Bucs and Commanders Set the Sails with a Battle in the Bay…

In 2023, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, many felt, underachieved based on the talent on the roster. Some say the Bucs underachieved; some say the late-season success was a flash in the pan.

In 2024, the Bucs aim to prove that a flash in the pan was just what they needed to light a fire on the league, and they will get a chance to prove that starting in just under a week when the Washington Commanders travel to Raymond James Stadium to battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On the offensive side, I expect to see a bolstered run game take advantage of the worst rush defense in the league last year, allowing 126.8 yards per game on the ground.

Rachaad White looks to take another leap forward from his 990 yards rushing and 549 yards receiving, a goal not unachievable if competition makes you better.

Rookie RB Bucky Irving is just that, great competition, as he has proven from his college days and thus far in the preseason, rushing for 89 yards and averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Quick shiftiness and bursts through the gap led me to have high hopes for the running game in total.

Chris Godwin was moved back to the slot where, in the past, he thrived to the point of being on the verge of being labeled a number one guy at wideout. Even after having what most called a subpar performance in 2023, he still managed to catch over 1000 yards for the third straight season. All that being said, the offense has a high ceiling.

As for the Commanders’ offense, they added pieces like Austin Ekeler and Zach Ertz to help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who will, in my opinion, soon be a formidable foe. His skill and crazy athleticism with the right coaches should have success.

Ekeler is coming in with starter abilities to back up young stud Brian Robinson Jr., who has had success in the past.

The Buccaneers’ defense is a familiar one with names like Vita Vea, Lavonte David, Antione Winfield Jr, and Jamel Dean back to defend the Bay. With young players stepping up in Zyon McCollum, Yaya Diaby, and Calijah Kancey, the Bucs defense, once again, appears to be headed in the right direction.

The Commanders had a rough year on the defensive side of the ball. To help them improve on a 4-13 record. Adding guys like Jeremy Chinn and Frankie Luvu, head coach Dan Quinn looks to set the Commanders’ defense right.

Here’s what I expect: I would look for the Buccaneers to run the ball and run the ball a bunch. I would expect 25-32 rushes if the Bucs win. It’s the first game of the season, and I expect the Florida team to capitalize on home-field advantage. It’s hot everywhere, but Florida brings a real effort. With it being an afternoon 4:25 pm game time, it will be hot. That vaunted defense led by Winfield and David seeks to step on the proverbial neck of the Washington Commanders’ offense and keep pressure on Daniels. By doing this and containing Ekeler and Robinson to minimal gains, the Buccaneers’ defense should have success Sunday.

The Bucs are favored by -3.5, with the over-under at 43.5, as if the publication of this article. I feel the Bucs cover the spread and just coming in on the under at 43, winning the game 30-13. The Bucs starting the year hot will be needed moving forward in the year.

The Bucs have lost a lot of close games, and starting hot will only make the league notice and prepare more for the Bucs moving forward. Something to look for: the team didn’t score in the opening drive of any game last year. Both the very first drive in the preseason and the very first first-team offensive drive, the Bucs scored a touchdown. When the Bucs offense gets on the field and scores a touchdown drive, one that could very well be a sign of good things to come.

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