The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2024 season with designs on a fourth straight NFC South crown, and the Washington Commanders will be the first team to try to knock them off that path. The Commanders visit Raymond James Stadium on Sunday to renew a series that has seen Washington win three in a row in the regular season, dating back to 2015. The Buccaneers did counter with a Wild Card round victory in 2020 on their way to the Super Bowl LV championship.

The Buccaneers have chosen to pursue their goals by keeping the gang together after surprising pundits by winning the division last year following the retirement of Tom Brady. Baker Mayfield stepped in with a career year, earning a long-term contract to stay in Tampa, and the Buccaneers spent the offseason re-signing a long list of potential free agent defections. The Bucs also had to replace first-year Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales after he left to become the Carolina Panthers' head coach, but they are excited about the potential of a new scheme with Rams influences under new coordinator Liam Coen. Coen intends to employ pre-snap movement on a much larger scale than the Bucs did last year, and he also will be giving Mayfield the ability to switch plays in the huddle or at the line for better matchups against what the defense is presenting.

One year after gaining new ownership, the Commanders are starting over following a 4-13 season with new Head Coach Dan Quinn, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and a defense that was largely overhauled after finishing last in both yards allowed (388.9 per game) and points allowed (30.5 per game) in 2023. They also imported some steadying veteran influence with the likes of Bobby Wagner, Austin Ekeler, Zach Ertz and Tyler Biadasz. More on the Commanders additions and organizational changes can be found below.

The Buccaneers started fast last season, winning three of their last four, and with upcoming dates against Detroit and Philadelphia in the campaign's first quarter, they would be well-served to start 2024 with a win. In fact, Tampa Bay's schedule includes all four teams that were in the Conference Championship contests last January, so there is very little margin for error for the Bucs as they try to take an early lead in the division.

"Not to steal Coach Bowles' line, but it is exciting, because of all the prep work" he said. "The long months waiting for it, you finally get into game week, dialed in on what you want to attack, how you want to scheme it up. You prep all year, and then obviously each week you prep all week, just for that 60 minutes of game time. So you've got to go out and you've got to relax and have fun. You've prepared for this moment. Our guys are going to be ready by that time, so just have fun and enjoy that. But it's a really exciting moment. Week One energy is always really special."

GAME AND BROADCAST DETAILS

Washington Commanders (0-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0)

Sunday, September 8, 4:25 p.m. ET

Raymond James Stadium (capacity: 65,844)

Tampa, Florida

Television: FOX (Local WTVT Channel 13)

TV Broadcast Team: Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (analyst), Laura Okmin (reporter)

Radio: 98Rock (WXTB, 97.9 FM), Flagship Station

Radio Broadcast Team: Gene Deckerhoff (play-by-play), Dave Moore (analyst), T.J. Rives (reporter)

Spanish Radio: 96.1 Caliente

Spanish Radio Broadcast Team: Carlos Bohorquez (play-by-play), Martin Gramática (analyst)

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

Coming to the game or enjoying pregame festivities? Check out our Buccaneers Gameday Page for everything you need to know about getting ready for the game, Tailgate Packages, Bucs Beach and more!

TICKETING INFORMATION

The 2024 season is underway and there are a limited number of Single Game Tickets on sale now! Visit Buccaneers.com to purchase tickets.

ALL-TIME HEAD-TO-HEAD SERIES

Prior to the 2018 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team were dead even all time, not only in their 20 regular-season dates but also in the postseason. Then Washington surged ahead with victories in 2018 and 2021, the first a 16-3 decision in Tampa and the second a 29-19 outcome at FedExField. However, in between those two games, Tampa Bay took the lead in the more important postseason history with a 31-23 Wild Card road win that launched the Bucs' run to the Super Bowl LV title at the end of the 2020 campaign. The Bucs have now taken two of the three postseason meetings between the two teams, with another Divisional Round victory in 1999 and a Wild Card loss in 2005. Those latter two games were both played at Raymond James Stadium.

Quarterback Taylor Heinicke was pushed into the starting role for that Wild Card game by an injury to Alex Smith and he performed quite well to keep the game close to the very end, passing for 306 yards and rushing for another 46 and a touchdown. However, Tom Brady topped him with 381 yards and two touchdowns (one each to Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown) and Lavonte David sealed the game late with a third-down sack of Heinicke on Washington's final drive.

