Cincinnati Bengals vs Washington Commanders

The preseason clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders on August 18, 2025, delivered plenty of fireworks as Cincinnati came away with a 31–17 victory in Landover. From the opening drive, the game had a sharp edge, with Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels electrifying the crowd by sprinting 14 yards into the end zone without throwing a single pass. His daring playstyle thrilled fans but also raised eyebrows, as head coach Dan Quinn later admitted the franchise will need to balance his athletic instincts with long-term caution.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, leaned on depth and resilience to control the tempo. Running back Chase Brown bulldozed across the goal line on a fourth-and-one, sending an early message that the Bengals were ready to fight for every yard. Joe Burrow also showed flashes of his trademark composure, shaking off punishing sacks to guide two scoring drives, including a crisp touchdown strike to wideout Charlie Jones. Though it’s only preseason, Burrow’s ability to withstand defensive pressure reassured fans after a year plagued by concerns about his health.

The highlight of the night, however, came from an unlikely hero in Mitchell Tinsley. Facing his former team, the young receiver delivered a statement performance with two touchdowns in the closing seconds of the first half. His high-point grabs and explosive acceleration gave Cincinnati a 14-point cushion going into the break, turning a competitive contest into one they increasingly controlled. On the defensive side, interceptions from Tycen Anderson and rookie Barrett Carter further fueled the Bengals’ momentum, keeping Washington’s offense on the back foot.

Washington still had positives to take away despite the loss. Their ground game showed encouraging balance, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and rookie Bill Croskey-Merritt combining for more than 100 rushing yards and a score. Veteran Deebo Samuel also provided valuable energy, stretching Cincinnati’s defense on multiple plays. Yet, penalties and untimely mistakes prevented the Commanders from sustaining drives, reminding fans that the team’s rebuild is still a work in progress even as young talent begins to shine.

As the final whistle blew, the Bengals walked away with confidence in their depth and playmaking ability, while the Commanders gained a glimpse of both excitement and caution in their rookie quarterback’s fearless style. For Cincinnati, McPherson’s 54-yard field goal and a solid defensive stand sealed the win, reinforcing their preseason ambitions. For Washington, the flashes of brilliance from Daniels and the running game offered hope, but the loss underscored the need for discipline and consistency if they are to translate preseason potential into regular-season success.