After their loss to New England last weekend, the Commanders will look to improve in a preseason Monday night matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Commanders analyst Logan Paulsen joined the "Get Loud" podcast with Michael Jenkins and Fred Smoot to discuss how the Bengals' preseason lineup will help Washington in the long run.
"It's one of those teams with elite quarterbacking, elite wide receiving," Smoot said. "They have a good offensive line. They can run the ball. So, it's a great test for the defense."
While Washington opted to sit starters for the preseason opener, the Bengals have taken a different approach, choosing instead to give the ones reps before the regular season kicks off. Paulsen added to Smoot's point that giving players the opportunity to matchup with starters on the oppositional team throughout the preseason will be beneficial in terms of growth and could help solidify spots on the roster.
"Seeing Ja'Marr Chase in the first preseason game they had was kind of mind blowing," Paulsen said. "You're not worried about this dude getting hurt? If he's playing, great for Trey Amos, great for Marshon Lattimore. Let's get those reps. Let's see how well you can play that man coverage and against arguably one of the best passing quarterbacks in the NFL."
Moving into the game against Cincinnati, Paulsen and Smoot brought up the improvements they were looking for.
"I just want to see an efficient start," Paulsen said. "Can we compete with the football? Can we run efficiently with the football? I actually thought the offensive line played really well. I know a lot of backs played really well against New England. Can that continue? Can we build on that?"
On what he wants to see from the Commanders, Smoot said he wants them to "get in, get the plays, get the ball moving. On defense, three and outs. Can we make plays?"
Smoot and Paulsen agreed that they also wanted to see a match in energy from what they've been watching in training camp throughout the week.
"Everything we've seen in practice, let's see it on the field." Paulsen Said. "I mean, that's really as simple as it is. Like these practices have been incredibly sharp. Let's bring that to the game on Monday."
As Washington looks to increase their depth to their roster and players look to solidify their spots, this game against the Bengals will offer clarity with just a few short weeks left of the preseason.
