The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to host the Washington Commanders this Sunday for their season opener. We have analyzed and broken this game down and most Bucs fans are probably feeling pretty good. This should be a comfortable win by all accounts.
So obviously, picking the Bucs to win isn’t a hot take. However, I do have a few that could come to pass this Sunday. Here are my Buccaneers Hot Take Predictions vs The Washington Commanders.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka Starts With A Splash
Many have begun to write off the Bucs 2021 first round pick. Part of that is understandable as he has never come to fruition as the pass rusher that fans hoped they were getting which is why the Buccaneers declined his rookie 5th year option on his contract. However, it feels like some have mistaken Joe Tryon-Shoyinka for a bad player.
In reality, he still has all the tantalizing physical tools that the Bucs fell in love with when they drafted him and he has developed during his time in the NFL. Sadly, he has just never developed that counter move that could really make him dangerous getting after the quarterback.
With that said, he might not need a lot of moves to sack Jayden Daniels this weekend. The Washington has an uncertain situation at left tackle; starting either a mid round rookie or a guy who many would view as replacement level. I’m prediction the Tryon-Shoyinka get not one, but two sacks this weekend.
Hello Rachaad White!
The Bucs have said over and over again this offseason that they want to improve the running game. They are hoping that two new starters on the offensive line, including first round pick Graham Barton, will help that. There is also a lot of optimism around second year guard Cody Mauch who looks bigger and stronger than he did last year.
I expect Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen to try and set the tone this weekend and build an identity. Running back Rachaad White will get a heavy dose of carries this weekend. I’m expecting him to be fairly successful with those, despite a strong interior to Washington’s defense.
However, White will likely do even more damage as a pass catcher. Linebacker Bobby Wagner led the NFL in combined tackles last year, but there is no doubt that he’s lost a step. Having to cover White who is one of the best receiving running backs in the NFL is a very favorable matchup for Tampa Bay.
The over/under for White’s total yardage is right around 80 in this game. I’m predicting over 140 total yards for White on Sunday.
Washington Doesn’t Crack Double Digits
This game is expected to be rainy and warm. Not exactly a recipe for an explosive offensive day. Especially considering what the Commanders are bringing to town on the offensive side of the ball.
Daniels is an exciting rookie quarterback, but he is still a rookie in his first NFL start. And with limited weapons and in sloppy conditions, I’m not too worried about him beating the Bucs through the air. Especially considering the pass rush against a left tackle situation that is rocky at best. If the Commanders clear 200 passing yards then they should feel good.
In terms of running the ball, Todd Bowles will have to be very aware of Jayden Daniels running the ball, but other than that the Buccaneers should be able to handle this rushing attack pretty easily. Vita Vea is still one of the dominant nose tackles in the league and Washington just doesn’t have the juice in running back to threaten this defense.
There is a very real chance that the Commanders don’t find the endzone in this game and I am predicting, in my hottest take of the week, that the Bucs hold Washington under 10 points.
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