3 reasons the Washington Commanders will beat the Buccaneers in Week 1
Commanders defense stuffs the run
The Washington Commanders have had one of the best defensive tackle duos in the entire NFL for a few years now. Last year they slowed down somewhat, but don't hold that against them.
There were a lot of things going on. The motivation just wasn't there. Daron Payne regressed accordingly. For a long time, it looked like the 2023 campaign might be Jonathan Allen's last in Washington as frustrations reached boiling point.
But now the Commanders don't only have the gritty Joe Whitt Jr. calling the shots on defense - they also have two of the nastiest linebackers in all of the NFL right behind them. That's tremendous news for Allen and Payne as they look to bounce back in 2024.
A lot of talk has been about Bobby Wagner, the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer coming to the Commanders on a one-year deal fresh off of leading the league in tackles last year. Washington also secured the services of Frankie Luvu, who is also a legitimate star.
The former undrafted free agent plays the vicious head-hunting style that the new coaches like so much. He is going to be a tone-setter this year for the club. Having someone like Wagner alongside him only raises encouragement.
With these four spearheading the new front seven, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should not be able to run on them. They finished the season dead last in total rushing yards league-wide last season. Previous offensive coordinator Dave Canales became the Carolina Panthers head coach, so a new scheme might result in improvements.
In response to this, look for the Buccaneers to test the Commanders' secondary. In particular, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. to see if he has improved or regained his confidence.
A lot of this game could come down to Forbes' and Benjamin St-Juste's ability to keep Mike Evans held somewhat in check. But even if the wideout does go off, expect the Commanders to edge the Buccaneers in the season opener.
More Commanders news and analysis
feed