NFL Preview: Commanders vs. Bengals Preview Week 3 (9-23-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
Cincinnati, OH- The Washington Commanders travel north to Cincinnati for a week 3 battle with the Bengals on Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m.
Washington (1-1) comes in after defeating the New York Giants 20-18, last week in their home opener. The Bengals (0-2) enter this week after heartbreakingly dropping their second-straight game to the Kansas City Chiefs off a last-minute 51-yarder game-winning Harrison Butker field goal.
Funny enough, for the Bengals this is the fifth time out of the past six seasons where they’ve started the season 0-2. For a team with high playoff expectations, Monday night is a must-win as this would mark their worst start to a season since starting 0-11 in 2019.
The Commanders look to take the winning momentum and try to win their second-straight game. Washington knows it needs to clean up its red zone offense and defensive play if it wants to move to 2-1. They can’t expect seven field goals to take them to victory, touchdowns are the expectation.
Keys To Victory For Washington:
➢ Terry McLaurin needs the ball: You know I feel a broken record for saying this for the second straight week, but honesty is necessary Terry needs the ball in his hands. Terry must get involved right away but consistently throughout the game. McLaurin has great hands, the ability to track the ball, speed, and the physicality to make tough catches; he has a chance to put that on display in primetime. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Jayden Daniels acknowledged the importance of getting 17 the ball this past week.
➢ Limit the Red Zone penalties: If Washington is going to generate points outside of field goals then they are going to need to convert touchdowns. Last week, offensive linemen Nick Allegretti and Sam Cosmi had false start penalties in the red zone, and also rookie tight-end Ben Sinnott killed the momentum of long drives. First-and-goals can’t become first and longs. The Commanders need to utilize Daniels’s legs and threaten to use his legs down in the red zone. Also, getting Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler the ball down there could help move the chains.
➢ Get off the field on third down: Due to the defense going through the early growing pains, getting stops on third downs can surely help this team win games. Last week, New York went 4-8 on third down which is 50%. Not bad or great but in key scenarios the Giants picked up those third downs even a few fourth-down conversions.
➢ Limit big plays: Much like Scary Terry, Ja’Marr Chase hasn’t had the start to his 2024 campaign that he’d like. Chase is going through a contract dispute with the Bengals but hasn’t been able to get the looks that he’s accustomed to. The Bengals also will get starting opposite wideout Tee Higgins back for his season debut. Washington must neutralize both receivers as the Bengals will look to use their full-powered offense. That means not leaving corners one-on-one and giving them different looks by disguising coverages to confuse quarterback Joe Burrow.
Ending the Monday Night Struggles:
The Commanders have struggled playing on Monday Night Football in the past as they hold a 7-23 record. Washington last played on MNF back in week 12 of the 2022 season, against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles where the Commanders played upset in a 32-21 victory. Can Washington play Spoiler once again?
Cincinnati & Washington Player To Watch:
DE Trey Hendrickson: Last season, Hendrickson finished the season with 17.5 sacks. Last week, he brought down Patrick Mahomes twice and was constantly forcing him to move out of the pocket. Mr. Hendrickson is a game-wrecker and relentless on the rush, Washington must neutralize him and not allow him to disrupt Jayden Daniels’s rhythm.
RB Brian Robinson Jr.: I was tempted to put two Washington defensive tackles that are itching to turn in a dominant showing but B-Rob was excellent last week rushing for a career-high 133 yards and displayed why he must get the ball. The Bengals’ defense is giving up 159.5 rushing yards per game which ranks 26th in the league. With a dynamic running back duo and a mobile quarterback then I know what’s most likely the game plan heading into the game. Also, the Bengals have already ruled out defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) and fellow D-tackle B.J. Hill is listed as doubtful with a hamstring issue himself.
Final Verdict:
The Bengals are going to be dangerous, but a 0-2 team looking for its first win has nothing to lose and will play relentlessly. Their offense found their footing last week with Mike Gesicki hauling in seven receptions for 91 yards, rookie Jermaine Burton hauling in a 47-yard reception, and six other receivers with a reception. The defense held Mahomes to only 151 passing yards and two interceptions. A great display of football that will only continue to build.
For Washington their offense last week was moving the ball well the whole game finishing with 425 total yards, they just couldn’t capitalize on touchdowns. We know that was a focus in this week’s practice to look for them to produce on the field. The Washington defense will be the key question, can they contain the Bengals’ weapons, generate pressure, and can the interior dominate the line of scrimmage?
