7 bold Washington Commanders predictions at the Buccaneers in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels gains 300 all-purpose yards
After an offseason of hype that went through the roof, Jayden Daniels gets the chance to taste a regular-season environment for the first time in Week 1. The Washington Commanders are expecting big things from the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's more than capable of meeting these lofty goals looking at the way things unfolded over the summer.
Daniels didn't look like a first-year player at football's most pivotal position. His poise, timing, accuracy, and exceptional work ethic were notable from the moment he got into the building. He was outstanding over training camp and flashed real quality during limited preseason involvement. Hopefully, this new momentum can continue at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Todd Bowles won't want his team to be upstaged by a rookie signal-caller. The Buccaneers' pass defense was vulnerable in 2023, but there could be some tough times for Daniels in this one. At the same time, he's got the electrifying traits to make things extremely difficult for the opposition.
If Daniels can get 300 all-purpose yards (throwing and rushing) on the road, that'll do Washington's chances of coming away with a priceless opening-day win the world of good. It's a bold yet potentially attainable target for the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU.
Jeremy Chinn leads the Commanders in tackles
This is a bold statement considering the Commanders have Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner manning their linebacking corps. But if the reps are there for Jeremy Chinn, don't be surprised if he makes a significant impression.
Chinn looked like a potential superstar with the Carolina Panthers as a rookie. Moving him back to the safety spot saw a steady decline in influence. When Ejiro Evero switched their defense to a 3-4 base, he became an afterthought thanks in no small part to his perceived liability in coverage.
Things look much more promising for the Southern Illinois product this time around. Chinn's physical gifts look tailor-made for Dan Quinn's defensive scheme as a box safety. He's fast, physical at the contact point, and relies heavily on instincts. The former second-round pick is also highly motivated to prove people wrong.
That's a dangerous combination that can help the Commanders. Chinn knows this opposition well having gone up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice a season in Carolina. This familiarity should serve him well on his Washington regular-season debut.