TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Football is finally back and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are eager to prove that last season’s success wasn’t just a fluke, especially since the team is operating under a new offensive coordinator in Liam Coen.
With more veteran defensive players picked up in the free agency frenzy (return of former Buccaneer safety Jordan Whitehead) and of course, with Antoine Winfield Jr. being a freak of nature, the Tampa Bay team is ready for all the challenges that lie ahead.
While fans are eager to get the season underway, I think it’s safe to say that the Buccaneers are, too — given that their first matchup will be facing former LSU standout and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels — on their home turf.
It’s no secret that the Bucs have had their fair share of struggles against rookie quarterbacks in the past, at one point, going 1-11 against rookie arms from 2011-17.
However, the Bucs have improved against rookie quarterbacks under head coach Todd Bowles, going 10-5 in his first five years, including the loss in the 2022 finale when Tampa rested their starters against the Atlanta Falcons and then-quarterback Desmond Ridder, Fox Sports’ Greg Auman said.
Of course, the loss to Brock Purdy and the 49ers left a sour taste for Tom Brady’s homecoming in 2022 and C.J. Stroud’s stellar performance last season stood out, but overall, the team has been able to handle a rookie QB.
Rookie Threat: QB Jayden Daniels vs. S Antoine Winfield Jr.
As I previously mentioned, rookie quarterbacks aren’t anything the Bucs can’t handle, especially with star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. ready to showcase why he’s the league’s highest-paid defensive back.
According to Bucs’ Scott Smith, since Daniels is “so adept at the deep ball,” Winfield has to make sure he’s the last line of defense in case he decides to go over the top. With Daniels having the confidence to “throw the ball into tight windows” the safety will have the opportunity to capitalize on the close throws and come away with an interception.
Offense Ready to ‘Bake’ Once Again:
Baker Mayfield set a precedent early last season during the Bucs’ Week 1 upset over the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, which is not a quiet atmosphere. Although the team fell into a bit of a slump following their Week 5 bye week, the team and Mayfield recouped, finishing their season with a 9-8 record, solidifying themselves as the NFC South champs for the third consecutive year.
However, there are some slight offensive differences from this season to last. For starters, Liam Coen — the Bucs’ new offensive coordinator is running an offense that Mayfield described as taxing.
“It puts a lot on you. Mentally, in the front, it presents so Florida many different issues for the defense when it comes to their rules. Obviously, a lot of shifts, a lot of motions, things like that, and it makes them think and have to react,” Mayfield said.
And second, the first-time dad isn’t competing for a starting spot against Kyle Trask.
After Mayfield put up a career-best season by throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the Bucs to the Divisional Round of playoffs, the veteran became the team’s newest franchise quarterback and uplifting leader.
Season Opener
The Buccaneers will open their 2024 season against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 8. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. Fans can watch the game live on FOX.
