Quarterback Jayden Daniels will make his professional debut on Sunday afternoon when the visiting Washington Commanders face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season opener for both teams.
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, beat out veteran Marcus Mariota to land the starting job.
“We knew we would get here, but we were just excited to see how we would,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said of the rapid development he saw from Daniels. “So, seeing him hit all the spots, this is a rare competitor, and those are the things that I knew about him.”
While the Commanders didn’t show off Daniels all that much this preseason, Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles has a general idea of what the Buccaneers will be dealing with on Sunday.
“He can beat you with his legs or his arm,” Bowles said of Daniels. “He was taken that high for a reason.”
Daniels is aware that there will be challenges in his debut, and he knows that he will have to adjust on the fly.
“It’s not gonna be a finished product Week 1, but just try to get better and go out there and go through some growing pains,” Daniels said. “You’re a rookie. You’re not gonna have everything perfect.”
Quinn is also a newcomer, taking over at the helm after serving as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator from 2021-23. He will be trying to help Washington get back on track after the Commanders went just 4-13 last season.
It’s been a different story for Tampa Bay, which has won three straight NFC South titles.
Last season’s success was fueled by former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, who completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns — all career bests.
There have been some changes for the Buccaneers, though, as Liam Coen took over as offensive coordinator for Dave Canales, who is now the coach of the Carolina Panthers. Tampa Bay also has a new center in rookie Graham Barton, a first-round draft pick out of Duke.
Barton has been taking the time to scout the Commanders’ defensive line as he prepares for his NFL debut.
“A lot of respect for what I’ve seen so far of them on tape,” Barton said. “It’s going to present a unique challenge for us, but I think we’re ready.”
The Buccaneers’ offense does still feature star wideout Mike Evans, who was tied with the Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill for the most touchdown receptions (13) in the league last season. Evans had 79 catches for 1,255 yards.
Even with Mayfield and Evans leading the way, putting up points against Washington could be tough due to Quinn’s defensive background. The Commanders also got some reinforcements this offseason, bringing in linebacker Frankie Luvu and safety Jeremy Chinn.
“They’ve got some talented players up there,” Bowles said. “I’ll probably be saying this every week. We don’t play any scrubs anymore. … It’s going to be a tough challenge. We know they’re a tough bunch.”
Defensive lineman Logan Hall (foot) and kicker Chase McLaughlin (abdomen/illness) did not practice for Tampa Bay on Wednesday.
Offensive tackle Trent Scott (knee) was one of four Commanders who were limited during Wednesday’s practice.
