. Mahomes is an excellent athlete who can make plays with his legs, but Daniels is different. Preparing for Daniels isn’t easy, which is an advantage for Washington.
Bengals are dealing with some injuries
Starting defensive tackles, B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins missed practice on Thursday and Friday. The Bengals have one more practice on Saturday and with the game on Monday night, that could help them. In addition to Hill and Rankins, rookie DT Kris Jenkins has been limited this week.
With Cincinnati already struggling to stop the run, this could be good for the Commanders.
Bengals have allowed six sacks
Cincinnati has allowed six sacks in its first two games. The Commanders have good pass-rush numbers, according to the pass-rush win rate metrics, but have managed only two sacks — both by defensive end Clelin Ferrell.
If Washington wants to slow down Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the Bengals’ offense, it will absolutely need to create pressure. If the Commanders can’t get to Burrow, it will be another long day for their secondary.
Whether it’s by winning up front or getting creative, Washington’s front must be aggressive.