The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will turn to rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels on Sunday when they host the Green Bay Packers at Raymond James Stadium. With Baker Mayfield sidelined for at least three weeks after dislocating his right thumb against Minnesota, Daniels now gets the first NFL start of his career in a critical Week 4 matchup.
Tampa Bay enters the game at 0-3 and needs an immediate response. Daniels does not need to replace Mayfield’s experience or take control of the game by himself. He needs to protect the football, manage the offense, use his mobility and give the Buccaneers a chance to win in the fourth quarter.
Daniels Earned the Opportunity During Preseason
Daniels joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted rookie and quickly gave the Buccaneers reasons to keep him on the roster. He completed 19 of 29 preseason passes for 239 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown.
The rookie accounted for 30 of Tampa Bay’s 33 preseason points while directing the offense. Those preseason numbers do not guarantee success against Green Bay, but they show why the Buccaneers felt comfortable keeping Daniels behind Mayfield.
Daniels showed accuracy on short and intermediate throws, but he also displayed enough arm strength to challenge defenses downfield. His athleticism created extra opportunities when plays broke down. Tampa Bay can use those traits Sunday against a Packers defense that has not faced much regular-season film on Daniels.
Rookie Faces Fast NFL Learning Curve
Daniels received his first regular-season snaps after Mayfield left last week’s loss to Minnesota. He attempted three passes, completed none and threw an interception on the final drive. He added a nine-yard run during his NFL debut.
That short appearance does not define Daniels. Sunday gives him a full week of first-team practice reps and an offensive game plan built around his strengths.
The Buccaneers must keep the early play calls manageable. Quick throws, play-action concepts, movement in the pocket and designed quarterback runs can help Daniels settle into the game. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson also needs to create clear reads and avoid placing the rookie in repeated long-yardage situations.
Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell Hold the Key
Tampa Bay’s rushing attack can take pressure off Daniels. Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell must give the Buccaneers an efficient early-down running game, control the pace and force Green Bay to respect play-action.
The Packers enter Week 4 at 1-2 after a 35-14 loss to Atlanta. Green Bay will look to rebound with an aggressive plan against a rookie quarterback, especially if Tampa Bay falls behind or faces obvious passing downs.
Daniels can change that equation with his legs. His ability to escape pressure, move the chains and turn broken plays into positive yardage gives Robinson an additional weapon. If Green Bay loses containment, Daniels can create the kind of second-chance plays that shift field position and energize the home crowd.
Predicted Jalon Daniels Stat Line
Category
Projection
Passing attempts
33
Completions
21
Passing yards
228
Passing touchdowns
1
Interceptions
1
Rushing attempts
8
Rushing yards
47
Rushing touchdowns
1
Daniels should have opportunities to make plays against a Green Bay defense looking to recover after its difficult loss to Atlanta. The biggest question is how quickly he settles into his first NFL start.
Tampa Bay does not need Daniels to play like Mayfield. The Buccaneers need him to limit mistakes, extend drives and use his mobility when the right opportunity appears. If Tampa Bay supports him with a credible running game, cleaner protection and a more complete team effort, Daniels can give the Bucs a real chance to earn their first win.
This story was written by JR Garner for Bucs Report and provided to Sports Talk Florida. Read Bucs Report for the latest Tampa Bay Buccaneers news, analysis and team coverage.
