TAMPA — The result was impressive. The trip was better.

The Bucs began the 2024 season with an efficient, largely error-free 37-20 win over the Commanders on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. The new-look offense under Liam Coen had open receivers all afternoon, and the running game came to life in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

The defense had some trouble containing Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels on running plays, but otherwise avoided key plays.

Rookies Jalen McMillan and Bucky Irving had a big afternoon for Tampa Bay in their NFL debut. McMillan caught a 32-yard pass and Irving led the Bucs in the running game with 62 yards on nine carries.

Match of the day

The score had become uncomfortably close late in the third quarter — a Daniels touchdown cut Tampa Bay’s lead to 23-14. The Bucs faced second-and-5 from their own 33-yard line when Baker Mayfield threw a screen pass to Rachaad White, who sprinted down the left sideline and gained 32 yards. Tampa Bay’s rookie center Graham Barton was flagged for being too far forward before the pass, but the referees recognized it after a video review. Three plays later, the Bucs scored a touchdown and the game was effectively decided.

Play ball

Is anyone going to complain that Mayfield got a three-year, $100 million contract in the offseason? The Bucs QB was brilliant on Sunday, completing 24 of 30 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns with a 146.4 passer rating. He also rushed for 21 yards and the Bucs played without a turnover.

Keep an eye on

Don’t be surprised if we see roster changes this week. The Bucs entered the Washington game with a somewhat banged-up defensive line and left with even bigger problems in the secondary.

Cornerback Zyon McCollum left the field in the first half with a possible concussion. Backup Josh Hayes went down with an ankle injury and Bryce Hall was carted off the field in the third quarter with a right leg injury. Tampa Bay played most of the second half with Jamel Dean as its only true cornerback. Safety Christian Izien, who played some nickel cornerback in 2023, filled in at the other position.

NFC South Update

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So here’s what we know: The Bucs won’t give up the division title easily, the Saints may be better than everyone thought, the Falcons fell far short of expectations, and Dave Canales better be in Carolina. The biggest news was Atlanta’s 18-10 home loss to Pittsburgh. Kirk Cousins ​​had a horrific debut, throwing for just 155 yards and two interceptions after signing a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons.

Next

So, so, so. Here’s an opportunity for a little unfinished business. Eight months ago, the Bucs were 15 minutes and one point away from the NFC Championship Game. The score was 17-17 against the Lions in the fourth quarter of a divisional playoff game. Detroit eventually won 31-23 before losing to San Francisco the following week. The Bucs return to Detroit next week for a 1 p.m. game.

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