In a battle of two NFL teams looking to sharpen their skills before the 2025 season, the Washington Commanders and the Cincinnati Bengals will clash on Monday night in a special preseason edition of ESPN's "Monday Night Football." Both teams are aiming to fine-tune their strategies and evaluate their players as they gear up for the upcoming season.
The Commanders are coming off a loss to the New England Patriots in their previous preseason game, making this matchup against the Bengals an opportunity for redemption and improvement. Analysts like Logan Paulsen, Santana Moss, and Fred Smoot have dissected the Commanders' performance and highlighted areas for growth. They are particularly focused on seeing an efficient start from the team, solid performances from key players, and a demonstration of the energy and intensity displayed in training camp translating to the field.
On the other side, the Cincinnati Bengals, led by head coach Zac Taylor, are planning to field their starters for a significant portion of the game. Quarterback Joe Burrow and other key players will be looking to build on their impressive showing in the previous preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Taylor emphasized the importance of cleaner play, minimizing mistakes, and avoiding penalties that could hinder the team's progress.
One notable absence for the Commanders in this matchup will be wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is undergoing a ramp-up process before making his debut. The annual preseason encounter between the Commanders and Bengals has become a significant tradition, highlighting the shared values of the military community and underscoring the partnership between the USAA and the NFL.
As the Commanders inch closer to finalizing their roster, players are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to secure spots on the team. With intense competition and evaluations ongoing, every practice and preseason game carries weight for players vying for a place on the initial 53-man roster.
The matchup between the Commanders and Bengals promises to offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Fans can expect an exciting showdown as these two competitive squads go head-to-head in a preseason battle that will set the stage for their regular-season campaigns.
The game is set to kick off on Monday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m. ET, with coverage starting on ESPN at 7 p.m. NFL enthusiasts can catch all the action on ESPN and the NFL streaming hub, allowing them to stay updated on the latest news, analysis, schedules, fantasy insights, and more related to the NFL.
As the Commanders and Bengals collide on Monday night under the bright lights of "Monday Night Football," it's a prime opportunity for football enthusiasts to witness the strategic maneuvers and player performances that could shape the outcomes of the upcoming NFL season.
