5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders' win at the Bengals in Week 3

Loser No. 2

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

As previously stated, there wasn't much defense played on Monday Night Football. This wasn't a great shock considering the Washington Commanders' problems on this side, which stems from having no pass-rush and a secondary incapable of covering wide receivers effectively.

The Commanders need more from their highly-priced defensive tackle tandem. Daron Payne is the younger of the two with more years on his deal than Jonathan Allen. He was not at his best at the Cincinnati Bengals.

Payne had a hard time generating pressure. He seems to be the focus of opposing protection schemes, but the elite-level linemen around the league find a way to produce even with double and triple-teams coming their way. The former first-round pick out of Alabama also missed some crucial tackles at the initial contact point against the run to further raise concern.

Nobody is pressing the panic button just yet with Payne. Finding capable edge rushers would help, but it doesn't look like the Commanders have many of them either. It'll be interesting to see if things improve on a short week at the Arizona Cardinals.

Winner No. 5

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

No moment is too big for Jayden Daniels. The quarterback's demeanor never changes no matter the situation. He plays the game with a smile on his face and inspires everyone around him. The Commanders have known this for some time. Now, the entire NFL knows it too.

Daniels was nothing short of phenomenal with the national spotlight glaring in Week 3. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft quickly established himself through poise, accuracy, and elusiveness. When the time came to make a clutch play to keep the chains moving or get the football into the end zone, the Heisman Trophy winner delivered.

His two deep catches to Terry McLaurin were astonishing. Perhaps more impressive was Daniels' complete control and calmness in a pressure-cooker environment. It's early days, but it seems like the Commanders have a guy.

Daniels completed 91.3 percent of his passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He was sacked twice and gained 39 rushing yards from 12 carries. This resulted in a whopping 93.6 QBR and a passer rating of 141.7.

This was Daniels' coming out party. And the league is officially on notice.

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