Commanders vs. Bucs - Week 1 Preview; Upset Brewing?

The Washington Commanders are ready to open their season on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

For the Commanders, this team has been completely overhauled from the squad that took the field a year ago. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels brought a hype train to Washington that hasn’t been seen since Robert Griffin III’s rookie season.

Daniels is a dual threat quarterback who can beat you with his arms and legs. His high football IQ and ability to read defenses is going to help him a great deal.

A revamped offensive line and the addition of Austin Ekeler in the backfield alongside Brian Robinson Jr. will create threats in both the running game and the passing attack opening up the field for the other receivers.

Terry McLauren is one of just six receivers in the NFL to come into this season with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Joining him in that group are Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, Stefon Diffs, and Bucs receiver Mike Evans who starts this season with an NFL record 10 straight since coming into the league.

The defense has undergone a ton of changes and additions and under coach Dan Quinn’s scheme, should be much improved from the unit that finished as the worst in the league a year ago.

Related: Commanders' Dan Quinn Lofty (Irrational?) Goals For Offensive Line

For the Buccaneers, quarterback Baker Mayfield has finally found a home and has quite the connection with the aforementioned Evans. Rookie receiver Jalen McMillan has been quite impressive during training camp and the preseason, and rookie running back Bucky Irving has made quite the name for himself as well.

The last time these teams faced one another on opening day was exactly 20 years ago and was the rookie debut for running back Clinton Portis, safety Sean Taylor, and tight end Chris Cooley. The Commanders came out on top in that game 16-10.

This will be game No. 26 in the series with Washington leading 13-12.

The game will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday afternoon.

Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.