The Washington Commanders were on the road for Monday Night Football as huge underdogs against the Cincinnati Bengals. Behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders took an early 14-7 lead over the Bengals and never looked back, defeating Cincinnati 38-33.
Daniels had another phenomenal performance, completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns. Daniels also led Washington with 39 rushing yards and scored one of three rushing touchdowns.
It was Washington's second consecutive win. Here's how it happened:
Daniels connected with McLaurin for a 27-yard touchdown with 2:10 remaining in the game to give the Commanders a 38-26 lead. That would prove to be too much to overcome for Cincinnati.
No. 3: RB Austin Ekeler -- Ekeler played a huge part in Washington's success, finishing with 57 yards from scrimmage, a touchdown and also a 62-yard kickoff return before he left the game with a concussion in the third quarter.
No. 2: WR Terry McLaurin -- Welcome back, Terry. The star wideout recorded his first 100-yard game this season, catching four passes for 100 yards, including a touchdown. Not only did McLaurin make two huge catches on deep passes, but his two other receptions were critical receptions he converted into first downs.
No. 1: QB Jayden Daniels -- Daniels continues to break records. He missed only two passes all night on the road against a preseason Super Bowl contender. Daniels took more shots down the field and it paid off big. Daniels also picked up multiple first downs with his legs.
Ekeler was the only notable injury for the Commanders. He departed in the third quarter after being evaluated for a concussion and ruled out. Head coach Dan Quinn said he did not have a further update on Ekeler's condition but would know more on Tuesday.
Well, Daniels' touchdown pass to McLaurin would qualify, but let's go in another direction. Daniels' first career touchdown pass was to reserve offensive tackle Trent Scott. That's our play of the game.
The Commanders are back on the road in Week 4 with a trip West to face the Arizona Cardinals. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's old team is 1-2, but has a blowout win over the Rams and lost two close games to Super Bowl contenders (Bills and Lions).