JUST IN: Another key man Against Commanders just now

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to kick off their season against the Washington Commanders, aiming to build on their recent success after making the playoffs the past four years. With fresh talent from the draft and free agency, plus multiple contract extensions for key players, the Bucs are positioned to secure a Week 1 victory if they stick to a few key strategies. A win would be crucial for gaining early ground in the competitive NFC South. Meanwhile, the Commanders are in a rebuilding phase with a new coaching staff and significant roster changes. Here are three critical keys for a Buccaneers win:

1. **Attack Washington’s Secondary Early**
Baker Mayfield has a host of offensive weapons, and Washington’s pass defense, ranked worst in the NFL last year, could be vulnerable. Rookie Jalen McMillan and veteran Mike Evans are poised to exploit mismatches against the Commanders’ young and inexperienced secondary.

2. **Dominate the Line of Scrimmage**
Without defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, Tampa Bay’s interior defense is weaker, which evens out the battle up front. The Buccaneers’ revamped offensive line will be challenged by the Commanders’ formidable pass rushers like Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

3. **Start Fast**
The Buccaneers didn’t score a touchdown on any opening drive last season, so establishing offensive momentum early, perhaps with a scoring drive, would set the tone for the game.