The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead the Washington Commanders 16-7 at halftime of their Week 1 matchup from Raymond James Stadium.
The Bucs took the opening kickoff and drove into Washington territory before settling for a field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels’ first NFL play didn’t go as expected, as his short pass to running back Brian Robinson Jr. was rushed and lost 13 yards. Two plays later, the Commanders would punt.
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield stayed hot, driving the Bucs down the field before wide receiver Jalen McMillan dropped a third-and-3 pass, leading to another field goal.
Washington finally got something going on its next drive, but kicker Cade York missed a 47-yard field goal. Mayfield would make them pay, connecting with star wide receiver Mike Evans on a 24-yard touchdown.
Down 13-0, Daniels took things into his own hands, using his legs to go deep into Tampa Bay territory. A Tampa defender was called for a helmet-to-helmet hit, pushing the ball into the red zone. A few plays later, Robinson scored from seven yards out to make it 13-7.
The Bucs would add another field goal to go into the half with a 16-7 lead.
Daniels completed five of eight passes for 48 yards in the first half but did lead all players with 56 yards rushing on seven attempts. Washington’s defense couldn’t stop Mayfield, who completed 12 passes in a row at one point. Washington’s defense did hold the Buccaneers to 31 rushing yards on 15 attempts.
Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury called a safe first half for Daniels, with most of his rushing yards coming off scrambles when his receivers were covered. The Commanders will open the second half with the football.