The Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are tied 10-10 at halftime of their NFC wild-card game from Raymond James Stadium.
Here are four quick takeaways from the first 30 minutes:
Marshon Lattimore the worst player on the field in first half
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) makes a catch against Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23). Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield immediately went after Washington cornerback Marshon Lattimore, and it paid dividends. Lattimore missed the final two games due to a hamstring issue. Before those two games, he played in two games for the Commanders after missing the first four since being acquired via trade. Lattimore gave up multiple catches to his bitter rival, Mike Evans, including a touchdown just before halftime. If Lattimore is indeed still injured, the Commanders may need to consider a move.
Jayden Daniels was outstanding under pressure
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5), Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (94). Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Jayden Daniels completed 11 of 16 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. He also led Washington with 30 rushing yards. Tampa blitzed Daniels heavily, including on a 35-yard completion to Terry McLaurin, and the rookie threw a dime. The Commanders must find a way to run the ball without putting Daniels in harm’s way.
Continue feeding Terry
Terry McLaurin #17, Washington Commanders. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Good things happen when Terry McLaurin gets the ball. In the first half, McLaurin caught four passes for 62 yards on six targets. The Commanders must keep feeding McLaurin in the second half.
3rd-down defense
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Commanders made some stops in the first half but weren’t great on third down. The Bucs had multiple conversions on third-and-long, including an 18-yard scramble by Mayfield. The run by Mayfield kept Tampa’s last drive alive, leading to the touchdown to Mike Evans just before halftime. Overall, the Commanders’ defense did a good job on third down, but those third-and-longs were killer. Washington must create more pressure on Mayfield.