The Washington Commanders kicked off their 2024 NFL season with much anticipation and expectations, but what transpired during their opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was far from what the fans had hoped for. The Commanders stumbled to a disappointing 37-20 defeat at FedEx Field, leaving both players and fans scratching their heads and wondering what went wrong.
This game was meant to mark the debut of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, selected as the No. 2 pick overall. Expectations were high for Daniels, especially considering the legacy of past Commanders quarterbacks. His first start had moments of promise, showcasing his potential, but it also revealed areas needing significant improvement.
To start the game, Daniels’s first drive was nothing short of disastrous. He threw a backward pass intended for running back Brian Robinson Jr. on the very first play, which rolled out of bounds, costing the team 15 yards. Going three-and-out on the opening series was frustrating for the Commanders, setting the tone for the day. Things didn’t get any easier from there. Daniels struggled initially, overthrew wide receiver Terry McLaurin in the second half on what could have been a touchdown pass, showcasing his inconsistency.
Despite his rocky start, there were bright spots. The highlight of Daniels’ performance came when he led a 70-yard touchdown drive late in the game, completing all five of his passes to different receivers, culminating with his second rushing touchdown. He ended the game with impressive stats—17 completions on 24 attempts for 184 yards, plus 88 yards on 16 carries. This feat put him alongside Robert Griffin III as the only rookie quarterbacks to rush for over 80 yards and two touchdowns in their debut for the franchise.
Yet, it was clear the pressure was on as soon as things got tough. The Buccaneers exploited Washington’s defense, which appeared lost throughout the game. Under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., the unit faced significant struggles. Tampa Bay averaged 6.4 yards per play and converted 9 out of 13 third downs, leading to points on their first five possessions. Baker Mayfield had his way against the Commanders, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns—marking him as the first QB to accomplish such against Washington on opening day since the legendary Troy Aikman back in 1999.
Indeed, the defensive lapses were alarming. The Commanders’ inability to stick to their assignments not only led to breakdowns but also resulted in potential scoring opportunities undercut by penalties. Missed tackles became commonplace as Washington struggled to stop Tampa Bay's offensive flow, leading to frustrations on the sideline.
Adding to the woes was the kicking game. Cade York, the Commanders’ supposed solution to their kicking troubles, missed both field goal attempts and booted one kickoff out of bounds on his way back to Cleveland without as much as making it through his first game. This blunder prompted the Commanders to sign Austin Seibert, their fifth kicker over the last four months, reflecting the organization's instability at the position. General Manager Adam Peters clearly hopes this new addition can finally bring stability to the team’s kicking woes.
On the brighter side, wide receiver Austin Ekeler showed promise on his debut, making four receptions for 52 yards and playing significant roles on special teams. He displayed flashes of his potential when he caught passes and made impressive plays, including one spinning move through would-be tacklers. The expectations for Ekeler are high, and if he can maintain his health and get integrated effectively, he could mesh well with the existing talent.
Interestingly, as Daniels showcased his athleticism and ability to evade defenders, questions remained about his decision-making. Many observers noticed his unusual approach of tucking the ball and running instead of opting to slide at the end of plays, which left analysts pondering his longevity if he continues to absorb hits. His scrambling ability was entertaining, but concern loomed about his safety.
Another focal point of discussion was Daniels’s helmet, which, much like Bryce Harper’s during his time with the Nationals, seemed to pop off at the most inconvenient times. Two instances occurred during scrambles where commands for safety should have prevailed, but instead, the players and fans were left worrying about how this might hinder his performance over the season.
Despite the loss, some positives emerged from Washington’s initial outing. The scheduling gods appeared to be somewhat forgiving, as their upcoming opponent, the New York Giants, also faltered, suffering their own embarrassing defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. The Commanders hope this will provide them with the much-needed morale boost to bounce back as they prepare for the Giants next week. One thing is clear: changes must come swiftly for the Commanders if they intend to stay competitive and support their rookie quarterback.
With their next game just around the corner, the Commanders need to regroup quickly. Only time will tell if they can find the rhythm needed to turn things around and recover from this rough start. For now, optimism should focus on what can still be salvaged as they right the ship—Daniels and his teammates will need all the support they can garner moving forward, as Thursday night prepares to present yet another test for the team.
