The Washington Commanders defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 21-19 Saturday in the preseason finale. It’s the first time since 2013 that the Commanders ended the preseason undefeated.
The Bengals began the scoring when quarterback Jake Browning found wide receiver Andrei Iosivas for a first-quarter touchdown. However, Washington quarterback Jacoby Brissett responded, finding rookie wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley for a 39-yard touchdown to tie the game.
Cincinnati kicker Evan McPherson would drill a 58-yard field goal to give his team the lead and that was the score heading into halftime.
In the second half, Washington quarterback Jake Fromm took over, completing 13 of 18 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. The first of which appeared to be another one to Tinsley, but officials ruled him out near the goal line. No problem says Fromm, who found wide receiver Brycen Tremayne for a touchdown on the next play.
Fromm led another impressive drive in the fourth quarter before connecting with tight end Brandon Dillon for a touchdown. That would give Washington a 21-13 lead and that proved to be enough. The Bengals scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter but the Commanders broke up a two-point conversion that would’ve tied the game.
Cincinnati was driving again late but Washington’s young secondary broke up a fourth-down attempt and the Bengals turned the ball over on downs.
The Commanders rushed for 150 yards, led by rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. who rushed for yards on seven carries. Jaret Patterson did his part, too, rushing for 49 yards on seven attempts.
Tinsley led the Commanders in receiving with three receptions for 89 yards and the touchdown.
Now, Washington turns its attention to Arizona Cardinals who come to FedEx Field for Week 1 of the regular season in two weeks.