The Washington Commanders are traveling south for the 2024 season opener to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Buccaneers Staff Writer/Reporter collaborated with Commanders.com to break down the matchup between the two NFC opponents.
Baker Mayfield had the best season of his career in 2023 by setting career highs in yards, completion percentage and touchdowns. What has he done to ensure a repeat performance in his seventh season?
A: In his encore season in Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield has taken full command of the offense and has become not only more vocal, but he has taken on increased responsibility in 2024. Mayfield has spoken at length on a heavy-dose of double-play calls at the line of scrimmage in Liam Coen's offense and his role of getting everyone on the same page. He is an unquestioned leader on the team -- evidenced by the gigantic mural of his silhouette placed outside Raymond James Stadium. Mayfield reached new heights in 2023 with the stability and culture surrounding him in Tampa Bay and 2024 will undoubtedly catapult him forward. The Bucs' brass managed to re-sign key fixtures this offseason, including his go-to target and future Hall of Fame receiver, Mike Evans. Throughout camp and Mayfield's small sample size in Preseason Week 3, in which he orchestrated a seven-play, 70-yard scoring drive with precision, Mayfield's chemistry with Evans, Chris Godwin and rookie Jalen McMillan has been notable.
Todd Bowles is known for being one of the most creative defensive minds in the NFL over the past 10 years. What do you expect from him as he prepares for Jayden Daniels and a Commanders offense that is heading in a new direction?
A: For Todd Bowles' defense, keeping Jayden Daniels contained will be key. Daniels has the capability of turning scrambles into game-defining plays. Effectively setting the edge and players being disciplined with their gap assignments for Tampa Bay is paramount. Daniels throws an accurate deep ball and can torch teams with his arm talent. Bowles gets the first crack at the rookie dual-threat in his NFL debut and while Daniels will undoubtedly undergo a learning curve in the NFL, his elusive prowess on the ground will likely translate to the pro level. Bowles is known for his exotic blitz packages and coverage disguises to get offenses off-balance, forcing mistakes. How well the Bucs' are able to rattle the young signal-caller in the pocket and get home with pressure could very well determine the victor.
What do you think will be the most intriguing matchup on Sunday?
A: There are a plethora of matchups I could talk about here, but one of the most pivotal I believe is going to be in the trenches between Bucs' rookie center Graham Barton and Commanders' vested veteran, Jonathan Allen. The Bucs selected Barton with the 26th overall selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He won the full-time role after competing with Robert Hainsey during the spring. Barton elevated the Bucs' run game during offseason workouts with his drive blocking skills, extending rush lanes. He showcased the explosion off the line that warranted a first-round selection. Barton became the highest-graded rookie offensive lineman in Week 1 of the preseason but now, the live bullets will fly. Barton has helped solidify the interior of Tampa Bay's line with a strong base and fiery disposition. Allen's numbers may have dipped in 2023, but he is still regarded as a top-tier defensive lineman in the NFL and Dan Quinn will maximize what he does best. How Barton holds up against both Allen and Daron Payne will dictate the tempo of the Bucs' offense.
Terry McLaurin has proven himself as one of the league's more reliable receivers since he was drafted in 2019. How do you expect Bowles will use the Buccaneers' secondary to counter him?
A: It will likely be a collective mission to stop 'Scary Terry.' McLaurin lines up all along the formation, so he will be paired with both Jamel Dean (right corner) and Zyon McCollum (left). McLaurin does it all for Washington -- he has the skills to win in contested catch situations and the build-up agility to win on go routes. He can high-point the ball, but the Bucs' corners have the length to disrupt the catch window and what most corners do not: Recovery speed. Dean ran a 4.3 40-yard dash and McCollum followed suit with a 4.33. Adding a safety to McLaurin's side of the field will open doors for another weapon on the Commanders' roster but his number is certainly on the Bucs' radar. Due to his long-strided speed and gradual acceleration, Bowles may opt to contain with tight man coverage.
Who is a player on the Buccaneers' roster that Commanders fans should know more about?
A: Rookie receiver Jalen McMillan. He impressed throughout the offseason workout program and earned the Bucs' No.3 spot on the depth chart behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. He is able to create separation mid-route by baiting defensive backs with fakes. He made several highlight-worthy grabs throughout camp, and he exploits with a lethal release package against man coverage. As the Commanders allocate resources to Evans and Godwin, the Bucs will try and create advantageous matchups for McMillan working linebackers. McMillan is effective off option routes out of the slot, and he is one of our young players that I am looking forward to watching in the regular season. Fun Fact: Jalen McMillan was a distinguished track star and qualified for the Junior Olympics in eighth grade.
