The Washington Commanders took the field for the first time this season but suffered a 37-20 Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels opened up their tenure in Washington with a loss but it’s not the end of the world. Washington’s Sunday afternoon loss illuminated some areas the team needs to work on.
The matchup with the Buccaneers was a great tune-up to see where the Commanders stand.
Daniels finished his rookie debut throwing for 184 on 17-of-24 passing and he didn’t throw any interceptions. With a new coach and quarterback, the franchise is right where everyone expected. Growing pains are inevitable and all teams rebuilding experience it.
Despite today’s loss, Washington will be able to grow from this experience and have a chance to make noise in the NFC East. Next week, the Commanders will take on the New York Giants in their first divisional game of the season. Before that, let’s look at the glaring takeaways from Week 1’s loss.
Commanders’ Flashes of Greatness Overshadow Week 1 Loss
Jayden Daniels Took Too Many Hits in Commanders’ Loss
Daniels is the franchise quarterback of the Commanders for the foreseeable future, but today’s game highlighted the offensive line’s inability to block. Throughout the game, he was sacked twice but was on the move for the majority of the game.
The No. 2 overall pick, finished the game with 16 carries for 88 yards with an average of 5.5 yards per run. Despite being a dual-threat QB, it will be important for him to have time to throw as the season continues.
.@JayD__5 takes it in for the TD#WASvsTB | #RaiseHail
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 8, 2024
During the game, the rookie QB lost his helmet multiple times after seeking out the initial contact. As the season continues, he must avoid taking on unnecessary hits and depend more on his arm than his legs.
Daniels’ ability to run and pass will come in handy as the season continues but he will need to be strategic on when he decides to take off and run.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers are Legitimate
Washington losing to Tampa Bay is nothing to be ashamed of. Last season, the Bucs captured a playoff berth and upset the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round. Baker Mayfield finished Sunday’s game with 289 yards with an 80% pass completion.
Mayfield looked comfortable all game and was able to get the ball out quickly. Throughout the game, he complemented his offensive line, receivers, coaching staff, and teammates. Mayfield threw four touchdowns in Sunday’s game and he didn’t turn the ball over which was an Achilles heel for the team last season.
QB respect
pic.twitter.com/5j4TE09WRV
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 8, 2024
Tampa Bay provided a good matchup against the Commanders and spread their defense out all night. Washington’s defensive front had a solid game but often took too long to get to the quarterback which strained the secondary.
Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury Struggles in Week 1
Throughout the game, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury looked perplexed and tried to overcomplicate the offensive play calls. The world knows what he can do. But for a rookie QB, you have to simply the offense while giving them full control.
At times in the game, Daniels seemed frustrated with the formations and elected to run if things didn’t unfold quickly. Rookies tend to rush progressions but considering that he was avoiding the defensive pressure all game he was well within his rights to scramble.
As the season goes on, Kingsbury will find a scheme that works for all parties. For the last few seasons, Washington has struggled to protect their quarterback. In order to avoid Daniels getting hurt, they are going to need to get the ball out quickly and rely on the run game in order to set up other plays.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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