TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes the field as players are introduced before the game against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
For the first time in team history, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won 4 consecutive opening day matchups. With their 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium Sunday, the Bucs season opener win tied a record for the second longest opening day winning streak. We'll have to wait until next season to see the streak gets extended to snap the tie with the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins.
Bucs Season Opener Standouts
Baker Mayfield was cool, calm and collected. He had an impressive day with 289 yards. Mayfield completed 24 of 30 passes and threw no interceptions. He ended the day with a passer rating of 146.4. Mike Evans was a beast scoring two touchdowns.
After the great start, now the Bucs head to Detroit to take on the Lions Sunday at 1pm. The Lions are coming off a win too. They beat the LA Rams 26-20 at Ford Field.
Injuries
The big downside of Sunday's win for the Bucs... injuries. The defense was especially hit hard. The Bucs secondary was almost wiped out by the end of the game Sunday.
Logan Hall and Calijah Kancey were already out. There were early exits with cornerback Zyon McCollum, Bryce Hall and Josh Hayes. Greg Auman tweeted that Hall dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula. A rough debut for sure in the Bucs season opener. Another point of concern... Antoine Winfield Jr. was in a boot after the game, according to the Pewter Report.
Looking Ahead
After Sunday's matchup with the Lions, the Bucs return to Raymond James Stadium September 22 to face the Denver Broncos. Then there's one more home game against the Philadelphia Eagles September 29 before the team heads to Atlanta to take on the Falcons for a Thursday Night Football matchup. After that we take on the Saints, which was the only other team in the NFC South to get a win in Week 1 of the new NFL season.
Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: A general view inside the stadium before the game between the Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes the field as players are introduced before the game against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches the ball for a touchdown as he is defended by Benjamin St-Juste #25 of the Washington Commanders in the second quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is carted off the field after sustaining an injury in the third quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with Mike Evans #13 after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers embraces Bobby Wagner #54 of the Washington Commanders after the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Commanders 37-20. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
