The 6th-seed Commanders head to Tampa to take on the 3rd-seeded Buccaneers this weekend. Both teams have high-powered offenses that should put up plenty of points. The Bucs won in week 18 just to be here, and they have the experience, but Jayden Daniels is as special as they get. Here’s a look at how this game should play out:
When Washington has the ball:
Tampa’s run defense has been very tough all season long, especially with Vita Vea manning the interior line. It’s hard to imagine Brian Robinson Jr. having a lot of room to run, so it would not be shocking to see Jayden Daniels lead the team in rushing yards.
Commanders Key Pass Catchers:
Tampa has been one of the worst teams in pass defense all season, as they are terrible against WR1, tight ends, and slot receivers. The Commanders have a terrific WR1 in Terry McLaurin and a very solid tight end in Zach Ertz. If Daniels can elude the pass rush, he should be able to take a few big shots downfield to McLaurin.
Jayden Needs To Stay Composed:
This is a game that the Commanders can win if Daniels can keep his composure and complete critical third-down opportunities when they arise.
When Tampa has the ball:
Baker Mayfield has been one of the top quarterbacks this season and has full command of this offense. He has just enough mobility and athleticism to elude the Commanders tough pass rush and make some big downfield plays.
Bucky Leads The Charge:
Tampa Bay has two excellent young running backs in Bucky Irving and Rachaad White. Irving has taken the mantle as RB1 and is very fluid out of the backfield catching the football as well as finding the zone gaps to run. White is the Bucs preference in goal-line situations but he has seen fewer carries in the past few weeks due to a fumbling issue.
Bucs Pass Catchers:
Mike Evans eclipsed 1000 yards once again this season and is the Bucs go-to receiver, but the Commanders added his old nemesis Marshon Lattimore before the trade deadline from the Saints, which might be the difference in this game. Rookie Jalen McMillan has really stepped up recently and will be needed with Evans being contained, but the key may be the return of tight end Cade Otton, who has missed the last few weeks with an injury. He is a very big presence in the red zone and a reliable target for Mayfield.
Conclusion:
Tampa is a 3-point favorite at home, but it feels like this game will come down to whether Jayden Daniels can make the necessary plays against a Tampa defense that has really struggled against top quarterbacks. Baker is going to have to match Daniels point for point if Tampa wants to win.
