The Washington Commanders return to Northwest Stadium for Monday Night Football with redemption on their minds. After falling 48-18 to the New England Patriots in their preseason opener, the Commanders now turn their attention to the Cincinnati Bengals. Washington is eager to correct mistakes from last week and show improvement in front of its home fans.
This matchup carries extra intrigue given the recent history between these two teams. Last season, the Commanders defeated the Bengals in an entertaining Monday Night Football contest that ended 38-33. That win showed Washingtonâs ability to go toe-to-toe with an AFC contender, and now, they will look to deliver a similar performance in preseason action.
The Commanders also have confidence from past summers. In 2023, Washington not only squared off against the Bengals in the preseason but came out victorious. They also earned a win against Baltimore that year, proving they can rise to the occasion against familiar regional opponents. Head coach Dan Quinn has emphasized consistency and sharper execution throughout camp, and this game provides another opportunity to see how well the team responds to adversity.
Key Storylines Heading into Week Two
For Washington, the spotlight will shine on the quarterbacks and offensive rhythm. After struggling against the Patriots’ defense, the Commanders must generate more sustained drives and finish in the red zone. Fans will be eager to see if the offense can move the ball efficiently and establish a balanced attack.
Defensively, Washington must tighten up after allowing nearly 50 points in Foxborough. Tackling, communication in the secondary, and discipline on third down all stand out as areas needing improvement. Facing the Bengals presents a solid test against a team known for its offensive firepower, even if star players see limited playing time.
Special teams will also remain a focus. Preseason is often where hidden contributors emerge, and Washington will look for consistent kicking, sharp coverage, and return play that flips field position. Coaches value effort and execution in these moments, and roster spots often hang in the balance because of it.
For the Bengals, the trip to Washington marks their second step in preseason preparations as well. Cincinnati aims to fine-tune its depth chart and ensure its younger players get valuable reps.
Expect both starting quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels for the Commanders and Joe Burrow for the Bengals, to play at least a quarter. Both teams will weigh the need to stay healthy, however, against the importance of building momentum heading into the regular season.
Looking Ahead
This game also sets the stage for Washingtonâs final preseason contest. The Commanders will host the Baltimore Ravens next week to close out exhibition play. That matchup always generates intensity given the proximity of the two franchises. However, before turning attention to the Ravens, Washington must first prove it can rebound against Cincinnati.
For Commanders fans, Mondayâs contest offers a chance to see growth from week one to week two. The preseason is less about the score and more about progress, but Washington would love to pair improvement with a victory. A win over Cincinnati would restore confidence and send the Commanders into the preseason finale with momentum.
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