The Washington Commanders started hot in their preseason Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. Washington scored on its first two offensive possessions, taking a 14-7 lead. However, the Commanders’ backup quarterbacks struggled with turnovers, and Cincinnati took advantage by coming away with a 31-17 victory.
Washington’s preseason record is not a concern. The Commanders looked much better against the Bengals than they did last week against the Patriots. There were signs of progress. The game turned late in the second quarter when Bengals quarterback Jake Browning found former Commanders wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley in the end zone to give Cincinnati a 21-14 lead. Almost immediately, Washington backup quarterback Sam Hartman was intercepted and Browning found Tinsley again on the next play, giving the Bengals a 28-14 advantage. That proved to be the difference in the game.
What did we learn from Washington’s loss? What should the Commanders be concerned about? Here are seven takeaways from Washington’s preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise once the trade news hit on Sunday. Head coach Dan Quinn all but confirmed the news after Monday’s game. The Commanders made Robinson available because they like their other backs, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols and veteran Austin Ekeler. It’s a crowded room. No team keeps five running backs. Croskey-Merritt’s emergence sealed Robinson’s fate, and a strong preseason performance from the rookie and Rodriguez didn’t help him. So, even if Washington can’t find a trade partner, it will release Robinson. There’s no path for a return.
A popular topic during and after the game was the combined stat lines of tight end Ben Sinnott and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey. While we don’t currently have the snap counts, McCaffrey and Sinnott were on the field for several snaps and combined for zero catches, zero yards and one target. Keep in mind, the Commanders rushed for 185 yards and attempted only 19 passes, with 10 completions. Cincinnati also possessed the ball for over 37 minutes.
While it’s fair to ask why McCaffrey and Sinnott are not making an impact in the passing game, it’s difficult to judge any of these receivers without Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota throwing them the ball. Sam Hartman struggled again. Josh Johnson was solid last week, but he didn’t play well against the Bengals. So, when you’re looking at the stat lines on Tuesday morning and see McCaffrey, Sinnott, Ja’Corey Brooks and see them doing very little, remember the quarterback situation.
We saw the New England Patriots have two long kickoff returns last week, and it sounded off alarm bells. Remember, last year, Washington’s coverage units were among the NFL’s best. However, early in Monday’s game, Matt Gay’s kickoff was short, to the 13-yard line, allowing the Bengals to return it past the 40-yard line. If you’re going to kick short, you need hang time. Gay’s kick was more of a line drive. Throughout training camp and two preseason games, Washington fans aren’t exactly confident in Gay — yet.
That can change, but the Commanders signed Gay because they were tired of the merry-go-round at kicker last season and believed the former Pro Bowl kicker would solve their issues.
Did rookie Jaylin Lane answer the call to be Washington’s No. 3 receiver in 2025? The Commanders are still waiting for Terry McLaurin’s return. Noah Brown’s return remains in question. No receivers at the bottom of the depth chart have showed any consistency. Lane, a fourth-round rookie from Virginia Tech, has flashed all summer.
During Monday’s game against the Bills, Lane led the Commanders with three receptions for 42 yards. He achieved those numbers in a variety of ways, and we haven’t even seen offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury unleash Lane’s speed down the field yet. Washington used Lane outside and in the slot. He made plays every time his number was called. Monday’s game was a big one for Lane, as it should give him confidence heading into the season. In addition to being the punt returner, he will be featured on offense.
The Commanders love their running back group, which is why Robinson is available for trade. Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Croskey-Merritt and McNichols all do something different. Washington feels like it would be ok if any of them were forced to carry the load. The most encouraging part about the running game is the offensive line. Go back and watch Deebo Samuel’s 19-yard run. Then, check out Rodriguez’s 40-yard scamper on the same drive. Tight end John Bates and the offensive line set it up perfectly. And the O-Line was without Laremy Tunsil, Brandon Coleman and Sam Cosmi. Rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. continues to improve. The threat of Daniels running makes Washington’s running game dangerous. Now, you add an improved offensive line and a backfield that better fits Kingsbury’s scheme and the sky is the limit.
Two defenders Washington signed this offseason may have had some fans asking, “Who?” That’s why you should trust the evaluations of head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters. Two players who stood out on Monday were defensive end Deatrich Wise and edge Jacob Martin. Wise was active and had an impressive sack overturned due to a somewhat questionable horse-collar penalty. Martin was all over the field, applying multiple pressures and sticking his nose in the run game. Von Miller didn’t even play. The Commanders may not have one guy with huge sack numbers, but they have several players who can get after the quarterback. What many believed would be a weakness will end up being a team strength. Starter Dorance Armstrong has had an excellent training camp and was impressive against Cincinnati.
There are still concerns about stopping the run that will not be alleviated until Washington does it consistently during games. However, the pass rush is in good hands.
We finally saw Deebo Samuel in the burgundy and gold for the first time. He didn’t disappoint. He played one series and carried the ball one time for 19 yards. We’re surprised Kingsbury even used that play in the preseason, but everyone knows it’s coming with Samuel, and most still can’t stop it. Samuel has thrived since arriving in Washington. Jayden Daniels has quickly developed a rapport with him, and Samuel is proving he can run the entire route tree, even making plays deep. While the wide receiver position has been chaotic without McLaurin and Noah Brown, Samuel has been a consistent force. Washington’s offense should be fun to watch once McLaurin returns and Kingsbury can use Samuel all over the place.