Commanders Admit To Brian Robinson Trade Mystery As Jayden Daniels Stars vs. Bengals

Yes, it is preseason, but the Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels are making it really hard not to overreact to what has been put on the field, and the opening drive against the Cincinnati Bengals will have fans ecstatic with their 2025 prospects.

To start what would be a .... Monday night win ...

With Daniels under center, and Deebo Samuel on the field, the Commanders' offense, which had just seen the defense give up a 13-play touchdown drive to Joe Burrow, bounced back in an emphatic way.

The first play from scrimmage was a Samuel run for a blistering 19 yards to get the ball rolling and to give us a preview of what to expect from the All-Pro in Kliff Kingsbury's system.

Then Chris Rodriguez ripped off a 40-yard run, before a one-yard rush on the next play.

But then Daniels, who hadn't thrown a pass yet, escaped the pocket and rushed for a 14-yard touchdown as he busted through a would-be tackle from a Bengals defender and found his way into the end zone.

It was 74 yards in just six plays that took 1:51 off the clock and yeah, Daniels' night was done.

The offense was electric, quick, and Daniels looked like Daniels as the offense carved up the Bengals defense with ease.

What didn't Washington have on the field?

That would be starting running back Brian Robinson Jr., who did not play and who is available via trade - with coach Dan Quinn admitting to the open secret.

Still, mystery remains here, with Quinn saying "News like that’s always not easy." ... without explaining the "why'' to the idea of dumping Robinson, the 2022 third-round pick who has appeared in 41 games for the Commanders with 37 starts while having rushed for 2,329 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns in his NFL career.

"I'll give you an update once there's one to share with you," Quinn said.

Added Daniels: "DQ addressed the team and let us know, and that's kind of how he does business.''

It appears that Washington does not find a trade partner for Robinson over the next week, he'll be cut.

This can be in part about the emergence of seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, along with the steady presence of Austin Ekeler.

But it is a mysterious turn of events for a DC team that can be a juggernaut on offense.

Yes, it is "only" preseason, but we got a significant look at what the Commanders could be in 2025 with all 74 yards coming on the ground as Washington's much-vaunted rushing attack simply blew the Bengals defense away.

We are trying not to overreact, but Daniels and Co. are making it hard in a positive way ... even as the club prepares to say goodbye to Robinson.