For most teams in the NFL, this is just another season coming around. For the Washington Commanders, it's much more than that.
New people are calling the big shots, new coordinators calling the plays, and there is a new franchise quarterback with the future riding on him. There is, however, a group of wearied fans so hungry to see the once proud franchise return to its heights, that another failed experiment could be the death of the fanbase on its ninth life.
But that's not going to happen.
There are too many good players on the roster and too many strong coaches in the building. And despite the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' trip to the playoffs last year, they are more than beatable. Regardless of the experts' picks, look for the Commanders to steal the win this week and start their exciting era of change off on the right foot.
With that being said, here are three reasons why the Commanders will secure success at Raymond James Stadium in Week 1.
Reasons the Commanders will beat the Buccaneers in Week 1
Commanders' newfound positivity shines through
If you have been paying attention during training camp and the offseason, then you already know there is a completely different, much stronger energy surrounding the Washington Commanders than there has been in a long time. This is something they can put to good use in their road opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With the added energy in the building, as well as a beatable opponent, look for the veteran leaders on this team - from Dan Quinn and Bobby Wagner to Jonathan Allen and Scary Terry - to have their team ready for the big occasion. A strong, steady run game won't hurt their cause, especially considering how vulnerable Tampa Bay's pass defense was last season.
Above all else, the Commanders must take this improved atmosphere into a competitive setting. It won't be perfect with different schematic concepts and plenty of fresh faces to mesh, but the collective mindset across the roster should stand them in tremendous stead.
Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury attack suspect Bucs' secondary
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense last year ranked towards the lower echelons in yards conceded. They were especially poor in the secondary, which ranked as the fourth-worst unit in the league with 249.6 passing yards per game given up. That won't have gone unnoticed by the Washington Commanders during their preparations for the clash.
What did they do to fix that, you ask?
The Buccaneers added a safety in the third round from Georgia, two backup cornerbacks, and a safety returning to them from the New York Jets. One would have thought those in power would have tried to snag a cornerback in the first round, but they went elsewhere.
With the Commanders looking to ramp up the speed and be more vertically aggressive in Kliff Kingsbury's new system, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels should be able to thrive at Raymond James Stadium. He has one of the best deep balls to come out of the draft in some time. This is a great opportunity for much-maligned wide receiver Dyami Brown to get on the same page with the gifted signal-caller.
If Brown can break out this year - which couldn't be completely dismissed after his sensational offseason when all hope seemed lost - the Commanders could make noise. That all starts in Week 1.
Of course, if the newly structured offensive line doesn't hold up, this will be a problem not even a talent like Daniels can withstand. If there are signs of trouble this week, look for Brian Robinson Jr. and pass-catching running back Austin Ekeler to make a difference in the passing game.
The Commanders will also need more from their tight ends. Zach Ertz is aging but has proven production in big moments. Ben Sinnott boasts long-term upside, but it remains to be seen how heavily he'll be involved right out of the gate.
But make no mistake about it, this Buccaneers secondary is going to get tested early and often.
Commanders defense stuffs the run
The Washington Commanders have had one of the best defensive tackle duos in the entire NFL for a few years now. Last year they slowed down somewhat, but don't hold that against them.
There were a lot of things going on. The motivation just wasn't there. Daron Payne regressed accordingly. For a long time, it looked like the 2023 campaign might be Jonathan Allen's last in Washington as frustrations reached boiling point.
But now the Commanders don't only have the gritty Joe Whitt Jr. calling the shots on defense - they also have two of the nastiest linebackers in all of the NFL right behind them. That's tremendous news for Allen and Payne as they look to bounce back in 2024.
A lot of talk has been about Bobby Wagner, the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer coming to the Commanders on a one-year deal fresh off of leading the league in tackles last year. Washington also secured the services of Frankie Luvu, who is also a legitimate star.
The former undrafted free agent plays the vicious head-hunting style that the new coaches like so much. He is going to be a tone-setter this year for the club. Having someone like Wagner alongside him only raises encouragement.
With these four spearheading the new front seven, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should not be able to run on them. They finished the season dead last in total rushing yards league-wide last season. Previous offensive coordinator Dave Canales became the Carolina Panthers head coach, so a new scheme might result in improvements.
In response to this, look for the Buccaneers to test the Commanders' secondary. In particular, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. to see if he has improved or regained his confidence.
A lot of this game could come down to Forbes' and Benjamin St-Juste's ability to keep Mike Evans held somewhat in check. But even if the wideout does go off, expect the Commanders to edge the Buccaneers in the season opener.
