4. The conversions on the fourth attempt.
Part of the Commanders’ ability to keep Joe Burrow off the field was due to their calculated risks on fourth down. And whether you attribute it to the style of play, the players’ performance, or a combination of both, the fact is that those risks paid off for the Burgundy & Gold.
Washington kept its offense on the field for three fourth-down attempts starting on the game’s first drive. Instead of attempting a field goal at the Bengals’ 32-yard line, the Commanders put the ball in Daniels’ hands and dropped him back to find Luke McCaffrey, who gained 30 yards, which contributed to a Brian Robinson Jr. touchdown two plays later.
The Commanders relied on Daniels again on a fourth-and-1 early in the fourth quarter. This time, Daniels used his legs to fight through the Bengals defense for a four-yard run. Four plays later, Austin Seibert kicked a 42-yard field goal that put Washington back up by 11 points.
Washington got the third attempt on its last drive. The offense had to stay on the field to contain Burrow, and this time Daniels found Zach Ertz in the middle of the field and caught a pass for nine yards.
“It’s in our nature and when the opportunity arises, we don’t let ourselves be fooled, we are aggressive and take advantage of our opportunities,” Quinn said.
Washington is one of only six teams with a 100% success rate on the fourth attempt.
