By DJ Harding
The Washington Commanders began their season in Tampa Bay taking on the Buccaneers in what was a game of ups and downs. On the downside was the 37-20 loss the Commanders took as Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and four passing touchdowns.
The defense struggled a bit as Mike Evans caught five passes for 61 yards and two of Mayfield’s touchdowns. Evans running mate Chris Godwin had eight catches for 88 yards and a touchdown.
A highlight of that defense though was newcomer Bobby Wagner who led the Commanders with 10 total tackles while defensive back Quan Martin added nine tackles. Commanders kicker Cade York had a rough beginning to his season as he went 0/2 on field goals.
The number two overall pick Jayden Daniels made his career debut making history in his first outing despite not coming away with the win. The LSU product ran for 88 yards and two rushing touchdowns becoming the first rookie quarterback to do that in their season debut. Daniels also had the most rushing yards by a quarterback in their first game in the Super Bowl Era only trailing Kevin Hogan who had 104 rushing yards in 2016.
Daniels also threw for 184 yards while completing 17 of hsi 24 passes.
New addition Austin Ekeler didn’t do much on the ground only having 10 rushing yards on two carries but was the leading receiver with 52 yards off of four catches. Fellow offseason addition Zach Ertz had 28 yards from three catches.
Brian Robinson Jr was the biggest factor in the Commanders offense during the loss having 40 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown along with 49 receiving yards. The Commanders usual receiving yards leader Terry McLaurin was awfully quiet only having 17 yards from two catches.
The Commanders will look to get back in the win column next week as they take on the New York Giants at home with their home debut kicking off at 1:00 PM EST.
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