Postgame Observations: Bengals Fall to Commanders 21-19 in Preseason Finale

Cincinnati finished 0-2-1 this preseason.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Aug 26, 2023 8:54 PM EDT

In this story:

Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI — The Bengals lost to the Commanders 21-19 on Saturday night.

Cincinnati finishes 0-2-1 this preseason. Here are our postgame observations:

Quarterback Battle

Jake Browning picked up where he left off last week, leading Cincinnati on a 10-play, 61-yard touchdown drive. Browning found Andrei Iosivas for a 7-yard score.

It was Iosivas' first NFL touchdown. Meanwhile, Browning finished 6-for-6 for 42 yards on two drives.

Trevor Siemian was on the field for six drives, completing 14-of-23 passes for 133 yards and one interception. He led Cincinnati on scoring drives, both ending in field goals.

Reid Sinnett finished the game under center, seeing his first action of the preseason. He completed 6-of-11 passes for 78 yards and one touchdown.

Sinnett entered the game with the Bengals trailing 21-13. He found Shedrick Jackson for a 34-yard touchdown, but the 2-point conversion failed and was the difference in the game.

Key Injury

Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai suffered a right ankle injury on the first drive of the game and didn't return.

The third-year pass rusher walked to the locker room without a shoe after spending time in the medical tent on the sidelines.

There's nothing worse than losing a key contributor in a game that doesn't matter. Hopefully the injury isn't serious.

Money Mac

Evan McPherson was perfect this preseason. He made both of his attempts on Saturday night, including a 58-yarder in the first half.

McPherson finished the preseason 8-for-8 on field goal attempts. He looks poised to take a step forward and be even better this season.

Other Standouts

Tight end Tanner Hudson continued his stellar play. He may force the Bengals to keep him on the roster. He had four catches for 42 yards and another reception that was negated due to a facemask penalty on offensive lineman Trey Hill.

Defensive tackle Domenique Davis made his presence felt, finishing with five tackles, one sack and one quarterback hit. Raymond Johnson III was disruptive. He had two tackles and a pass deflection that forced a turnover on downs. Johnson also showed that he can kick inside and play defensive tackle, which definitely helps his value with the Bengals and across the league.

Up Next

Preseason is officially over. Cincinnati will head to Cleveland to play the Browns on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. ET.

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