Commanders vs Cincinnati: Four Must-Watch Storylines vs. Bengals

Washington Commanders fans can breathe easier as quarterback Jayden Daniels finally hits the field in tonight’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Daniels will get live reps, marking the second-year signal-caller’s much-anticipated debut. Despite still missing key offensive pieces like Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz, Brandon Coleman, and Laremy Tunsil, Daniels steps in knowing limited snaps hold high value. This appearance may mark his final preseason tune-up before Week 1, so chemistry with his cast partners could make or break expectations. Burgundy and Gold fans will watch every throw, read, and adjustment as the offense looks to right the ship after a tough preseason opener last week in New England. Washington didn’t suit up 30 players who are either starters or valuable reserves, but a porous effort still left tensions high in Ashburn, VA.

Here are four storylines to watch entering the Monday night primetime preseason game.

1. Running Back Battle and Roster Ripples

The Commanders inject intrigue into their backfield as Brian Robinson Jr. sits out tonight’s game amid trade discussions. His absence elevates the importance of Austin Ekeler for veteran stability, Chris Rodriguez Jr. for developmental upside, and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt for a splash performance. Commanders’ analysts see tonight as a critical audition, where each running back, including Jeremy McNichols and Demetric Felton. vies to solidify their role in the 2025 season backfield hierarchy. Until the Robinson saga resolves, every carry and every explosive cut matters more than ever.

2. Secondary Test: Lattimore, Stainristil, and Amos vs. Bengals Stars

Defensive backfield watchers hold their breath as Marshon Lattimore, finally healthy and growing confident in the system, faces a stiff calibration test. The Bengals will feature Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in this preseason game, with starters playing meaningful snaps. Lattimore must prove he can still shut down elite receivers. Second-year cover man Mikey Sainristil looks to continue his impressive training camp, as does rookie corner Trey Amos, who steps into the spotlight, battling top-tier talent for the first time. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. highlighted the challenge, noting the Bengals’ receiver corps and expecting the Commanders’ top young corners to face their toughest exam yet.

3. Fixing the Run Defense

The Commanders’ run defense made fans nervous during the Week 1 blowout loss to the Patriots. Weak perimeter control and missed assignments left gaping lanes. Tonight, Daron Payne and newly added Javon Kinlaw could log meaningful playing time against Cincinnati’s balanced personnel. Their ability to assert physicality and stall running lanes becomes a defining moment to show growth in assignments, communication, and tackling—signal points for whether the defense moved past Week One’s setback.

4. Special Teams must be Better

Last week against the Patriots, rookie New England running back Tre’Veyon Henderson took the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The Commander’s kicking game was also shaky as kicker Matt Gay missed his first field goal attempt but finished 1/2 on the day.

With Daniels back on the field, running back roles up for grabs, cornerbacks going head-to-head with star receivers, the run defense seeking redemption, and a better outing by special teams, Monday night gives fans a jam-packed slate of narratives to follow.