Jayden Daniels grew up dreaming about Sunday — the day he’ll make his NFL debut as a starting quarterback when his Washington Commanders take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While the rookie expects some first-day jitters, he said he’s ready to show the world what he can do.
“It’s kind of like butterflies before every game, so nothing changes. It’s kind of just the same thing; go out there,” the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft said. “Once that ball is kicked and I run on the field, take a deep breath, be where your feet are and go play football.”
Daniels is one of four Commanders rookies projected to start in the season opener against the Buccaneers. Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, cornerback Mike Sainristil and offensive tackle Brandon Coleman could also see extended playing time for coach Dan Quinn’s revamped squad.
But despite all the new blood, the Commanders say they’re prepared. The team has had seven months of offseason workouts, training camp and preseason games. Players say they’re ready to start the Quinn era with a bang.
“It’s our time to go out there and send a message to the league about what type of team we’re going to be — the type of guys that’s going to go out there every Sunday and compete,” Sainristil said.
The oddsmakers in Vegas don’t share the Commanders’ confidence heading into Week 1. Tampa Bay is favored by 3 1/2 points in the opener after winning the NFC South and a playoff game last season.
Coach Todd Bowles and quarterback Baker Mayfield will return for the Buccaneers this season, but Sunday’s game marks the first play-calling opportunity for offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
The Commanders said it’ll be an even playing field on Sunday. Washington’s coaches haven’t seen Coen’s offense, but nobody (outside the Commanders’ training facility) knows exactly what to expect from Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Kingsbury called an uber-conservative offense throughout the preseason, noting that he didn’t want to give opposing teams any insights ahead of the regular season.
With both offenses bringing unexpected wrinkles, Quinn said the game could come down to discipline, including turnovers and penalties.
“The discipline usually wins out in an opening game because the same nervous energy [the Commanders have] Tampa has the same things. They haven’t seen this; both teams have that,” Quinn said. “But who can have the discipline to — pre-snap, post-snap — stay in it. Play the next play.”
The blitz-happy Buccaneers defense will present an immediate challenge for a Commanders squad that allowed 65 sacks in 2023, the second-highest mark in the league. The offensive line features three new starters, including Coleman, but question marks remain.
Guard Nick Allegretti will slot into the starting lineup after starting just 13 games during his five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Coleman impressed during training camp, but the rookie missed all three preseason games with a shoulder injury.
“I’ll be ready for it,” Coleman told reporters. “There will be an adjustment period, but I’m excited and I’m ready to get out there.”
The matchup presents an opportunity for Daniels and the line to overcome their demons. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner struggled with pass rushers in college, taking sacks on 24% of pressure in his time at LSU and Arizona State.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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