3 winners (and 4 losers) from the Commanders' loss at the Buccaneers in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Winner No. 2
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders are expecting big things from their running back partnership this season. We got the first glimpse of this dynamic in a competitive regular-season setting in Week 1, which saw Brian Robinson Jr. assume the bulk of the team's workload at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Robinson ended the day with a modest 40 rushing yards and one touchdown from 12 carries. However, the former Alabama star's continued progress in the passing game was a rare positive from an otherwise underwhelming afternoon's work from the Commanders.
The 2022 third-round selection brought in three of four targets for 49 receiving yards. Couple this with Austin Ekeler's 52 yards after bringing in all four of his receptions, and the running back duo achieved three figures between them. That was arguably the biggest encouraging offensive element aside from Jayden Daniels' rushing ability.
Getting into an early deficit meant the run game became a relative afterthought once again with Washington chasing the contest. Robinson looked the part, so getting him more involved as part of a balanced attack under Kliff Kingsbury is crucial.
Loser No. 3
Commanders DTs
If the Commanders want to stand any chance of making strides this season, they need their defensive tackle tandem firing on all cylinders. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are a highly-priced pairing who both underachieved last time around. This has to change if Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense wants to make their presence felt.
It wasn't the best start for Allen and Payne in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They were lackluster against the run and failed to finish off plays effectively when pressure was generated. That might sound a little harsh, but this duo is held to a much higher standard than almost anybody.
This was incredibly frustrating. Baker Mayfield is a slippery customer who navigated the pocket exceptionally well throughout. However, Allen and Payne have the talent to be wrapping him up with more conviction.
Allen and Payne will know their performance levels weren't good enough upon further examination of the game film. There's a chance to put this right immediately when they welcome the New York Giants and under-fire quarterback Daniel Jones to Northwest Stadium in Week 2.