Nobody in the national media thought the Washington Commanders stood much chance of beating the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. Even the sportsbooks had them as the weekend's biggest underdogs. That was not an opinion shared by those in the building.
Dan Quinn felt a big performance was coming. The defense's lack of consistency meant this became a shootout as expected. Washington managed to get into an early lead and never relinquished it en route to a shocking victory with the national spotlight shining bright.
Jayden Daniels was a revelation under center. Kliff Kingsbury called a masterful offensive game and the Commanders didn't punt for the second-straight week. This was the statement game everyone associated with the franchise was looking for. And it came well ahead of schedule.
Exciting times are ahead for the Commanders whether playoff football arrives this season or not. With that being said, here are five players who emerged as unsung heroes in Week 3 at Paycor Stadium.
Unsung heroes from the Commanders' win at the Bengals
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders didn't get the lofty numbers from Brian Robinson Jr. that the running back achieved during his Week 2 breakout against the New York Giants, but his role was integral. He averaged just 2.1 yards per carry. However, the former third-round pick out of Alabama kept the Cincinnati Bengals' defense honest and the clock ticking over during a critical fourth-quarter drive that eventually iced the contest.
This was even more essential when one considers Austin Ekeler was forced out of the game with a concussion. Robinson was depended upon heavily after that. And his performance was a pivotal component behind Washington's success despite not having the numbers to show for it.
Ekeler didn't travel with the team to Arizona immediately after the game and was seen with a bandage on his ear following the clash. He'll go into the league's concussion protocol and his status for Sunday's game is in question. It'll be a blow, but the Commanders can relax safe in the knowledge Robinson is more than capable of picking up the slack.
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
Things could have been worse for Zach Ertz had the tight end's fumble resulted in a turnover. Nick Allegretti was on hand to recover and spare his blushes. Aside from that, it was another accomplished performance from the veteran free-agent signing.
Ertz's chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is growing with every passing week. He knows how to manipulate opposing defenders through savvy route running and impressive body control. The explosiveness might not be where it once was, but Kliff Kingsbury is using him exactly how he should be at this late stage of the player's career.
There's also a lot to like about Ertz's ability as a blocker. Ben Sinnott also deserves credit for his contribution in this regard at the Cincinnati Bengals, so this looks like a profitable tight-end partnership that can help the Washington Commanders flourish as the season goes on.
The former second-round pick out of Stanford brought in all five of his targets for 38 receiving yards. These are modest numbers compared to the elite tight ends, but the Commanders don't need much more from Ertz within a scheme that is expanding rapidly as Daniels gains experience.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Mike Sainristil's first taste of primetime NFL action didn't go well. The rookie slot cornerback was asked with outside responsibilities and was inexplicably left to cover All-Pro wideout Ja'Marr Chase one-on-one on the game's opening drive. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow spotted this immediately and exploited it for a big touchdown.
Credit to the second-round selection, Sainristil responded positively to this setback. It wasn't perfect - not by any stretch of the imagination - but his performance was better than anything fans have seen over the first two games.
Sainrsitl made his tackles count and was always around the football. Washington's defense didn't cover itself in glory overall, but the No. 50 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft emerged with more credit than most despite giving up a score during the opening exchanges.
The Commanders have deep concerns within their secondary, especially with the lack of pass-rush. Sainristil displayed the resolve needed to come out on the other end smiling. Hopefully, this becomes the catalyst behind an upward trajectory moving forward.
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders gave Nick Allegretti a three-year, $16 million deal with a $5.89 million signing bonus and $9.02 million guaranteed in free agency. It's early days and there are still 14 games to go, but this already looks like a tremendous piece of business by the organization.
Allegretti's solved a problem position at the left guard spot effortlessly. He's eager to prove his worth as a prominent starter after starring deep into the Kansas City Chiefs' successful Super Bowl defense in 2023. The interior force is off to a tremendous start - something that was enhanced by another accomplished display at the Cincinnati Bengals.
The former seventh-round selection out of Illinois was outstanding in pass protection. Allegretti's aggressiveness and adaptability came across considerably once again. He also displayed outstanding reactions to jump on a Zach Ertz fumble to avoid catastrophe at a pivotal stage of the contest.
Washington's offensive line interior is quickly becoming one of the team's biggest positives. Allegretti's immediate influence is a big reason behind their initial success.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
Luke McCaffrey was held without a target in Week 2 against the New York Giants. The stats proved that the rookie wide receiver was getting open, but something didn't click. That all changed during his limited but impactful involvement on Monday Night Football.
McCaffrey is a crisp route-runner with assured hands. He's a difficult cover even at this early stage of his career and with a little over two years experience at the wideout spot. Jayden Daniels trusts him fully, looking to the No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft in critical moments to keep the chains moving.
The Rice product's catch on fourth down was a key early positive during the contest. McCaffrey finished the game by bringing in all three of his targets for 44 receiving yards. The Commanders will still take things easy with his development, but it wouldn't be a surprise if offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury didn't get him more involved as the campaign progresses.
General manager Adam Peters raised a few eyebrows by taking McCaffrey over other gifted receivers who were on the board at the time. If the first-year pass-catcher keeps this up, the front-office supremo will be vindicated.