Washington Commanders fans, mark your calendars—Jayden Daniels’ NFL debut is on the horizon. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that Daniels and the Commanders will open their season on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The exact kickoff time has yet to be announced.
This game will serve as a strong benchmark for the Commanders, as the Buccaneers are one of six playoff teams they’ll face this season. Tampa Bay’s solid defense will provide a good challenge for Jayden Daniels, though not so intense that he’ll be scrambling on every play.
The Commanders last met the Bucs in 2024, when they were still known as the Washington Football Team. Despite being heavy underdogs, they pulled off an impressive 29-19 upset over Tom Brady and company in one of their standout performances of the season.
Washington and Tampa Bay also faced off in the Wild Card Round of the 2024 playoffs, where the Buccaneers won 31-23 on their way to a Super Bowl LV victory. Despite Washington finishing the regular season with a 7-9 record, they gave Tampa one of their toughest postseason challenges, which was highly commendable.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels made his regular-season debut, displaying potential with his dynamic performance. The Heisman Trophy winner led the team in rushing, amassing 88 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, while also completing 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards. Despite his athleticism and quick decision-making, the Commanders’ offense struggled with consistency. The passing game, hampered by a conservative approach and the receivers’ inability to create separation, failed to generate any touchdowns. Key playmaker Terry McLaurin was limited to just 17 yards on two receptions.
The Commanders’ offensive line experienced mixed results during the game. Brandon Coleman, a third-round pick, returned from an offseason shoulder injury and showed promise in limited action at left tackle, indicating he could take on a larger role in the future. Meanwhile, Brian Robinson Jr. made contributions both on the ground and through the air, accumulating 40 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with 49 receiving yards on three catches. Austin Ekeler also aided the offense, adding 52 receiving yards and providing some much-needed sparks.
