Mayfield Leads Bucs to High-Flying Win; Next Up, Lions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off their season with a convincing 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium, fueled by a standout performance from quarterback Baker Mayfield and a defense that stifled Washington's offense throughout the contest.

Mayfield set the tone early , completing 24 of 30 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns, achieving a passer rating of 146.4. This performance ranks as the second-highest Week 1 passer rating in Buccaneers' history, just behind Ryan Fitzpatrick's 156.2 against New Orleans in 2018. His efficient play and poise in the pocket kept the Commanders’ defense off balance and showcased the offensive potential under head coach Todd Bowles.

Tampa Bay's offense was firing on all cylinders , racking up 392 total yards — their third-highest output since the start of the 2023 season. The Buccaneers' ground game contributed significantly, generating 112 rushing yards, marking the fifth time in their last eight games they surpassed the 100-yard mark.

The Bucs' balanced attack also proved lethal on third downs, converting 9 of 13 attempts (69.2%), a mark that leads the NFL and ranks as the sixth-highest in franchise history for a single game.

The Buccaneers' defense, under the guidance of Bowles, showed its strength against rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Commanders' offense. Tampa Bay limited Washington to just 299 total yards and a mere 2-for-8 on third-down conversions. The defense also continued its dominance over rookie quarterbacks.

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With this victory, the Buccaneers showcased a balanced offense and a resilient defense, setting a solid foundation for their season. Tampa Bay now turns its focus to Week 2, where they will face the Detroit Lions in a matchup that could further solidify their standing as a formidable force in the NFC.