Buccaneers Dominate in Jayden Daniels’ NFL Debut Beat Commanders 37-20

Buccaneers Dominate in Jayden Daniels’ NFL Debut Beat Commanders 37-20

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers put on a dominant display in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, defeating the Washington Commanders 37-20 at Raymond James Stadium. The victory not only marked a strong start for the three-time defending NFC South champions but also spoiled the highly anticipated pro debut of Washington’s rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

Mayfield, 29, showcased why he remains the centerpiece of the Buccaneers’ offense, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Although Mayfield commanded the spotlight, he was ably supported by Tampa Bay’s offensive weapons and stout defense. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie Jalen McMillan all contributed with touchdown catches, and the Buccaneers’ defense kept the Commanders in check despite dealing with injuries throughout the game.

Evans, the veteran wide receiver, reeled in five receptions for 61 yards, including touchdown catches of 1 and 17 yards. Chris Godwin added a 4-yard touchdown, and Jalen McMillan, a promising rookie, caught a 32-yard TD pass in the second half to seal Tampa Bay’s commanding lead.

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The Bucs’ defense, despite starting the game without two key players and losing three cornerbacks over the course of the contest, played a pivotal role in containing Daniels. The Commanders’ new-look offense, led by head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, struggled to get in sync. Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, was more effective with his legs than his arm in his debut. He rushed for 88 yards and scored both of Washington’s touchdowns on 1-yard runs in the second half but was held to 184 passing yards on 17-of-24 attempts, with no interceptions.

Washington’s defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. had his hands full trying to stymie Tampa Bay’s versatile attack. Despite a promising debut from Daniels as a dual-threat quarterback, the Commanders struggled to match the firepower of the Buccaneers, who controlled the tempo from start to finish.

Mayfield’s precision was on full display, completing 24 of 30 passes without an interception. His connection with Evans, Godwin, and McMillan proved too much for the Commanders’ defense, which allowed big plays throughout the afternoon.

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Daniels’ debut drew comparisons to Robert Griffin III, who was the last rookie to start a season opener for Washington in 2012. Despite the hype surrounding the former LSU star, it was a challenging first game for the rookie, who became one of three first-year quarterbacks to start in Week 1 alongside Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos.

While Daniels showed flashes of his potential, the Buccaneers’ defense, led by a tenacious front seven, sacked him twice and limited his passing efficiency. With injuries piling up in the secondary, Tampa Bay’s defense still managed to hold firm and close out the victory.

The win is a strong start for Mayfield and the Bucs as they look to defend their NFC South crown. For the Commanders, it’s clear that the growing pains of incorporating a new quarterback, coaching staff, and system will take time, but the talent surrounding Daniels offers hope for the future.

Next up, Tampa Bay will look to build on this momentum, while Washington aims to bounce back as Daniels continues his development in what promises to be an intriguing rookie campaign.

 

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