Bucs Week 1: How Will 'Very Sound' Defense Handle Commanders QB Daniels?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finalized their 53-man roster this week and now have a centered focus their regular season journey. That trek begins on Sunday, September 8, in the welcoming confines of Raymond James Stadium.

Tampa Bay will meet the Washington Commanders in their opener, navigating into a new era with head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels. The rookie, however, will be the main focus of this matchup.

Coming off a Heisman-winning campaign at Louisiana State University, Daniels takes over under center for a team that has been starving for its next franchise quarterback since losing Kirk Cousins.

But he will have quite the challenge in his regular season debut, taking on Todd Bowles who has found success against rookie quarterbacks during his Tampa Bay tenure with a 10-5 record against that group.

"I mean, a very sound defense. Obviously what Todd Bowles does over there and his track record as a defensive coordinator. Everything speaks for itself," said Daniels .

"They got a very savvy veteran, Lavonte David, that's controlling the defense. He knows what's gonna go on, so we gotta go out there and we just gotta execute. They got a very good front and very overall good defense."

The Bucs' best bet will be to get to Daniels early and fluster the young quarterback, building off the success they found in the pass rush last season. Tampa Bay finished among the top 10 in total sacks (48).

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A big part in that strategy will be the health of YaYa Diaby who missed the preseason with an ankle injury. Last year's Bucs' sacks leader hopes to be on the field Week 1.

Tampa Bay's veteran players will be of importance as well in disrupting the Commanders' attack, setting the tone for the younger players around the defense. That means a strong start from David, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Vita Vea in their respective areas of the scheme.

It appears the rookie acknowledges the challenge in front of him for his first NFL start. But the Bucs' job will be to make Daniels feel their presence at all times.