Washington Commanders vs Cincinnati Bengals Match Player Stats (Aug 18, 2025)
Cincinnati secured a 31-17 preseason victory over Washington at Northwest Stadium on August 18, 2025. The Bengals controlled possession for 37 minutes while the Commanders averaged 1.4 more yards per play, creating an interesting contrast in how each team moved the ball.
Table of Contents
Game Leaders and Standout Performances
Leading Passer: Jake Browning (CIN) – 16/25, 159 yards, 2 TDs
Leading Rusher: Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WSH) – 6 carries, 62 yards, 10.3 avg
Leading Receiver: Mitchell Tinsley (CIN) – 5 catches, 73 yards, 2 TDs
Defensive Star: Barrett Carter (CIN) – 1 INT that set up touchdown
Three Main Storylines:
- Jake Browning’s Return: 16/25, 159 yards, 2 TDs in first major action since 2023
- Rodriguez Jr. Dominance: Chris averaged 10.3 YPC, pressuring Brian Robinson Jr.’s roster spot
- Turnover Battle: Washington’s 2 INTs directly led to 14 Cincinnati points
Time of Possession: Cincinnati held the ball for 37:19 compared to Washington’s 22:41
Game Information and Team Statistics
Basic Game Details
- Final Score: Cincinnati 31, Washington 17
- Date: August 18, 2025
- Venue: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
- Attendance: 56,789
Team Performance Comparison
| Category | Cincinnati | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 293 | 270 |
| Yards Per Play | 4.1 | 5.5 |
| Time of Possession | 37:19 | 22:41 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Penalties | 9 for 56 yards | 7 for 74 yards |
| Third Down | 6-15 (40%) | 4-10 (40%) |
| Fourth Down | 3-3 (100%) | 1-1 (100%) |
Washington averaged nearly 1.5 more yards per play, yet Cincinnati’s superior ball control and turnover-free football decided the outcome.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
First Quarter: Offensive Explosion (WSH 14, CIN 7)
Both teams opened with efficient execution. Washington struck twice through their ground attack. Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s 40-yard run set up the first score, followed by Jayden Daniels’ 14-yard touchdown scramble. Cincinnati answered with Joe Burrow directing a nine-play drive, aided by two Washington penalties for 30 yards.
Second Quarter: Cincinnati Surge (CIN 21, WSH 0)
Jake Browning entered and found immediate success. His connection with Mitchell Tinsley produced two touchdowns in a devastating 20-second span late in the quarter. Washington’s backup quarterbacks made critical errors, with Sam Hartman’s interception to Barrett Carter setting up Cincinnati’s second score.
Second Half: Defensive Battle (Total: WSH 3, CIN 3)
The final 30 minutes featured five combined punts with minimal scoring. Both teams’ depth units struggled to sustain drives. Only field goals from Matt Gay (27 yards) and Evan McPherson (54 yards) reached the scoreboard.
Quarterback Statistics and Analysis
Cincinnati Passing Performance
| Quarterback | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Sacks | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Browning | 16/25 | 159 | 2 | 0 | 1-5 | 108.6 |
| Joe Burrow | 9/14 | 62 | 1 | 0 | 1-17 | 97.9 |
| Desmond Ridder | 1/1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 95.8 |
Jake Browning’s Strong Return: The backup quarterback posted his best performance since his 2023 campaign, completing 64% of his passes while throwing two touchdowns. His strikes to Tinsley showcased accurate timing and placement under pressure.
Joe Burrow’s Mixed Results: The starter managed the offense effectively during three series, though he absorbed two sacks including a 17-yard loss that exposed pass protection issues with the first-team unit.
Washington Passing Struggles
| Quarterback | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Sacks | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Johnson | 6/9 | 56 | 0 | 1 | 0-0 | 44.0 |
| Sam Hartman | 4/10 | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0-0 | 8.3 |
| Jayden Daniels | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | N/A |
Backup Problems: Washington’s reserve signal-callers combined for just 85 passing yards and two interceptions. Johnson’s pick to Tycen Anderson ended a promising drive, while Hartman’s late-half interception to Barrett Carter proved costly for field position.
Daniels’ Running Focus: The starter operated exclusively as a runner during his single series, providing no passing evaluation data for the preseason.
