(Photo: Peacock)
NFC Wild Card
(6) Washington Commanders at (3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Commanders: Their future is tremendously bright and surprised many people this year. At one time, they were 7-2 and it was their best start through nine games since 1996. For years, they’ve been trying to get it right with the Head Coach and the Quarterback. Hiring Dan Quinn was a nice move for them and most importantly, he’s experienced which means something. What’s added life to this organization is the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Jayden Daniels who has taken the league by storm in his rookie season. To be so young, he’s so poised and acts as if he’s been here. There was never any moment during the regular season that phased him. I haven’t seen the levels of excitement this high with the Washington Commanders for a player since the days of Robert Griffin III and I hope he can remain healthy and we don’t have a repeat of how they handled that situation all those years ago. I know the knock on this football team is they’ve beaten teams during the regular season with below 500 records and people love holding that against them. That may be true, but you play who’s on your schedule and defeat who you defeat. Also, give them credit because they beat the Philadelphia Eagles in an epic game on December 22nd and snapped their winning streak. Speaking of winning streaks, the Commanders ended the season on a five-game winning streak and are looking to carry that momentum into the postseason. Tonight, they will begin the postseason where they opened their year up in week one.
Buccaneers: I’ll admit to you, I was concerned and was on the fence about them when they lost Chris Godwin for the season and even Mike Evans went out with an injury and missed some time. Also, the Atlanta Falcons were rolling and beat them in both meetings to hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over them. Then, Atlanta struggled and hit a losing streak at the worst possible time which then came down to week 18. All the Buccaneers needed to do was win their game against the New Orleans Saints and they’d be champs of the NFC South for the fourth consecutive season. They did just that and it was also a day where Mike recorded his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season. I’m sure there were people who expected them to come back to reality after Tom Brady retired and nobody can ever replace the GOAT and to stick with the subject of Quarterbacks, how about Baker Mayfield? There’s always been this label of him being a bad Quarterback when he’s far from it. He wasn’t in the best situation in Cleveland and I remember he moved and played with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams before signing with Tampa and he’s found a home. This year, he put together the best season of his career and showed why he earned every penny of the contract extension he received during the off-season. It’s another year where they will host a playoff game and tonight, they face a young and hungry Washington Commanders team who is looking to prove they belong.
Commanders X-Factor: Zach Ertz– He’s a true veteran who has played in the biggest games and even has experience on a team that’s won the Super Bowl (2017 Eagles). Zach has played well down the stretch to finish out the season as he scored a few touchdowns in the remaining games, including the winner against the Atlanta Falcons that helped the Commanders clinch a playoff spot. He’s a safety valve for the young Quarterback. If the Commanders want to win tonight, they’ll need a big performance from the veteran Tight End. Jayden relies on Zach in key situations.
Buccaneers X-Factor: Jalen McMillan– He has stepped up and become a key piece of the offense for Baker Mayfield. Jalen was a strong second option for Michael Penix Jr with the Washington Huskies and he’s been in a similar role for Baker. To get the ball, you have to earn the trust of your Quarterback and Jalen has done just that since accepting more of a role in the offense. He’s a smooth route runner who knows how to get open to separate himself. He may not be the quickest, but he’s fundamental in his approach.
Final Thoughts: These two met in week one and the Buccaneers won this game by 17 points. It was the NFL debut for Jayden Daniels and it’s safe to say he’s a much different Quarterback now compared to then. If there’s anything you know about a Todd Bowles-coached football team, he loves to blitz and this is one thing the Commanders must be prepared for as he will send whoever and whenever. Next for the Commanders is to get Terry McLaurin ten or more targets against this Tampa Bay secondary that has struggled. Kliff Kingsbury should find different ways to get Terry the football and lastly, slow Bucky Irving down! For the Buccaneers, they have one advantage and that’s their running game. Establishing the ground game against a Washington defense that has struggled will work in their favor tonight. I can’t wait to see the Bucs’ game plan against Jayden Daniels and how they plan on slowing him down. Antoine Winfield Jr is expected to return for this game tonight which should give this entire Tampa defense a boost. I’m expecting a mini shootout in this one at Raymond James Stadium and I’m picking Tampa Bay to win this football game.
Prediction: Buccaneers 28, Commanders 24
