Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 13, 2024 6:55 pm GMT
The Cincinnati Bengals are facing an urgent need for victory as they prepare to host the Washington Commanders on “Monday Night Football.” Starting the season with an 0-2 record is no small dilemma—especially for a team that has struggled with early-season performances for the past few years. Can they turn their fortunes around against the Commanders, who are coming off their first win of the season?
Game Overview
The matchup is set to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on September 22, 2024. It will be broadcast live on ABC, and fans can stream the game on ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers free trials for new subscribers.
Both teams enter the game off intense performances, but their journeys thus far have been quite contrasting. The Bengals are eager to shake off the shadows of their early losses, while the Commanders look to build momentum from their recent win against the New York Giants.
Bengals’ Struggles and Hopes
Cincinnati has had a rocky start to the 2024 season, reminiscent of past seasons where they stumbled out of the gate. Quarterback Joe Burrow’s health has been a lingering concern following offseason wrist surgery. Yet, he showed signs of improvement in a nail-biting loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, alleviating some worries regarding his performance.
The Bengals are searching for solutions amid a challenging opening stretch. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s performance remains a critical focus—his absence in the contract extension talks has cast some uncertainty over the franchise.
Key points for the Bengals:
- Record: 0-2 at the start of the season, marking the fifth time in six years they’ve started this way.
- Previous Game: Lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in a last-second field goal.
- Key Players: Joe Burrow (Quarterback), Ja’Marr Chase (Wide Receiver), Tee Higgins (Wide Receiver).
Despite their challenges, the Bengals are hopeful for a turn of luck; they have historically managed to win or tie their third game when starting 0-2 under Burrow’s leadership.
Commanders Riding Momentum
The Washington Commanders, on the other hand, are feeling invigorated after clinching their first victory of the season. New head coach Dan Quinn has begun to reshape the team’s identity, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is gaining confidence.
In their most recent game, the Commanders defeated the Giants with a remarkable performance from kicker Austin Seibert, who scored seven field goals. However, the offensive unit continues to grapple with scoring touchdowns, with the team yet to register a touchdown pass this season—a situation they hope to rectify shortly.
Key points for the Commanders:
- Record: 1-1, after a close win against the New York Giants.
- Previous Game: Won 21-18 against the Giants, primarily scoring through field goals.
- Key Players: Jayden Daniels (Quarterback), Brian Robinson Jr. (Running Back), Austin Seibert (Kicker).
The Commanders’ running game featuring Robinson has shown promise, averaging over 7.8 yards per carry last week. This will be essential as they look to maintain pressure on the Bengals’ defense.
Matchup Breakdown
Both teams face important adjustments leading into the game. The Bengals must refine their offensive strategies, focusing on downfield plays that have been missing so far this season—only four receptions over 15 yards in two weeks have raised eyebrows.
The Commanders will also need to adapt, particularly in the passing game, as they have not yet found their rhythm. Players like Dyami Brown will need to step up to complement Robinson and Daniels as they attempt to find the end zone.
Here’s a snapshot of the key elements to watch for in this matchup:
- Offensive Strategy: Will the Bengals break free from their offensive woes? Can the Commanders finally cross into the end zone?
- Defensive Edge: How will each team’s defense adapt to the other’s offensive strengths?
- Injury Reports: Players like Emmanuel Forbes (Commanders) are dealing with injuries that could impact the game.
How to Watch
Fans can catch the game on ABC or through streaming options on ESPN+ or Fubo. It promises to be a nail-biter as both teams are hungry for victory—Cincinnati to avoid falling deeper into a 0-3 hole and Washington to establish momentum after their initial win.
Conclusion
The stakes could not be higher for the Bengals as they look to revitalize their season against the upstart Commanders. As the game time approaches, the question remains: which team will seize the moment and capture their first crucial victory of the year?
With a compelling matchup on the horizon, football fans can expect an intense battle. Fans should tune in and see if Cincinnati can finally break the curse of the slow start or if Washington can continue their upward trajectory.
Don’t forget to look at your local TV listings so you can catch the game tonight. Get ready for an exciting night of football!