The most recent meeting came three years ago, when a visiting Washington team that was 2-6 at the team upset the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers, 29-19, giving Tampa Bay one of only four regular-season losses in 2021. Brady was uncharacteristically picked off twice but his 40-yard touchdown pass made it a four-point game with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Stunningly, Washington responded with a 19-play drive that ran all but 30 seconds off the clock and ended in Antonio Gibson's game-clinching one-yard touchdown run.

The 2018 regular-season game was also memorable for the Buccaneers in a less than pleasing way. Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bucs' offense racked up 501 yards and 29 first downs and averaged 7.5 yards per play…and scored just three points, as noted above. Fitzpatrick was picked off twice, the Bucs lost two fumbles and the offense incredibly went 0-5 in the red zone, with just one field goal. That's the only game in NFL history in which a team has gained 500-plus yards but scored three or fewer points. Fitzpatrick, coincidentally, now plays for Washington, though he is currently on injured reserve.

Maybe that outcome shouldn't have been a surprise. Weird things tend to happen when Tampa Bay and Washington get together. Weird things like a two-point conversion gamble winning a 2005 shootout against Washington when Mike Alstott willed the ball over the line for a 36-35 win. Or like the playoff rematch later that same year when Washington won, 17-10, despite being held to only 120 yards of offense.

There was also a 17-16 Tampa Bay win in Washington in 2010 in which Donovan McNabb rallied the home team with a fourth-and-goal touchdown pass to Santana Moss with nine seconds left only to see the snap on the extra point go through the holder's hands. Washington won a contest in Tampa, 24-22, after Connor Barth made fields of 50, 57 and 47 yards. The visiting kicker, Billy Cundiff, meanwhile, missed his first three field goals but then drilled a 41-yarder to win it at the end.

And, of course, there was the 2015 game in Washington that turned quarterback Kirk Cousins into a meme. The Buccaneers led that game, 24-0, before Cousins engineered an incredible comeback in a 31-30 Washington win, prompting him to repeatedly yell, "You like that?" in front of a camera in the corridor as he ran back to the locker room.

As for the Bucs' biggest win in the series, it was that 1999 playoff game that looked for much of way like it was going to send 11-5 Tampa Bay and it's fantastic defense to an early exit. Then John Lynch shifted the momentum with a third-quarter interception and Warren Sapp came up with a huge sack and forced fumble against Brad Johnson. Both of those turnovers led to touchdowns in a 14-13 comeback win.

NOTABLE CONNECTIONS

• Doug Williams, currently the senior advisor to Washington General Manager Adam Peters, is a member of the Buccaneers' Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers drafted Williams with the 17th overall pick in the 1978 draft and in just his second season he led the team to its first playoff berth in just the fourth year of the franchise's existence. Williams played five seasons for the Buccaneers before heading to the USFL in 1983. He later returned to the Bucs organization in the front office 2004, serving five seasons as a personnel executive and one as the director of pro personnel in 2009.
• Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spent most of his eight-year playing career with the Washington franchise. He made the team as an undrafted free agent in 1986 and was a full-time starter by his second season, helping Washington win Super Bowl XXII at the end of that campaign. After five seasons in Washington, Bowles left for San Francisco for one season and then returned to his original NFL home for two more campaigns before moving into coaching.
• Martin Mayhew, who serves as a senior personnel executive/advisor to the GM for the Commanders, played cornerback for the Buccaneers from 1993-96. Mayhew signed with the Buccaneers in 1993, the NFL's first season of unrestricted free agency after four seasons in Washington and eventually played in 60 games with 59 starts for Tampa Bay, intercepting eight passes.
• Commanders Tight Ends Coach David Raih spent one season on Bowles' staff in Tampa, working as a senior offensive analyst in 2023.
• Darryl Tapp played 171 games in the NFL, playoffs included, and the very last three were in a Buccaneers' uniform. Tapp signed with Tampa Bay in October of 2017, logged those three contests with one start and two tackles, and was released in November. He is now in his first season as the Commanders' defensive line coach.
• Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols first entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick by the Buccaneers in 2017. He did not play any games for the Bucs but has since appeared in 37 NFL contests with four other teams. He is in his first season in Washington.

