The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open up the 2024 NFL season against the Washington Commanders and number two pick Jayden Daniels. While the Commanders have the advantage of mystery after overhauling most of their roster including brand new linebackers and trading Jahan Dotson, Tampa should still have some favorable matchups to exploit.
Favorable Matchups Buccaneers Must Take Advantage of vs. Commanders
Mike Evans vs. Commanders Secondary
Mike Evans is fresh off his best statistical season since 2018, and a brand new 2-year 41 million dollar deal to return to the Buccaneers. Evans has a history with the Commanders, breaking the record for the youngest player to have 200 yards in a game at just 21 years old in 2014 against Washington. While the Commanders have overhauled their ownership and team, the secondary remains the biggest question. Benjamin St-Juste and Michael Davis lead the way for Washington, the duo combining for just two interceptions in 2023. Evans’s 6’5 frame and slept-on speed should provide Baker Mayfield with an open option early and often, making for a top favorable matchup
Yaya Diaby vs. Brandon Coleman/Andrew Wylie
Diaby’s rookie campaign had the former Louisville Cardinal in DROY discussions by the end of the season. Despite only starting seven games, Diaby stuffed the stat sheet with 7.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and eight QB hits. While Diaby’s stats are a mouthful, what makes his matchup favorable for the Buccaneers is his speed and power are a handful for any offensive lineman. Diaby possesses a lethal first step that leaves the lineman off balance trying to regroup. Having run a 4.51 40-yard dash, Yaya’s speed at 265 pounds topped out as second-best for defensive edges in the 2023 NFL draft. Diaby will line up across from either Brandon Coleman, a rookie out of TCU, or Andrew Wylie who gave up 9 sacks in 2023 per PFF.
Antoine Winfield Jr vs. Jayden Daniels
The best favorable matchup may have been left for last. Antoine Winfield Jr had a historic 2023 season earning All-Pro honors with three interceptions, six forced fumbles, four fumble returns, six sacks, and six tackles for loss. Winfield Jr’s performance made it easy for the Buccaneers to make him the highest-paid safety in history, and he’ll look to prove Tampa’s investment as a smart one. Although they never played each other, Winfield still has the edge in this matchup. The All-Pro earned that title, and “best safety in the NFL” for being able to diagnose plays, sure tackling, and take away the deep ball. Bowles will look to confuse the rookie with exotic looks and pressures, which could include Winfield coming off the edge to make an impact. Take the veteran to make Daniels’s day that much harder.
While the Commanders will have a brand new QB, and look on both sides of the ball. if the Buccaneers take advantage of key matchups Daniels and company could be made to walk the plank.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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