‘Monday Night Football’ live updates: Bills host Jaguars while Commanders face Bengals

Sep 23, 2024 at 6:54 PM

Quarterbacks Shine in Thrilling Week 3 Matchups

The NFL's Week 3 action was highlighted by standout performances from two young quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Both players led their teams to impressive victories, showcasing their talent and potential as the league's next generation of star signal-callers.

Emerging Commanders Stun Bengals, Daniels Shines

The Washington Commanders pulled off a surprising 38-33 upset over the Cincinnati Bengals, thanks in large part to a stellar outing from their rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. The second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft completed an impressive 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-clinching score in the final minutes.Daniels' second touchdown pass was the play of the game, as he stood tall in the pocket and delivered a perfect strike to Terry McLaurin for a 27-yard touchdown that gave the Commanders a late lead. The young quarterback's poise and decision-making under pressure were on full display, as he made several key plays to keep the Commanders' offense moving and ultimately secure the victory.The win improved the Commanders' record to 2-1 on the season, a surprising start for a team that many had written off before the year began. The loss, meanwhile, dropped the Bengals to 0-3, a shocking start for a team that was widely expected to be an AFC contender.

Bills Offense Dominates Jaguars, Allen Shines

While the Commanders' upset was the headline-grabber, the Buffalo Bills also put on an impressive offensive display in their 47-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Quarterback Josh Allen was the catalyst, throwing for 263 yards and four touchdowns, all of which came in the first half.Allen's performance was nothing short of dominant, as he carved up the Jaguars' defense with his pinpoint accuracy and decision-making. He threw for 247 yards in the first half alone, more than the Jaguars' entire team managed in the game (239 yards). Six different Bills players found the end zone, showcasing the team's depth and versatility on offense.The win improved the Bills' record to 3-0 on the season, cementing their status as one of the league's elite teams. Meanwhile, the Jaguars' struggles continued, as they fell to 0-3 and extended quarterback Trevor Lawrence's losing streak to eight games dating back to last season.

Bengals and Jaguars Searching for Answers

The losses by the Bengals and Jaguars were particularly concerning, as both teams were expected to take a step forward this season. The Bengals, in particular, were widely viewed as a potential Super Bowl contender, but their 0-3 start has raised serious questions about their ability to bounce back.No team has ever won the Super Bowl after starting the season 0-3, and the Bengals will need to find a way to turn things around quickly if they hope to avoid becoming the first. Their offense has sputtered, and their defense has struggled to contain opposing offenses, a far cry from the team that reached the Super Bowl just a year ago.The Jaguars, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win of the season and are in danger of falling into a familiar pattern of losing. Lawrence, the team's highly touted young quarterback, has yet to take the leap many expected, and the team's overall talent level remains a concern.

Bills and Commanders Emerging as Contenders

In contrast, the Bills and Commanders have emerged as early-season surprises, with both teams showcasing the potential to be legitimate playoff contenders.The Bills, led by the dynamic duo of Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs, have been a juggernaut on offense, scoring at will and overwhelming opposing defenses. Their 3-0 start has only reinforced the notion that they are one of the league's elite teams, and they will be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.The Commanders, meanwhile, have been the surprise of the NFC East, with Daniels leading a resurgent offense and the team's defense stepping up to make key plays. Their victory over the Bengals was a statement win, and they have proven that they are not to be taken lightly.As the season continues to unfold, the performances of Daniels and Allen will be closely watched, as they have the potential to shape the landscape of the NFL for years to come. Their Week 3 exploits have only added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the league's next generation of star quarterbacks.