The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up to kick off their 2024 season with a home game against the Washington Commanders, set for 4:25 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium. This game marks the beginning of a season where the Buccaneers aim to clinch their fourth consecutive NFC South title and secure a playoff berth for the fifth straight year. They’ve managed to maintain a roster that closely resembles last year’s, with a few strategic additions. Key players like Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Lavonte David have all been retained with new contracts, ensuring stability in the team’s core. Moreover, the Buccaneers have bolstered their squad with fresh talent, including rookie center Graham Barton and offensive prospects like wide receiver Jalen McMillan and running back Bucky Irving.
On the other side, the Washington Commanders are entering the season with significant changes after a disappointing 4-13 finish in 2023. The overhaul began with the hiring of a new coaching staff led by Dan Quinn. The Commanders used the second overall pick in the draft to select Jayden Daniels, the LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, in hopes of securing a long-term solution at the position. They’ve also enlisted Kliff Kingsbury to build an offense around Daniels’ dual-threat abilities. In addition to offensive changes, Washington’s defense has been reshaped through free agency and the draft, bringing in at least six new starters, including players like Dorance Armstrong, Frankie Luvu, Jeremy Chinn, Bobby Wagner, Michael Davis, and Mike Sainristil.
As the Buccaneers and Commanders prepare to face off, there are several key storylines and player matchups that will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this Week One clash.
Major Storylines
Revamping the Ground Game: Liam Coen, in his first year as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, is focused on rejuvenating the team’s ground attack, which has struggled over the past two seasons, ranking last in the NFL. The preseason offered promising signs, with the team averaging 4.1 yards per carry, and the offensive line showing prowess in creating running lanes. A major question heading into the regular season is how effectively this revamped ground game will translate into game situations. The Buccaneers are eager to support Baker Mayfield, who enjoyed a resurgent season in 2023, by developing a more balanced offensive strategy. This includes broadening the variety of run plays to keep opposing defenses on their toes. Coen’s approach likely involved withholding some of his playbook during the preseason, so the full extent of his strategy will unfold during the regular season. Another factor to consider is how Coen will distribute the backfield workload among Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker. White led all NFL running backs in offensive snaps last year, but with Irving’s strong preseason performance, the Buccaneers might adopt a more committee-based approach.
Jayden Daniels’ NFL Debut: The performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will be closely watched, not just by the Commanders but by the entire NFL. Daniels is known for his dual-threat capabilities, becoming the first quarterback in FBS history to pass for over 12,000 yards and run for more than 3,000 yards during his college career. His ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs makes him a formidable challenge for any defense, including the Buccaneers’. Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers’ head coach, is expected to devise aggressive defensive schemes to test Daniels, potentially utilizing disguised coverages and unexpected blitzes to force the rookie into making mistakes. How well the Buccaneers can execute this strategy will play a crucial role in determining the game’s outcome.
Adapting to the New Kickoff Rules: The NFL’s new kickoff format has introduced an element of unpredictability that teams will need to adapt to quickly. Special Teams Coordinator Thomas McGaughey emphasized that most teams likely kept their strategies under wraps during the preseason, so the regular season will be a learning process for everyone. Teams that can exploit the new rules early will have a significant advantage, and McGaughey aims for the Buccaneers to be one of those teams. The Buccaneers are also working with a relatively inexperienced set of returners, with rookies Irving, McMillan, and Kameron Johnson, as well as second-year player Sean Tucker, listed on the depth chart. The impact of these rule changes will likely become clearer as teams deploy more sophisticated strategies during the regular season.
Baker Mayfield’s Continued Growth: Last season, Baker Mayfield was one of the most talked-about players in the Buccaneers’ season opener, having won the starting job in a competition with Kyle Trask. Mayfield went on to have a career-best season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and leading the Buccaneers to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. With a new long-term contract, Mayfield is now firmly established as the team’s starter and emotional leader. The Buccaneers have made several moves to further support Mayfield, including restructuring the offensive line and adding new offensive weapons. This season, Mayfield will have more responsibility in play-calling, both in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage. If he and the Buccaneers’ offense can start strong, they could potentially surpass their performance from last year.
Key Matchups to Watch
**Brandon Coleman vs. Chris Braswell**: This matchup features two rookies going head-to-head. The Commanders have high hopes for Brandon Coleman, their third-round pick from TCU, who won the starting left tackle job. Coleman’s ability to protect Jayden Daniels’ blind side is crucial, especially given the Commanders’ investment in their young quarterback. Coleman will face Chris Braswell, the Buccaneers’ second-round pick, who is expected to play a significant role in the outside linebacker rotation. Braswell is known for his high motor and quick first step, and he will likely try to exploit Coleman’s inexperience with speed-to-power moves. If injuries to Yaya Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka persist, Braswell’s role could become even more prominent.
Mike Evans vs. Benjamin St-Juste: Mike Evans, despite turning 31, remains one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, coming off a season where he caught 79 passes for 1,255 yards and tied for the league lead with 13 touchdown receptions. Evans is closing in on 100 career touchdown receptions, a milestone only 10 players in NFL history have achieved. He will face Benjamin St-Juste, a cornerback who stands out for his size at 6-3 and 200 pounds. Last season, St-Juste was frequently targeted by opposing quarterbacks, leading the league in targets and receptions allowed over the first 11 weeks. Evans, who excels on deep routes, will likely test St-Juste and the Commanders’ secondary with a few long balls.
Jayden Daniels vs. Antoine Winfield Jr.: Containing Jayden Daniels will be a team effort for the Buccaneers, but safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will play a particularly crucial role. Winfield, who earned All-Pro honors last season, must be ready to defend against Daniels’ deep passes while also being prepared to react quickly if Daniels decides to run. Winfield’s ability to diagnose plays and make quick decisions will be vital in limiting Daniels’ impact. Additionally, Winfield’s tackling prowess and knack for making plays on the ball could lead to key turnovers if Daniels tries to force throws into tight windows.
Graham Barton vs. Jonathan Allen: The Buccaneers also have a rookie making his first start on the offensive line in Graham Barton, the 26th overall pick in the draft. Barton will be tasked with anchoring the line against Jonathan Allen, one of the Commanders’ most formidable defensive players. Allen, a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and 2022, is known for his ability to generate pressure from the interior, which is particularly dangerous for quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield. Barton will need to demonstrate the strength and technique that made him a first-round pick, especially in creating running lanes and preventing Allen from disrupting passing plays.
As the Buccaneers and Commanders prepare to clash in Week One, these storylines and matchups will be at the forefront of what promises to be an exciting and revealing start to the 2024 NFL season.
