It’s FINALLY TIME! Here in Central Florida, we’ve been oppressed by the heat and salivating for our teams to get back onto the gridiron since Spring. The wait is over and if you want the lowdown on Sunday’s game with the Commanders, look no further than Sports Club Florida! Let’s Go!
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Commanders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(FOX/4:25PM EST)
Moneyline- WASH. (+154) TB (-185)
Spread- TB -3.5 Total O/U- 42.5
(via Draftkings)
Raymond James Stadium is ready for you, Krewe. pic.twitter.com/ICYna4jPCJ
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 8, 2024
This will mark the 23rd time your Tampa Bay Buccaneers have played the Washington Commanders (formerly the Redskins). Washington holds a 12-10 lead in the lifetime tally and comes into Week One of 2024 looking, at least on paper, like a totally different team.
The new ownership group, headed up by 76ers and New Jersey Devils’ owner Josh Harris, wasted no time bringing in a slew of talent both on the field as well as on the sidelines. Harris most notably poached former Dallas Cowboys Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be his Head Coach, which in itself makes them more formidable. Quinn subsequently brought several key positions coaches and assistants from the Cowboys as well as other staffers from his former Falcons’ staff.
The wait is over. Let's raise the flags.#WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/kve3fKvpZ8
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2024
The Commanders selected the 2023 Heisman Trophy QB Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in April’s Draft, giving them their first real dual threat quarterback since Robert Griffin III, however Daniels is not only more accurate, he is faster. Todd Bowles will have his hands full keeping the young dynamo in the pocket so as to not feed his confidence.
Raymond James Stadium should be loud and proud when our defense takes the field, and nerves will absolutely be a factor for the rookie. Tampa Bay must capitalize on any and all mistakes. Daniels has a habit of throwing balls he shouldn’t when he is pressured, giving Bowles a perfect opportunity to force a mistake early and try to get the youngster to unravel.
On defense, I would look for good run stuffing as the game starts to pick up. I’m VERY familiar with the Commanders’ coaching staff and though I don’t think they will shackle Jayden Daniels outright, I would expect them to run more than usual in the first half to allow Daniels to get through the initial nerves. Preseason is one thing but a regular season opener on the road is hard for ANY rookie QB. If we can set the edges and keep Daniels in the pocket on passing downs, it will pay off by game’s end.
Raise your hand if you’re excited for the @Buccaneers home opener tomorrow!! ????????♀️ pic.twitter.com/4NDQ9eWz9O
— Bucs Cheerleaders (@BucsCheer) September 7, 2024
Our offense? Boy oh boy this is what I live for. I was ecstatic to watch Baker Mayfield lead the Bucs and find his place last year. He is universally loved by teammates and fans alike due to his very obvious high motor and energy. He never let’s his team feel down when things aren’t going right and is always the first guy up from a hit, even when it’s painful. The guy is made of the stuff of Titans and he earned his new contract.
Mayfield has Liam Coen as his new playcaller, someone who spent some time with Mayfield during his stint with the Rams. They fit together well and I think now that Baker has more than earned the trust of the staff and his teammates, he will have more leeway to audible and check plays in real time.
QB1️⃣ is the igniter ????
Watch the latest episode of In the Current ➡️ https://t.co/qhlIJEBdU9 pic.twitter.com/YyknV8fcNI
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2024
Baker has his favorite target, Mike Evans back after both signed new contracts so Evans will obviously be a big part of the scheme. Additionally, rookie WR Jalen McMillan absolutely shined during OTAs and practices, plus I think Baker already has a nice chemistry with him. He’s a speedster who played a big spread offense at Washington, putting up huge numbers. Put it this way; If Jalen McMillan is available in your fantasy league, sign him and stash him for later in the season, because I think he is going to ball out this year.
The Buccaneers did not field a good ground game in 2023. We ranked dead last in yards with 1509 yards overall and feature back Rachaad White tallied 990 yards on almost 300 carries. That has to change. The benefit of playing in a weak division has masked some glaring issues for Tampa since TB12 retired, but I firmly believe we will see a much more dynamic running attack this season.
The draft yielded the Bucs a VERY dangerous Bucky Irving (Oregon) who may see more action than most #2 backs. Irving is an absolute nightmare in the open field with a low center of gravity and deceptive speed. He hits his stride incredibly fast and could easily be a top back if he sees elevated playing time as 2024 goes by. Keep your eyes on him whenever he’s on the field.
A final change to note, albeit an important one. The Bucs are starting with a brand new Center with Graham Barton (Duke), who was our first round draft choice. The young lineman is a consumate athlete, but just like with Daniels, it will be his first real NFL Game. Baker Mayfield getting well-timed, smooth snaps is enormously important as to avoid silly mistakes that could allow the Commanders to grab momentum. I think they will be fine, but it’s very different snapping in practice than it is in a packed stadium on your first pro Sunday. Take that with a grain of salt.
The Bay showed out & raised the flags ????#WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/FzCBZF0TrS
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2024
So, who wins? I’m picking the Bucs -3.5. FINAL: Bucs 31 Wash. 20
I think when all is said and done, Baker and Co. win by at least 6 or 7, maybe more if Bowles’ defense can make the rookie QB make early mistakes. I think Jayden Daniels will have at least one turnover, which will only ratchet up the pressure. Should be a great game!
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