Rushing Statistics and Performance
Washington Ground Attack
| Player | Carries | Yards | Avg | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | 6 | 62 | 10.3 | 40 | 0 |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt | 11 | 46 | 4.2 | 27 | 1 |
| Jayden Daniels | 1 | 14 | 14.0 | 14 | 1 |
| Deebo Samuel | 1 | 19 | 19.0 | 19 | 0 |
| Team Total | 30 | 185 | 6.2 | 40 | 2 |
Rodriguez Jr. Excels: The running back averaged over 10 yards per carry, including a spectacular 40-yard burst that showcased vision and acceleration. His performance intensifies competition with veteran Brian Robinson Jr. heading into final roster cuts.
Croskey-Merritt Contributes: The backup delivered 46 yards on 11 carries, including a decisive 27-yard touchdown run that showcased his ability to break tackles in the red zone.
Cincinnati Running Gam
| Player | Carries | Yards | Avg | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahj Brooks | 11 | 47 | 4.3 | 14 | 0 |
| Kendall Milton | 9 | 22 | 2.4 | 9 | 0 |
| Chase Brown | 5 | 16 | 3.2 | 6 | 1 |
| Team Total | 29 | 87 | 3.0 | 14 | 1 |
Line Struggles: Cincinnati managed just 3.0 yards per carry, raising questions about their offensive line’s ability to create running lanes. Chase Brown, projected as their primary back, found limited space against Washington’s defensive front.
Receiving Statistics
Cincinnati Pass Catchers
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Avg | TD | Long | Targets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Tinsley | 5 | 73 | 14.6 | 2 | 23 | 6 |
| Kendric Pryor | 3 | 35 | 11.7 | 0 | 20 | 5 |
| Charlie Jones | 4 | 32 | 8.0 | 1 | 13 | 7 |
| Andrei Iosivas | 2 | 26 | 13.0 | 0 | 14 | 2 |
| Tanner Hudson | 3 | 18 | 6.0 | 0 | 8 | 6 |
Mitchell Tinsley’s Breakout: The receiver’s performance against his former team highlighted Cincinnati’s receiving depth. Both touchdown catches required exceptional concentration, with the back-shoulder fade and end zone grab showcasing hands and body control that secured his roster position.
Charlie Jones’ Reliability: The slot receiver provided steady production for Burrow, including a crucial 13-yard reception on fourth-and-three that extended a scoring drive.
Washington Receivers
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Avg | TD | Long | Targets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylin Lane | 3 | 42 | 14.0 | 0 | 16 | 6 |
| Tay Martin | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 0 | 15 | 1 |
| K.J. Osborn | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 9 | 2 |
| Cole Turner | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
Limited Production: Washington’s aerial offense managed minimal production, with Lane leading all receivers despite just three catches. The 85 total passing yards highlighted concerns for backup quarterback development.
Defensive Performance
Cincinnati Defense Leaders
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | TFL | PD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaka Heyward | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Barrett Carter | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Tycen Anderson | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| DJ Ivey | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Oren Burks | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Barrett Carter’s Impact: The rookie linebacker’s interception return proved decisive, showcasing field awareness to position himself for the momentum-shifting play that set up seven points.
Tycen Anderson’s Coverage: The safety added a second interception while breaking up two additional passes, helping limit Washington’s backup quarterbacks.
Washington Defense Leaders
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | TFL | PD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ale Kaho | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bobby Price | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Duke Riley | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Jeremy Reaves | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Noah Igbinoghene | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Washington’s defense failed to create turnovers while applying minimal pressure on Cincinnati’s quarterbacks, limiting their ability to support the struggling passing offense.
Special Teams Results
Kicking Performance
Cincinnati Kicking: Evan McPherson connected on 1-of-1 field goals, drilling a 54-yard attempt that improved his preseason career record to 11-of-13 from 50+ yards. His 4-of-4 extra point performance maintained perfect efficiency.
Washington Kicking: Matt Gay made his lone field goal attempt from 27 yards and converted 2-of-2 extra points.
Return Game Numbers
Kick Returns
- Cincinnati: 4 returns, 88 yards (22.0 average)
- Washington: 5 returns, 130 yards (26.0 average)
Punt Returns
- Cincinnati: 3 returns, 32 yards (10.7 average)
- Washington: 2 returns, 13 yards (6.5 average)
Isaiah Williams led Cincinnati with a 28-yard punt return, while Washington’s return units provided better field position with superior kick return averages.
