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Germaine Pratt Details What Went Wrong For Bengals Defense Against Commanders

Cincinnati faces a massive climb back to playoff contention.

Russ Heltman

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) tackles Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (12) in the second quarter of the NFL game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) tackles Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (12) in the second quarter of the NFL game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. / Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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CINCINNATI — The Bengals got punched in the mouth on Monday night in the first NFL game since 1940 without a punt or turnover. Cincinnati certainly didn't do enough to affect the latter number, as Washington scored touchdowns on five of six non-kneeldown drives.

A disgraceful performance at home that linebacker Germaine Pratt knows must change quickly.

"We just got to be next man up," Pratt told our Elise Jesse in the locker room. "You got to just play sound football. You know, you got to make plays in critical situations. I didn't make the play in a critical situation. You go back to the fourth down. I didn't contain him (Jayden Daniels), and he was able to be mobile, get out of the pocket, and get a straight line to gain the first down. So I blame me. I don't think it's on the D line. It's on me."

Washington's QB amassed 293 total yards and three touchdowns in just his third career start.

"A mobile quarterback making plays with his legs, and then, he controlled the game tonight," Pratt said about the rookie. "He managed the game well. He did electric with his feet, and then he just made explosive plays when he needed to."

That he did, Daniels set a rookie record (minimum 20 passes) for completion percentage in a game on Monday night.

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Russ Heltman

RUSS HELTMAN

Russ Heltman is a contributor for AllBearcats and AllBengals. He is the morning host and producer for 89.3 WMKV in Cincinnati, OH.  Russ can be found on Twitter: @RussHeltman11 or you can reach him by email at Heltmandm@yahoo.com.

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