Commanders vs. Buccaneers In 2024 NFC Wild Card Preview (1-11-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
TAMPA, FL – The NFL playoffs are finally here, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play host to the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card Round on Sunday evening at Raymond James Stadium with kickoff beginning at 8:25 p.m.
Washington met Tampa Bay in the opening week of the NFL season, falling to the Bucs 37-20. Jayden Daniels made his rookie debut completing 17-of-24 passes for 184 yards and two scores on the ground. Conversely, Baker Mayfield dominated throwing for 289 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a 146.4 rating.
Both teams have gone on different paths since the first meeting back in September. Tampa Bay started the season 4-2, followed by a midseason slump that saw them drop four games in a row. Tampa Bay was dealt injury blows on both offense and defense; they lost star receiver Chris Godwin in week seven due to a dislocated ankle. But Mayfield helped guide the Bucs to a second-straight NFC South crown, by winning the final 6-of-7 games of the season.
The Commanders finished the season hot, winning their final five games and clinching a playoff berth for the first time since the 2020 season. Rookie of the Year front-runner quarterback Jayden Daniels guided the Commanders to two huge victories over the Eagles and Falcons.
The defense for Washington has improved since the start of the season, playing together under defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., making key strides throughout the year to help Washington reach its 12-win season.
Dan Quinn has helped turn an organization around from a four-win season and questions surrounding the entire roster to a team that is in the playoffs with a rookie quarterback in year one of a rebuilding process.
Keys To Victory For Washington
● Protect Jayden Daniels: Daniels has been sacked 4+ times in the last 3 of 4 games played. That is unacceptable. Kliff Kingsbury has to get the offense started fast and hold it throughout the entire game. Washington’s offensive line must hold its own against a Tampa Bay defense that ranks sixth in total sacks and 2nd in blitz percentage. Finally, Daniels needs to find a way to make quicker decisions whether that means on his reads, throwing the ball away, or taking off and scrambling with his legs.
● Get The Running Backs Involved: What has happened to Washington’s ground attack with their tailbacks in the last month-and-a-half? In five of the last seven games of the season, it featured a Washington quarterback leading in rushing yards in the game. When you have Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler on your roster, you have to find a way to maximize the one-two punch that they’ve displayed earlier in the year. Yes, Ekeler and Robinson Jr. have dealt with injuries playing without one or the other. Kingsbury has to get back to establishing the run, making the defense fear the run, stacking the box, and opening up big plays down the field. It will be hard against the 4th ranked run defense in the league, but the threat of Daniels can help free up runs up the middle for the backs.
● Limit Big Plays: Washington’s secondary cannot allow Tampa Bay to create explosive plays that push the ball down the field or on the ground with rookie Bucky Irving. Communication among the secondary is key to understanding who should be where, passing off receivers, and just overall keeping a steady flow of trust among each other.
Evans vs. Lattimore
These two players have produced one of the best rivalries in the league during this decade. Always play at a high level when lined up against each other with some antics and emotions sprinkled in as well. Barring any setback in practice this week, Lattimore should return from his two-game absence after reaggravating his hamstring injury in the Dec. 22 matchup against the Eagles.
In their career matchups against each other, Lattimore has held Evans to….
Reg Season: 33 rec, 564 yards, 3 rec TDs (2.75 per reception, 47 yards per game, and .25 rec td per game)
Playoffs- 1 rec, 3 yards
Evans has been fined $100,000+ and suspended 1 game twice. Lattimore has been fined $10,5000.
Another chapter in the rivalry will take place on Sunday.
Playoff History vs. Tampa Bay
The Commanders have faced off against the Buccaneers in the playoffs three times in their franchise history. Tampa Bay holds a 2-1 advantage, with the most recent win taking place in the 2020 season. Where the eventual Super Bowl champion Bucs defeated the Taylor Henicke-led Washington Football Team (known at the time), 31-23 in a close Wild Card battle.
Washington earned its only victory against Tampa Bay in the 2005 Playoffs, highlighted by former legendary safety Sean Taylor returning a 51-yard fumble for a scoop and score. Ultimately, Washington won the defensive shootout, 17-10.
In the 1999 NFC Divisional Playoff matchup between the two teams, Washington had an opportunity at a go-ahead 51-yard field goal attempt. On the ensuing attempt, the snap from the center was low which holder Brad Johnson couldn’t corral, leading to him picking the ball up and looking for anyone who could get open and was ultimately tackled for no gain. Tampa Bay took possession running the clock out for a 14-13 victory.
Final Verdict
The key ingredient to playoff success is winning the turnover battles, star players shining bright in the big moments, and the quarterback play. Whichever team hits in those three areas has the recipe to advance to the next round. Lastly, the defensive units for both teams will be tested, it’ll be interesting to see which team doesn’t flinch and understand the “next play mentality”.