SENIOR COACHING STAFFS

Tampa Bay:

• Head Coach Todd Bowles

• Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen

• Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Kacy Rodgers

• Pass Game Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote

• Special Teams Coordinator Thomas McGaughey

Washington:

• Head Coach Dan Quinn

• Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury

• Defensive Coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

• Special Teams Coordinator Larry Izzo

KEY 2024 ROSTER ADDITIONS

Buccaneers:

• C Graham Barton (1st-round draft pick)
• OLB Chris Braswell (2nd-round draft pick)
• G Ben Bredeson (UFA)
• TE Devin Culp (7th-round draft pick)
• CB Bryce Hall (UFA)
• RB Bucky Irving (4th-round draft pick)
• WR Kameron Johnson (UDFA)
• G Elijah Klein (6th-round draft pick)
• WR Jalen McMillan (3rd-round draft pick)
• G Royce Newman (W-GB)
• S Tykee Smith (3rd-round draft pick)
• CB Tavierre Thomas (UFA)
• S Jordan Whitehead (UFA)

Commanders:

• Nick Allegretti (UFA)
• DE Dorance Armstrong (UFA)
• C Tyler Biadasz (UFA)
• G Brandon Coleman (3rd-round draft pick)
• QB Jayden Daniels (1st-round draft pick)
• CB Michael Davis (UFA)
• RB Austin Ekeler (UFA)
• TE Zach Ertz (FA)
• DE Clelin Ferrell (UFA)
• LB Dante Fowler (UFA)
• S Dominique Hampton (5th-round draft pick)
• DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste (7th-round draft pick)
• LB Frankie Luvu (UFA)
• LB Jordan Magee (5th-round draft pick)
• QB Marcus Mariota (UFA)
• WR Luke McCaffrey (3rd-round draft pick)
• DT Jer'Zhan Newton (2nd-round draft pick)
• CB Mike Sainristil (2nd-round draft pick)
• TE Ben Sinnott (2nd-round draft pick)
• LB Bobby Wagner (UFA)
• K Cade York (T-CLE)
• WR Olamide Zaccheaus (UFA)

ADDITIONAL 2024 CHANGES/DEVELOPMENTS OF NOTE

Buccaneers:

• As Todd Bowles enters his third season as the Bucs' head coach he'll be working with his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons. Last year, Bowles picked former Seattle Quarterbacks Coach Dave Canales to replace Byron Leftwich, but Canales departed this offseason to take over as the head coach of the Panthers. Bowles then turned to Liam Coen, who comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree with the Rams and most recently was the offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky. Three members of the Bucs' 2023 staff followed Canales to Carolina – Brad Idzik, Harold Goodwin and Joe Gilbert, which led to some other new additions on Bowles staff in 2024. Those include Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry, Pass Game Coordinator Josh Grizzard, Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon and Assistant Offensive Line Coach Brian Picucci. In addition, long-time Special Teams Coordinator Keith Armstrong retired in the offseason, so the Bucs brought in Thomas McGaughey as his replacement.
• Under Coen, the Buccaneers' offense is expected to employ quite a bit more pre-snap shifts and movement than it had in 2023, and Coen also plans to widen the variety of the types of runs the ground game employees. One of Coen's other key initiatives in an attempt to get a moribund rushing attack going is to give quarterback Baker Mayfield multiple plays to choose from in the huddle and at the line so that the offense runs into unfavorable looks less often.
• Despite having tight salary cap restrictions, the Buccaneers made it a priority to retain key players from the 2023 season who were scheduled to hit free agency. General Manager Jason Licht and his staff successfully checked off every item on their list of priorities, beginning with a new two-year deal for franchise icon Mike Evans. That helped bring the team's negotiations with quarterback Baker Mayfield to a conclusion. After Mayfield played the 2023 season on a one-year prove-it deal, his resurgence landed him a lucrative new multi-year contract. The Bucs were also able to re-sign linebacker Lavonte David and kicker Chase McLaughlin. With the other deals in the works, the Bucs used the franchise tag on safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and later inking him to a new contract making him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL.
• All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs didn't need a new contract for 2024 but he was entering the final year of his rookie deal and the Buccaneers were highly motivated to lock him in to a new long-term pact. That lengthy process came to a head on August 1, when the two sides agreed on a five-year extension that runs through the 2029 campaign and makes him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL.
• In March, the Buccaneers traded cornerback Carlton Davis, who had started 75 games over six seasons with the team, to the Detroit Lions for a third-round pick in this year's draft. The Buccaneers eventually used that pick to select Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan.

