Washington’s defense played well again to stay in the game, holding the Bengals to two field goals and forcing an incomplete two-point attempt in the fourth quarter, but the unit continues to be a work in progress. Burrow was impressive as expected, completing 29 of 38 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Ja’Marr Chase.
The Commanders went the entire game without forcing a single Bengals punt, marking the third straight game they’ve forced two or fewer. Explosive plays also continue to be a problem, as evidenced by Chase’s 41-yard and 31-yard touchdown runs, though those were the Bengals’ only two plays that went that distance.
The offense showed it could handle itself while the defense improved, with the unit completing 3-of-3 passes in the red zone, starting with their first drive after McCaffrey’s reception put them on the Bengals’ 2-yard line. Robinson ran unopposed into the end zone two plays later, tying the score at 7-7 after Burrow’s 41-yard field goal to Chase.
Washington had to rely on the Bengals to make some mistakes on offense. While they were few, Cincinnati’s few blunders were crucial. Evan McPherson missed a field goal — his first in 30 attempts — on a 48-yard attempt that would have put the Bengals up 10-7. The Commanders responded with a seven-play, 62-yard drive that ended with Austin Ekeler running into a Nick Allegretti-created running lane for a 24-yard touchdown.
