Backup quarterback play was ineffective, with Jayden Daniels not throwing in his only series and Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman combining for only 10 completions. Tight ends were targeted on just two of 19 pass attempts, with one catch. Zach Ertz and John Bates occupy the top two roles; Ertz remains unplayed but trusted, and Bates excelled as an in-line blocker reminiscent of Don Warren. Four other tight ends compete for one or two roster spots. Second-round pick Ben Sinnott has been largely invisible, offering one solid block early but failing to separate and appearing slow compared with Bengals reserve Tanner Hudson.
Fans hoping to gain some clarity on the Washington Commanders' backup tight end race were in for disappointment against the Cincinnati Bengals. After some excellent running plays early on, the offense simply wasn't on the field long enough to give most of its pass catchers a serious look. Jayden Daniels did not throw a pass in his only series. Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman completed just 10 throws all night. It was a very poor performance across the board from the backup quarterback and the entire passing unit.
Washington's top two tight ends are set. Zach Ertz has yet to play this preseason, but no one doubts his ability or his rapport with Jayden Daniels. His counterpart, in-line blocker John Bates, showed why he is on the team in the first two series. He made several excellent blocks on chunk running plays. He is the closest thing Washington has had to the blocking stalwart of Washington's Super Bowl teams, Don Warren, in many years.
One of the more concerning things this preseason has been just how invisible Ben Sinnott has been. The 2024 second-round pick was expected to develop into a versatile weapon for this offense, but thus far, he has done nothing. Sinnott made a fine block on Washington's first play from scrimmage, helping spring Deebo Samuel Sr. for a big gain. But after that, he was not heard from again.
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