Can the new-look Washington Commanders kick off a new era with a tough road win in Week 1? It won’t be easy, as the Commanders travel to Tampa to face the defending NFC South champion Buccaneers.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels makes his first NFL start against the Bucs but has a tough task in front of him. Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles has a history of making life difficult for young quarterbacks, something Washington’s coaching staff knows all too well. And with some questions along the offensive line, the Commanders must protect Daniels at all costs.
We discussed three reasons why Washington should be concerned in Week 1. Now, we look at three reasons why the Commanders should be optimistic about Sunday’s NFC duel in Tampa.
1. Jayden Daniels’ debut
We named this as a cause for concern, too. Why? Things could go wrong whenever you have a rookie quarterback making his first start. And how does the young passer react when things go wrong? The Commanders have every reason to believe Daniels is different. Sure, he’ll battle a young quarterback’s typical ups and downs, but Daniels has proven to be unflappable. That’s a rare trait for rookie passers.
There’s also the fact that Daniels is super talented. If Washington’s receivers can get open, Daniels is accurate and will find them. Daniels can take it to the house from 80 yards out if things break down in the pocket. That unpredictability is exciting for Washington and frustrating for a defense.
2. The Commanders are an offensive mystery
Anytime you start a new regime, specifically on offense with a rookie quarterback, there is a lot of unknown. Will Kingsbury throw it 45 times or lean more on the running game? Will Kingsbury take advantage of Daniels’ dynamic running ability in the first game? Washington didn’t show much in the preseason, which was by design. Early in the season, the Commanders will have an advantage over opposing defenses. Kingsbury should throw everything at Bowles and the Bucs on Sunday.
3. The defense can’t be as bad as last season
OK, this may not be a valid reason for optimism, but if you think Dan Quinn’s defense will look anything like what Ron Rivera’s unit put on the field last season, you are mistaken. What the Commanders still lack in talent at some positions, they will make up for by playing faster and communicating more effectively. The additions of linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu alone significantly upgraded this unit. Yes, concerns still exist at cornerback and edge rusher, but Washington’s defense will look much different in 2024, beginning on Sunday in Tampa.