Penalty Breakdown
Team Penalty Totals
- Cincinnati: 9 penalties, 56 yards
- Washington: 7 penalties, 74 yards
Costly Washington Mistakes: Two specific Washington penalties on Cincinnati’s opening drive directly contributed to the Bengals’ first touchdown:
- Frankie Luvu’s neutral zone infraction on fourth-and-three extended the drive
- Pass interference penalty on Ja’Marr Chase moved the ball to the goal line
These infractions, combined with two turnovers, accounted for 21 of Cincinnati’s 31 points.
Situational Football
Fourth Down Conversions
- Cincinnati: 3-of-3 (100%)
- Washington: 1-of-1 (100%)
Cincinnati’s perfect fourth-down execution kept drives alive, including Burrow’s completion to Jones and Browning’s successful quarterback sneak.
Red Zone Efficiency
- Cincinnati: 3-of-3 (100%)
- Washington: 2-of-2 (100%)
Both teams maximized red zone opportunities, though Cincinnati’s three scores compared to Washington’s two proved decisive.
Comparing 2024 and 2025 Meetings
This preseason encounter differed significantly from their regular season meeting in September 2024, when Washington won 38-33 in a historic game featuring zero punts and zero turnovers. That contest showcased Jayden Daniels’ record-setting 91.3% completion percentage and Joe Burrow’s 324 passing yards.
The 2025 preseason version emphasized roster evaluation over offensive fireworks, with backup quarterbacks receiving extended opportunities. CBS Sports’ comprehensive game recap provides additional context for this matchup.
Game Comparison:
2024 Regular Season (Washington 38, Cincinnati 33):
- Combined 794 total yards
- Zero turnovers, zero punts
- Daniels: 91.3% completion percentage (NFL rookie record)
- Offensive explosion with 71 total points
2025 Preseason (Cincinnati 31, Washington 17):
- Combined 563 total yards
- 2 turnovers, 9 punts total
- Backup quarterbacks featured prominently
- Defensive battle in second half
Roster Competition Impact
Cincinnati Developments
- Browning’s Position: Solidified backup quarterback role with efficient 16/25 performance
- Tinsley’s Breakthrough: Breakout performance secured 53-man roster position
- Depth Chart Changes: Brooks emerged as viable running back depth option
Washington Storylines
- Backfield Battle: Rodriguez Jr.’s explosive performance pressures Brian Robinson Jr.’s roster security
- Quarterback Depth: Backup signal-caller play requires immediate attention
- Discipline Focus: Penalty problems remain coaching priority
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led rushing for Washington?
Chris Rodriguez Jr. with 62 yards on 6 carries (10.3 average)
How many touchdowns did Jake Browning throw?
Two touchdown passes, both to Mitchell Tinsley in the second quarter
What was Cincinnati’s time of possession?
37 minutes and 19 seconds compared to Washington’s 22:41
Who had the longest play from scrimmage?
Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s 40-yard run in the first quarter
How many interceptions did Washington throw?
Two interceptions, one each by Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman
What was the attendance at Northwest Stadium?
56,789 fans attended the August 18th preseason matchup
Who caught the most passes for Cincinnati?
Mitchell Tinsley with 5 receptions for 73 yards and 2 touchdowns
Which kicker made the longest field goal?
Evan McPherson connected from 54 yards for Cincinnati
Season Outlook
Cincinnati Strengths: The Bengals enter the regular season with confidence in quarterback depth and receiving corps development. Browning’s performance provides reliable insurance behind Burrow, while Tinsley adds a proven target to the passing attack.
Washington Assessment: The Commanders’ offensive identity centers on their dominant rushing attack, but backup quarterback play represents a vulnerability. Rodriguez Jr.’s emergence creates positive backfield competition, though penalty issues need correction.
Additional Reading: For context on recent team performance, check out the Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs analysis and Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals breakdown.
Summary
This Commanders vs Bengals preseason game showed how possession time and turnover differential often outweigh raw yardage advantages. Cincinnati’s 37:19 possession advantage, combined with clean ball security, proved more valuable than Washington’s superior yards per play average.
Both teams gained valuable roster evaluation data, with Cincinnati confirming depth capabilities while Washington identified areas requiring improvement before regular season competition begins.
