Offensive Onslaught
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got off to a hot start against the visiting Washington Commanders as Baker Mayfield threw four touchdown passes en route to an impressive 146.4 quarterback rating. He orchestrated two back-to-back drives with eight completions on eight attempts and overall, Tampa Bay scored on their first five possessions at Raymond James Stadium. The offense hummed under the direction of first-year Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen.
Mayfield threw a couple touchdown passes to Mike Evans, and one to both Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. On the first to Evans, Mayfield found No. 13 streaking down the left sideline on a go and the future Hall of Fame receiver made a jaw-dropping grab. The Commanders' Benjamin St.-Juste was physical off the line and held Evans, but the prolific high-point receiver still managed to bring in the catch. Later in the third quarter, Godwin caught Mayfield's pass and extended for the touchdown. Evans and Godwin were lined up in a bunch formation on the left side and Evans did an outstanding job as the decoy selling the route, running straight for the end zone. Godwin ran a quick out to the flat, creating separation to snag the ball for the score. Mayfield completed 24 of 30 passes for 289 yards, with no interceptions. He showcased his competitive disposition and versatile ability, scrambling for 21 yards on the ground. He eluded pressure throughout the afternoon and made a couple side-arm passes that rivaled those of Patrick Mahomes.
Throughout the matchup, Godwin became the offensive catalyst and Mayfield's go-to on third down. The former Penn State standout caught eight passes for 83 yards and a four-yard touchdown on a quick out that gave the Bucs a 23-7 advantage. Seven of his eight catches resulted in a first down and four were third-down conversions. Godwin was quick out of breaks and gained leverage on the Commanders' defensive backs with physicality at the top of routes. Whether working the middle of the field or the perimeter off out-breakers or screens, Godwin moved the chains for Tampa Bay. He also showcased his run-blocking prowess, paving the way for Bucky Irving on a 31-yard run. Out of a mid-zone look, after taking a course inside, Irving cut to the edge, led by a Godwin block to seal off the lane.
Defensive Recap
Tampa Bay's defense faced an elusive rookie dual-threat quarterback in Jayden Daniels, who ran for 88 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. However, the Bucs' unit held the Commanders' offense to just 299 total yards and a 25% efficiency rate on third down (two-of-eight). Terry McLaurin, the team's bonafide offensive weapon and the focal point of Todd Bowles' gameplan, was held to just two catches for 17 yards. Washington's running backs only managed 50 yards on the ground as the Bucs rallied to the football. Coming into the opener, Tampa Bay started the game without Calijah Kancey, who reaggravated his calf, and Logan Hall, who suffered a foot injury in practice.
"I thought they did an excellent job – Izzy at corner, and with [DL C.J.] Brewer and [DL] Mike Greene coming up and [DL Ben] Stille coming up," said Bowles. "Those guys did a heck of a job inside on the line with Will [Gholston] and [Greg] Gaines playing out of position as well."
The Bucs brought consistent pressure and outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka had an impressive outing with a sack, forced fumble, quarterback hit and a tackle for loss. SirVocea Dennis, a stellar coverage linebacker who was brought in on several third-down passing situations, accumulated a sack of his own. In the fourth quarter, Lavonte David fired on a blitz and Dennis finished the play off by bringing Daniels to the ground.
Injury Updates
The Buccaneers' depth will be tested as injuries piled up in the secondary against the Commanders. Todd Bowles confirmed on Monday at the podium that cornerback Bryce Hall will "definitely" miss the club's Week Two matchup in Detroit with an ankle injury and he will likely miss the remainder of the season. Hall came into the game after Zyon McCollum suffered a concussion during the first half. Reserve Josh Hayes also suffered an ankle injury and did not return, further depleting the depth at the cornerback position. Christian Izien was then thrust into action at outside corner opposite Jamel Dean, which is a position the nickelback had not played since high school. Bowles also disclosed that All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. was injured on one of the final two plays against Washington and was wearing a boot. The staff will continue to monitor Winfield's progress and against Detroit in Week Two, rookie Tyrek Funderburk could make his way into the starting cornerback lineup on the road.
