The Washington Commanders hit a bump in the road during their preseason clash with the Cincinnati Bengals, highlighting areas for improvement as they gear up for the 2025 season.
On one hand, the Commanders showed promise with a 14-7 lead against the Bengals before their starters made way for the reserves. However, the eventual 31-17 defeat underscored the team’s need for further development, particularly among the depth players.
One pressing question that lingers after Week 2 of the preseason is whether the Commanders can assert their physical dominance when it truly counts. Known for their emphasis on physical play, the team faced a setback during a critical goal-line stand against the Bengals.
Safety Quan Martin’s impressive stop on third and goal was a bright spot, but the defense faltered on fourth down as Bengals’ running back Chase Brown found his way into the end zone, exposing a lapse in physicality at a crucial juncture.
Reflecting on the game, safety Jeremy Reaves emphasized the importance of playing with intensity and physicality, traits that the Commanders aim to embody on the field.