3 winners (and 4 losers) from the Commanders' loss at the Buccaneers in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Winner No. 3
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
All eyes were on Jayden Daniels during his regular-season debut at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rookie quarterback came into the Washington Commanders with a big reputation and lofty expectations on his shoulders. It was far from perfect, but there were more positives than negatives to take from his production.
Daniels missed some throws, but he went through his progressions quickly and seemed in command pre-snap. The Heisman Trophy winner showcased his phenomenal rushing ability to the tune of 88 yards and two scores. Getting in an early hole didn't assist - something the signal-caller and the Commanders need to avoid moving forward.
This was always going to be a rollercoaster campaign from Daniels. This was also his opening taste of live-fire in a competitive environment in the pros. He'll gain a tremendous amount from the experience en route to potentially better fortunes in the coming months.
The former LSU phenom wasn't the Commanders' biggest problem by any stretch of the imagination. There were separation issues from the wide receivers and the play-calling was conservative at best. Daniels made the best out of a bad situation, which is all anyone could ask for in these circumstances.
Loser No. 4
Cade York - Commanders K
It's been one worrisome kicker after another since the Commanders released Brandon McManus. Ramiz Ahmed and Riley Patterson weren't up to the required standards earlier this summer and were released. General manager Adam Peters sent a conditional seventh-round selection to the Cleveland Browns for Cade York. They might be getting that back in the coming days based on this showing.
York missed two field goals and put one kickoff out of bounds to cap off a miserable afternoon at the office. This was always the worry after the former LSU star didn't kick in a competitive environment during the 2023 season. There were other mitigating factors in play, but this didn't help Washington's cause whatsoever.
The Commanders have to part ways with their seventh-round pick if York plays two regular-season games. Dan Quinn said there will be a lengthy discussion about whether or not further reinforcements are required. Considering how Peters values draft picks, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the front-office leader go in a different direction.
This was not the start York envisaged. Whether he gets a reprieve or not, stands must enhance quickly at the spot.
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