4. The fourth-down conversions.

The Commanders were able to keep Joe Burrow off the field in part because they took calculated risks on fourth down. And whether you value the game decisions, the players’ performance or a combination of both, the fact remains that those gambles paid off for Burgundy & Gold.

Washington kept their offense on the field for three fourth-down attempts, beginning on their opening drive of the game. Instead of taking a field goal from the Bengals’ 32-yard line, the Commanders put the ball in Daniels’ hands and dropped it back to find Luke McCaffrey for a 30-yard gain that helped set up a Brian Robinson Jr. touchdown two plays later.

The Commanders again relied on Daniels early in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-1. This time, Daniels used his legs to plow through the Bengals’ defense for a four-yard run. Four plays later, Austin Seibert connected on a 42-yard field goal to put Washington back up by 11 points.

The third conversion came on Washington’s final scoring drive. The offense had to stay on the field to keep a resurgent Burrow at bay, and this time Daniels found Zach Ertz in the middle of the field for a nine-yard reception.

“That’s our nature, and when the moments come, we won’t be stupid, we’ll be aggressive and we’ll take the opportunity,” Quinn said.

Washington is one of six teams with a 100% conversion rate on fourth down.