Commanders:

• The Commanders parted ways with Head Coach Ron Rivera after four seasons and a 26-40-1 record, replacing him with Dan Quinn, who most recently served as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator for the past three seasons. This is Quinn's second shot at the head coach seat, having also guided the Falcons for six seasons (2015-20), a stint that included two playoff berths and one Super Bowl appearance. Quinn brought in former Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury to serve as the team's offensive coordinator and to work with ultra-mobile rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Joe Whitt, who previously worked with Quinn in both Atlanta and Dallas came aboard to run the defense. Other notable assistants on Quinn's staff include former Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn and former Raiders and Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Ken Norton Jr.
• The Commanders also overhauled the front office, bringing in former 49ers personnel man Adam Peters to serve as the general manager. Martin Mayhew, who previously had that title, remained with the team as a senior personnel executive.
• Peters was busy working the phones as the NFL-wide roster cutdown approached, swinging a pair of trades on the same day. One sent starting wide receiver Jahan Dotson, along with a 2025 fifth-round pick, to the division-rival Eagles in exchange for a third-round pick and two seventh-round selections, all in 2025. The other brought in kicker Cade York, whom Washington landed from the Browns in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick. The Commanders had originally intended to roll with former Jaguar Brandon McManus as their kicker in 2024 but ended up releasing him after he was accused of misconduct on a team plane with the Jaguars last season. They then signed Riley Patterson but left him go the same day they got York.
• As NFL free agency dawned in March, the Commanders created a list of 27 players who were either released or allowed to hit the open market without a new deal, development that is less surprising when a team has a brand new coaching staff. Only five of those 27 players subsequently re-signed with the team: wide receivers Jamison Crowder and Byron Pringle, tackle Cornelius Lucas, defensive end Efe Obada (currently on PUP list). The 22 players who did not return included nine who started at least seven games for Washington last year, such as safety Kamren Curl, CB Kendall Fuller, LB Cody Barton and wide receiver Curtis Samuel. It also included last year's backup quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, who is in line to start for New England this season.
• Washington gave their quarterback room a full makeover. In addition to letting Brissett leave in free agency, the Commanders also traded last year's starter, Sam Howell, to Seattle, along with fourth and sixth-round picks, in exchange for third and fifth-rounders. Washington then selected LSU star Jayden Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, with the third overall selection and have since named him the starter for Week One. The new number-two on the QB depth chart is Marcus Mariota, who was Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia last season. Washington only kept two quarterbacks on the roster during the regular season in 2023, but they gave themselves plenty of options for a third passer in 2024 between Jeff Driskel, Sam Hartman and Trace McSorley. Driskel and McSorley are both veterans signed during the offseason and Hartman was an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame. Driskel earned a spot on the active roster and Hartman stuck around on the practice squad.

INJURY REPORT

Key:

DNP: Did not participate in practice

LP: Limited participation in practice

FP: Full participation in practice

NL: Not listed

Buccaneers:

• DL Earnest Brown (ribs) – WEDS: LP; THURS: DNP. FRI: Placed on injured reserve.
• LB Lavonte David (rest) – WEDS: NL; THURS: NL; FRI: LP. Game Status: Not listed.
• OLB Yaya Diaby (ankle) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.
• LB SirVocea Dennis (shoulder) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.
• WR Mike Evans (rest) – WEDS: NL; THURS: NL; FRI: LP. Game Status: Not listed.
• CB Tyrek Funderburk (foot) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.
• DL Logan Hall (foot) – WEDS: DNP; THURS: DNP; FRI: DNP. Game Status: Out.
• CB Josh Hayes (hip) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.
• DL Calijah Kancey (calf) – WEDS: NL; THURS: NL; FRI: LP. Game Status: Questionable.
• K Chase McLaughlin (abdomen/illness) – WEDS: DNP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.
• S Kaevon Merriweather (knee) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.
• WR Trey Palmer (concussion) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Questionable.
• LB J.J. Russell (ribs) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.
• T Justin Skule (abdomen) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.
• OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (shoulder) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.
• S Jordan Whitehead (quadriceps) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP; FRI: FP. Game Status: Not listed.

