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Washington Post (paywall)

Happy to be part of a tandem, Austin Ekeler is bouncing back in Washington

In Ekeler and fellow running back Brian Robinson Jr., the Commanders have a versatile duo that has powered their offense.

For much of the past year, Austin Ekeler heard how he was “washed.” He was done, some analysts and fans said. He wasn’t the same running back who could bounce off tackles and zigzag around defenders.

But Washington Commanders Coach Dan Quinn knew from a single step in Week 1 that Ekeler, at 29 and in his eighth NFL season, has plenty left.

In the first quarter of Washington’s season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ekeler slipped through the middle of the line for a check-down pass from Jayden Daniels. Before the catch, he took a drop step that was a signal to Quinn.

“The reason I bring that one up is he’s got a specific way‚” Quinn explained. “… So, as somebody may be gaining confidence, [they might] drop-step while the ball’s still in the air to gain some space.”

Ekeler took the short pass from Daniels, flipped his hips and turned upfield, bouncing off one linebacker and spinning around another to gain 22 yards and help set up the Commanders’ first touchdown. He finished the game with 52 receiving yards.

he and third-year running back Brian Robinson Jr. are helping Washington discover its identity in Year 1 under Quinn.

Through Week 2, the duo have accounted for nearly 49 percent of the Commanders’ 763 scrimmage yards, displaying versatility while keying their team’s first victory, against the New York Giants on Sept. 15.

Washington Post (paywall)

The ultimate fan’s guide for Commanders-Bengals game day

Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are set to meet the Bengals on “Monday Night Football,” which means we’re here to defend Cincinnati chili. Here’s everything you need to get ready for the game.

About the Bengals

The Bengals are 0-2 for the third straight season and the fifth time in six years under Coach Zac Taylor. Cincinnati followed its 16-10 Week 1 loss to the Patriots at home with a more inspired performance at Kansas City but lost on a 51-yard field goal by Harrison Butker as time expired. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow, who missed the final seven games of last season with a wrist injury, threw his first two touchdown passes of the year in Sunday’s loss. In addition to Chase’s slow start, Burrow has been without another key weapon in wide receiver Tee Higgins, who sat out the first two weeks with a hamstring injury.

Higgins was a full participant in Saturday’s practice and earlier last week told reporters, “I feel great.” After letting Joe Mixon walk in free agency, Cincinnati is relying on Zack Moss and Chase Brown to fill the void at running back. The duo has been mostly ineffective, combining for 120 rushing yards in two games.

Cincinnati’s defense limited the Chiefs to 4.8 yards per play and one third-down conversion on eight attempts. Third-year cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, who made a highlight reel-worthy one-handed interception of Patrick Mahomes, is an emerging star in the secondary, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson had two sacks against the Chiefs. The Bengals have struggled against the run, which presents an opportunity for Washington to try to control the ball and keep Burrow off the field with a heavy dose of running back Brian Robinson Jr.

Commanders.com

Commanders vs. Bengals

QUICK FACTS

• The Commanders will head to Cincinnati in Week 3 to face off against the Bengals. This will be the second time that Washington and Cincinnati will play in Week 3.
• The Commanders have a 5-5-1 all-time record against the Bengals and are 1-3-1 on the road.
• Washington will play at Cincinnati for the first time since 2016 when the Bengals and Commanders tied 27-27.
• This is the first time that the Commanders and the Bengals will face off on Monday Night Football.
• Washington has a 7-23 all-time record on Monday Night Football. The last time that the Commanders played on Monday Night Football, they defeated the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles 32-21 in 2022.
• The Commanders are looking to extend a two-game winning streak on Monday Night Football.

ESPN

Inside QB Jayden Daniels’ historic 606-yard game vs. Florida

[A reporter was] looking to get some clarity on [an Adam Peters] comment from the rookie QB, [Jayden Daniels].

“What does that look like when Jayden Daniels takes the soul away from a defense?” he asked.

“The 2023 Florida game,” Daniels said, his smile broadening.

“Can you elaborate?” the reporter asked.

The quarterback, now laughing, responded: “Just turn on the tape and watch that game.”

What Daniels did to the Florida Gators on Nov. 11, 2023, was historic. He became the first FBS quarterback to throw for at least 350 yards and run for at least 200 in a game. He also set an SEC record with 606 all-purpose yards. He finished with 372 passing yards and three touchdowns on 17 completions while running 12 times for 234 yards and two more scores. Daniels’ performance in the 52-35 victory over Florida elevated him into the lead spot for the Heisman Trophy, which he later won. For Peters and the Commanders, it showed off the accurate arm and electric running ability they hope will help revive a flagging franchise.

“That was kind of like, ‘OK, this is for real,’” Peters said. “It’s a really unique game. I don’t think you’re going to see too many games like that from anybody ever.”

Upcoming opponent

Cincy Jungle

Bengals need to get the running game going vs. Washington

Chase Brown deserves his opportunity to shine.

The Cincinnati Bengals live and die by their passing game. How’s that working out so far? Not so good.

The Bengals have gotten off to a third straight 0-2 start, and a big reason for that is a lack of a running game. The pieces are in place for a pretty good one. The coaching staff just has to be willing to use them.

In the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots, Cincinnati running backs carried the ball 12 times for 55 yards. By halftime, the Bengals had tallied a mere seven yards rushing.

Last week, in a narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati’s backs produced 65 yards on the ground on 16 attempts. If the Bengals hope to avoid an 0-3 start, they are going to have to do better than that.

Monday night gives the Bengals an opportunity to do so. The strength of the Washington Commanders is their defensive line, and the best way to neutralize that is to come out and run right at them.

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