5 Bucs to Watch Against Commanders in Week One

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Washington Commanders on Sunday, September 8 for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs’ brass managed to keep the team’s nucleus intact with offseason re-signings and inhouse expectations are set on the pinnacle. The quest for another NFC South crown begins on Sunday, as the Bucs host the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels. After a 4-13 season, the Commanders underwent significant changes, and their new front office and coaching staff will strive to build momentum in 2024. Here are five Bucs’ players to keep an eye on following kickoff:

Chris Godwin will revert back to his primary role in the slot this season and is poised for a breakout year. He became one of the most consistent offensive weapons during the offseason workout program, whether creating off a screen or a dig. Godwin will likely see a heavy dose of Commanders’ slot corner Mike Sainristil on Sunday. The Bucs will likely try and use Godwin’s trademark physicality in contested catch situations in going up against the 5-foot-10, 182-pound nickelback. Godwin will play the ‘F’ position similar to that of Rams’ Cooper Kupp. Bucs’ Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen served as the Rams’ assistant wide receivers coach in 2019 when Kupp had his first breakout year with 94 catches for 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns. With more space to operate out of the slot, Godwin takes advantage of a less restricted release. He is adept at picking up RAC yards off sweeps/crossers and plays with elite body control.

Rookie Graham Barton will make his first start at center on Sunday in a baptism-by-fire moment. The Bucs selected Barton with the 26th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft and he won the full-time gig after competing with Robert Hainsey. Throughout the spring, Barton has showcased the athleticism and drive blocking skills that warranted a first-round selection. With core strength, sudden hands and explosion off the line, Barton has helped solidify the interior of Tampa Bay’s line. The strength of the Commanders’ defensive line is in the middle with dynamic duo, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Allen compiled 5.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits last season and both Allen and Head Coach Dan Quinn will look to attack the interior of the Bucs’ line come Sunday. Allen is quick to diagnose and wins with effective hand placement, speed down the line and above-average footwork. In his NFL…