Here are some observations from the first half, as the Commanders trailed the Buccaneers 16-7 at halftime.

Washington’s cornerbacks have problems against the Bucs

The Buccaneers’ receivers keep getting open. As for the defensive backs, I’m not sure they attacked a pass in the first half.

Missed tackles

Missed tackles really hurt the Commanders in the first half, extending their drives and giving the Buccaneers points.

Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels had a very nervous first play and missed a ball that was only ten yards away from him by a wide margin. However, Daniels was able to evade the Bucs’ pass rush and gain 56 yards on seven runs. Daniels also handled six of the seven runs well. On the one run he missed, he was hit and his helmet flew through the air. I hope he learns from this play.

Not an ideal halftime for the WRs and TEs

First half offensive stats? That’s an easy one. The Commanders’ wide receivers caught just one pass and gained 0 yards. Tight end Zack Ertz caught one pass and gained 7 yards.

Ekeler still has it

Running back Austin Ekeler had a nice explosive run after the catch and scored a 22-yard pass for a first down. If this is a sign of things to come in 2024, Ekeler is still explosive.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 5 observations from the Commanders’ first half against the Buccaneers