Bucs 37, Commanders 20 – Bucs Defeat the Washington Commanders in Week 1

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the visiting Washington Commanders, 37-20 in Week One. The home team came out firing on all cylinders and quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 24-of-30 attempts for 289 yards, four touchdowns and a 146.4 QBR. Chris Godwin spearheaded the attack with eight catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.

The Buccaneers first drive culminated in a Chase McLaughlin 56-yard field goal, giving the home team a 3-0 advantage. The Bucs started the game with an emphasis on getting their playmakers on the perimeter, including a five-yard gain by Rachaad White off a screen and an 11-yard pickup by Chris Godwin down the right boundary for a first down. Following an incompletion to Jalen McMillan on third down, Tampa Bay was forced to punt. Tampa Bay’s defense followed suit by forcing a quick three-and-out. Jayden Daniels scrambled on third down but was pushed out of bounds by Jamel Dean short of the sticks.

The Bucs’ ensuing offensive drive stalled at the 16 following two Mayfield scrambles. The possession was highlighted by an acrobatic leaping grab by Mike Evans for a gain of 24 yards as he broke to the outside, but the home team was unable to cash in with seven. At the end of the first quarter, the Commanders’ drive was halted by an illegal block above the waist (10 yards enforced) at the Tampa Bay 19 and an incompletion to Olamide Zaccheaus on third down resulted in a 47-yard attempt by Cade York. His kick was wide right, keeping it a 6-0 game.

On the next drive, the Bucs found the end zone. A pair of 19-yard plays set up the score, including an out route by Trey Palmer and a screen by Rachaad White. Mike Evans capped off the eight-play, 63-yard drive by working over the top of the Commanders’ defensive back to haul in the touchdown. Evans was being held and then some but managed to pluck the ball out of the air. The Commanders responded with a touchdown of their own. Following a 10-yard keeper by Daniels and an unnecessary roughness penalty (hit to the head) at the Tampa Bay 11-yard line, Washington took advantage with a Brian Robinson seven-yard touchdown rush.

Just before the half mark, on the Bucs’ 13-play, 49-yard drive, Godwin served as the team’s catalyst. Whether a 14-yard gain off a square-in or a nine-yard gain off a quick out, he became Mayfield’s go-to target. Following an incompletion to Evans on third down after Mayfield was flushed out of the pocket, Tampa Bay had to settle for a McLaughlin…