Commanders:

• T Brandon Coleman (shoulder) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP
• DE Clelin Ferrell (knee) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP
• LB Dante Fowler (knee) – WEDS: FP; THURS: FP
• QB Marcus Mariota (chest) – WEDS: LP; THURS: DNP
• DT Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) – WEDS: LP; THURS: DNP
• DT Daron Payne (back) – WEDS: LP; THURS: FP
• T Trent Scott (knee) – WEDS: LP; THURS: FP

WEATHER FORECAST

Thunderstorms. High of 91, low of 76, 58% chance of rain, 77% humidity, winds out of the SSE at 6 mph.

GAME REFEREE

Head referee: Bill Vinovich (24th season, 21st as referee)

BETTING LINE

• Favorite: Buccaneers (-3.5)
• Over/Under: 43.5

INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS (final 2023)

Buccaneers-

Points Scored: K Chase McLauglin, 120

Touchdowns: WR Mike Evans, 13

Passing Yards: QB Baker Mayfield, 4,044

Passer Rating: QB Baker Mayfield, 94.6

Rushing Yards: RB Rachaad White, 990

Receptions: WR Chris Godwin, 83

Receiving Yards: WR Mike Evans, 1,255

Interceptions: S Antoine Winfield Jr., 3

Sacks: OLB Yaya Diaby, 7.5

Tackles: LB Lavonte David, 134

Commanders-

Points Scored: K Joey Slye*, 89

Touchdowns: RB Brian Robinson, 9

Passing Yards: QB Sam Howell*, 3,946

Passer Rating: QB Sam Howell*, 78.9

Rushing Yards: RB Brian Robinson, 733

Receptions: WR Terry McLaurin, 79

Receiving Yards: WR Terry McLaurin, 1,002

Interceptions: CB Kendall Fuller*/S Quan Martin, 2

Sacks: DE Montez Sweat*, 6.5

Tackles: LB Cody Barton*, 121

(* no longer with the team)

TEAM STAT RANKINGS (final 2023)

Buccaneers-

Scoring Offense: 20th (20.5 ppg)

Total Offense: 23rd (313.0 ypg)

Rushing Offense: 32nd (88.8 ypg)

Passing Offense: 17th (224.2 ypg)

First Downs Per Game: 25th (17.6)

Third-Down Pct.: 10th (41.5%)

Sacks Per Pass Attempt Allowed: 14th (7.04%)

Red Zone TD Pct.: 30th (45.8%)

Scoring Defense: 7th (19.1 ppg)

Total Defense: 23rd (334.2 ypg)

Rushing Defense: 5th (95.3 ypg)

Passing Defense: 29th (248.9 ypg)

First Downs Allowed Per Game: 21st (19.8)

Third-Down Pct. Allowed: 23rd (40.9%)

Sacks Per Pass Attempt: 17th (7.86%)

Red Zone TD Pct. Allowed: 3rd (42.6%)

Turnover Margin: 9th (+8)

Commanders-

Scoring Offense: 25th (19.4 ppg)

Total Offense: 24th (312.8 ypg)

Rushing Offense: 27th (93.6 ypg)

Passing Offense: 18th (219.1 ypg)

First Downs Per Game: 21st (18.9)

Third-Down Pct.: t-24th (35.7%)

Sacks Per Pass Attempt Allowed: 28th (10.22%)

Red Zone TD Pct.: 5th (63.3)

Scoring Defense: 32nd (30.5 ppg)

Total Defense: 32nd (388.9 ypg)

Rushing Defense: 27th (126.8 ypg)

Passing Defense: 32nd (262.2 ypg)

