The Washington Commanders fell to 0-2 in the preseason with Monday's 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Fortunately for Washington, starting quarterback Jayden Daniels played and led the Commanders on a four-play, 71-yard drive that took up less than two minutes of the clock.

Daniels played one series and did not attempt a pass, but did score on a 14-yard touchdown run. Monday's game was also wide receiver Deebo Samuel's first game with the Commanders, and he had a 19-yard carry. Like Daniels, Samuel only played one series.

Washington's defense was close to getting off the field on Cincinnati's first drive, but linebacker Frankie Luvu would jump offside, and the Bengals would later score a touchdown. Penalties were an issue for the Commanders again. Although they cut them in half from last week, the team incurred multiple costly penalties, most of which were on the defense.

Washington has a short week now, as the Commanders host the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday to wrap up the 2025 preseason.

Here are some winners and losers from Monday's game.

Winner: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Rodriguez got the start and quickly proved to coaches why he should be on the roster. Rodriguez ripped off a 40-yard run to put the Commanders in position for Jayden Daniels' touchdown run. While that was blocked to perfection, Rodriguez had multiple carries where you saw his strengths. There is no hesitation once he gets the ball. He's decisive in his cuts and runs with outstanding vision. Last year, Rodriguez was cut and later re-signed. He delivered every time his number was called. He's not getting cut next week.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. gets loose for the big gain!

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Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/dBKeXjgPpl— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2025

Loser: RB Brian Robinson Jr.

You almost feel bad for putting Robinson here. It's not about what he did or didn't do. Robinson can play. He deserves to be playing. But Washington's depth allows them to move Robinson elsewhere because of the emergence of rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill. Had the team not been so high on Bill, Robinson is likely not available via trade. However, with Croskey-Merritt, Austin Ekeler, Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols, you have a backfield with different strengths. The performance of the running backs on Monday did not help Robinson.

Winner: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt

On his second carry, Bill ripped off a run to the right, and we never even saw him hit full speed. Overall, JCM carried the ball 11 times for 46 yards, with a touchdown. If the Commanders move Robinson, which now seems inevitable, does Croskey-Merritt immediately move into the starting lineup? Ekeler is likely the top back, but he also has a specific role. Bill, Rodriguez, Ekeler and McNichols could give Washington its best and most versatile backfield in years.

Loser: QB Sam Hartman

Hartman didn't play well last week. He followed that up with another shaky performance against the Bengals. He threw another bad interception. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mentioned Hartman underwent offseason shoulder surgery, and his throws seem to lack zip. Could he still be impacted by the shoulder? Hartman was never making the 53 this year, but he is still fighting to make the practice squad again. If the Commanders keep Josh Johnson as the third QB, would they keep Hartman on the expanded practice squad? He needs a good day against the Ravens.

Winner: WR Jaylin Lane

The Commanders only attempted 19 passes, but Lane led the receivers with three receptions for 42 yards. All were impressive in different ways, and two came on third down. Lane ran a phenomenal route early in the game that led to a catch. Later, he extended to make a terrific catch. We didn't even get to see Lane's speed on display. I believe the Commanders are probably keeping that under wraps. It was a great night for the rookie fourth-round pick.

The rookie Jaylin Lane showing off the hands ????

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Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/SedtP7nMon— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2025

Loser: WR Luke McCaffrey

We've defended McCaffrey, believing this could be a big year for him. And it could be, but he's shown nothing through two preseason games, and it's been a quiet training camp. What doesn't help things is that these receivers are playing with quarterbacks who make evaluating them difficult. No one should give up on McCaffrey. But he needs to show something in the final preseason game. His roster spot is not in danger. McCaffrey is still adjusting to the wide receiver position, but at some point, it needs to click for him at this level. The potential is there. What makes this disappointing is that the Commanders are essentially pleading for someone to emerge as a reliable receiver outside of Deebo Samuel. Lane has answered that call. It's McCaffrey's turn now.

Winner: EDGE Jacob Martin

The veteran edge rusher stuck out to me. He was extremely active all night, frequently around the quarterback. Last season, Dante Fowler shocked everyone by leading the team with 10.5 sacks. While Martin may not hit that total this year, he is a player to watch. Some said he was on the bubble due to all the edge defenders Washington added. Martin is an active player. He will be a big part of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt's pass-rushing plan in 2025.

Outstanding night for Commanders ED Jacob Martin (55):

• 4 pressures
• 3 hurries
• 1 QB hit
• 0.5 sack

Excellent rep here v Jaxson Kirkland⤵️ pic.twitter.com/FsRe4IZqWG— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) August 19, 2025

Loser: Backup cornerbacks

It was a rough night for Bobby Price and Car'lin Vigers. Price was beaten repeatedly by former Washington receiver Mitchell Tinsley. While the Commanders feel good at cornerback with Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene, you like to keep a couple of capable bodies on the practice squad. Price didn't help himself. There's a reason why the Commanders signed multiple veteran DBs last week.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders vs. Bengals: Winners and losers from preseason Week 2