TAMPA, Fla. – The Washington Commanders traveled south to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the opener of the 2024 NFL season, trailing 16-7 at halftime.
The scoring began on the first drive of the game, when the Buccaneers advanced to the Commanders’ 38-yard line and kicker Chase McLaughlin sank his 56-yard field goal attempt, giving his team an early 3-0 lead.
When Washington rookie Jayden Daniels officially got his hands on the ball for the first time as an NFL quarterback, he did so after a touchback following a field goal at his own 30-yard line.
READ MORE: Commanders vs. Buccaneers: How to watch, time, TV, predictions, preview
Unfortunately, Daniels’ first career pass attempt actually ended in a fumble for the rookie, as his pass went backwards and was intended for running back Brian Robinson Jr. and bounced out of bounds, resulting in a loss of 15 yards. From there, it was pretty easy to predict a three-and-out, and Washington promptly punted the ball away.
On the ensuing possession, Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield threw a pass that Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste caught with both hands but couldn’t hold onto. Ultimately, the drive that should have ended there ended with another Buccaneers field goal, and with five minutes left in the first quarter, the home team held a 6-0 lead.
Daniel’s second drive went much better, even if the result was the same. In addition to completing four of his five pass attempts for 20 yards, the rookie also ran for 26 yards, putting Washington in range for a 47-yard field goal attempt by Cade York that missed right and made the score 6-0 Tampa Bay.
The problem with missed scoring opportunities is that you can’t count on your opponent to do the same. On the drive after Washington’s missed field goal, the Bucs offense completed two passes for 19 yards and one for 17 yards. The 17-yard pass went to Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, who outran Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste in the end zone and scored the game’s first touchdown. The extra point gave Tampa Bay a 13-0 lead.
On their third drive of the game, however, Daniels and the offense were able to respond. With two explosive plays – a 22-yard pass and run to running back Austin Ekeler and a 12-yard run by Daniels, which was given an additional 15 yards by a Tampa Bay defensive penalty – Washington took the ball to the opposing seven-yard line and handed it off to running back Brian Robinson Jr., who scored his and the team’s first touchdown of the year. York kicked the extra point after the touchdown and the lead was effectively cut to 13-7.
The lead didn’t last too long, however, as the Buccaneers got back in position to win. With 16 seconds left in the first half, McLaughlin kicked another field goal to extend the lead back to nine points before halftime.
With 16 seconds left and a timeout, Washington decided to take a knee and send us into halftime with the Commanders trailing 16-7.
READ MORE: Commanders QB misses season opener against Bucs
Stay with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.
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