First Downs Allowed Per Game: t-29th (21.4)

Third-Down Pct. Allowed: 28th (41.6%)

Sacks Per Pass Attempt: t-25th (6.52%)

Red Zone TD Pct. Allowed: 21st (56.7%)

Turnover Margin: 32nd (-14)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Wide receiver Mike Evans tied for the NFL lead with 13 touchdown receptions in 2023, pushing his career total to 94, which ranks 13th in NFL history. Of the 12 players ahead of him on the list, only one is currently active, as the Raiders' Davante Adams is in the 12th spot with 95. Evans is well within reach of a top-nine spot this season, as Don Hutson is 11th with 99 and Tim Brown and Steve Largent are tied for 10th with 100.
• Evans enters the 2024 season looking to produce his 11th straight 1,000-yard receiving, a mark he hit in each of his first 10 campaigns to set an NFL record. In terms of overall 1,000-yard seasons, Evans could break a tie with Randy Moss to take over sole possession of second place if he gets his 11th in 2024. The only player in NFL history with more is Jerry Rice, with 14.
• As the 2023 season was ending Evans was closing in on former Bucs kicker Martin Gramatica for the franchise's all-time record for points scored. Evans, who has 95 total touchdowns (one on a fumble recovery) and four two-point conversions for a total of 578 points, is just 14 behind Gramatica as the 2024 season begins.
• As he enters his 13th season with the Buccaneers, linebacker Lavonte David sits fifth on the Bucs' all-time games plays list and fourth on the games started list, with 181 of each. He needs just three more of each to pass tackle Paul Gruber (183) on both lists.
• When David takes his first snap against Washington, he will have played in a 13th season for the Buccaneers. That ties Dave Moore for the third most seasons played for the franchise, behind only Rondé Barber (16) and Derrick Brooks (13).
• David also has 33.5 career sacks and needs 1.5 more to pass Chidi Ahanotu (34.5) for seventh place in franchise history.

NOTABLY QUOTABLE

• Head Coach Todd Bowles on Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was selected with the second overall pick in the 2024 draft: "Any time you face a dual-threat quarterback, it's going to be a problem. He can beat you with his legs or his arm. He was taken that high for a reason. He's very accurate, very calm in the pocket, has a good mastery of the offense from what we've seen…It's going to be tough trying to keep him in the pocket and trying to cover those guys."
• Special Teams Coordinator Thomas McGaughey on if any Bucs players have stood out on kickoff coverage: "You watch the tape, and Chris Braswell Jr. made a ton of plays. He just knows what he's doing – it's a football play. He said the other day, 'It's just like setting the edge and playing defense.' Yeah, it is. It's the exact same thing, so you know, him and Ko [Kieft] and some of those guys – they've done a good job. They're working hard and their trying to figure the play out and again, I always tell them, 'Just lean on your rules. Expect the unexpected but lean on your rules.' And if they do that, it'll take care of itself."
• Rookie center Graham Barton on how his confidence has grown since the start of training camp: "[I've] definitely come a long way, just getting in there at center and competing, building chemistry with the guys, improving on communication. Obviously, a lot of reps between six weeks ago and now, so I feel good. Feel ready to go. Just looking forward to diving into this game plan and getting ready for Washington."
• Quarterback Baker Mayfield of the closeness of this Buccaneers team: "This is the closest group I've ever been a part of, and that goes back to college days too, and that's pretty special and extremely rare, to be honest with you. Our guys – we have a group that's not going to take it for granted. You can't just expect everybody to go out there and roll over on people. You have to be able to go out and execute and we have a group that's that focused. We just expect that's the standard, and like I've mentioned before, the standard was already extremely high before I got here, and our vets do an unbelievable…We have the group that understands what we have to do to attack it and go out and win, but the chemistry will take you a long way. Week 1, I wouldn't necessarily say it's the biggest difference. It's really when adversity hits down the road, [that's] when you see what a team is made of, like last year. We expect to be a tight knit group and if a game is close, we expect to be coming out on top."
• Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. on Daniels: "From what I have seen, he is the real deal. Solid quarterback and he makes the right reads, and he is a dual-threat quarterback. He can run with the ball, so we have to do a good job of containing him."