The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' season opener in 2023 was a thriller, a 20-17 road victory over the Minnesota Vikings in which Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns in his Buccaneer debut and Chase McLaughlin drilled a 57-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to win it. That set the stage for a rousing 3-1 start to the season for Tampa Bay and, eventually, a third straight NFC South title.
A team's Week One results can set the tone for an entire season, and though the Buccaneers had to overcome a midseason dip to storm back into first place, the road win over a Vikings team coming off a 13-4 season in 2022 was a great sign. The 2024 Bucs, with Mayfield and a number of other key players back on brand-new contracts (most recently Antoine Winfield Jr.), have high hopes for another playoff chase and would love to get off to another fast start.
Where might that happen? And against which team? That's what we're here to predict today, as the 2024 NFL schedule is set to drop on Wednesday night. (Here's how to watch.) It's our annual attempt to narrow down the Buccaneers' Week One matchup to three possibilities, using as much logic and available information as possible and then throwing a trio of darts.
First off, here are the choices.
Home: 49ers, Broncos, Commanders, Eagles, Falcons, Panthers, Raiders, Ravens, Saints
Away: Chargers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Falcons, Giants, Lions, Panthers, Saints
The first step in this exercise is to eliminate as many options as possible. It's a good year for that, as we can already cross five teams off the list due to select games the NFL has already announced ahead of the full schedule reveal. One game in particular pulls double duty for us, as the Chiefs will play host to the Ravens in the NFL's annual Kickoff Game on Thursday night in Week One. So the Bucs will definitely not be heading to Kansas City or playing at home against Baltimore that week.
We also already know that Green Bay is opening the season in São Paulo, Brazil in Week One, and since their opponent is the Eagles that means there will be no visit from Philadelphia to Raymond James Stadium to kick things off. In addition, the league has already announced two other Week One matchups in the Jets at 49ers and the Cowboys at Browns. Both the 49ers and Cowboys are on the list of Bucs opponents above, but they won't be facing the Bucs on opening weekend.
So we're now down to 12 options, and I'm going to apply some guesswork to narrow it down a little further. The Bears and Commanders started off the 2024 NFL draft by selecting quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels with the first two picks, and both young passers are widely expected to be opening-day starters. Chicago and Washington do play each other in 2024, and I'm thinking the league will pair them up in Week One, much like they did when the Buccaneers and Titans drafted Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, respectively, with the first two picks in 2015. So I'm scratching Washington off this list.
This next one is probably more wishful thinking than solid logic, but with both Dallas and Detroit on the Bucs' list of road trips this year, I'm hoping Tampa Bay will be invited back to the Thanksgiving table in 2024. Tampa Bay has only played on Thanksgiving once, at Dallas in 2006, and given the Bucs' three straight division titles and four straight playoff appearances, they seem like an attractive option to put back in that spotlight. We've already eliminated Dallas; let's cross off Detroit, too. That would be a nice rematch of a very good Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field last January.
So now we're down to 10 total options, and seven potential opponents since we still have all three NFC South foes on the board. It's worth noting that the Bucs have not started the season against a team in their division since 2020, when they opened up at New Orleans. From 2012 to 2020, the Bucs had an NFC South team first on their schedule five times in nine years, so that's certainly not an idea we should eliminate. So I'm going to make at least one of my three picks come from that pool.
Also, the Bucs have been on the road in Week One in each of the last two years, in three of the last four and in six of the last eight. Seems like they are due for another home game in Week One, so two of my three picks are going to come from that group of opponents.
Okay, I'm done with the preamble. I'm picking the following three potential Week One opponents for the Buccaneers, in no particular order:
A look back at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy, which provided 25 academy finalists a pipeline for coaching in the National Football League. This week-long experience offered unprecedented access and insight from the Buccaneers' coaches and staff.
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Cody Cruzen, Lake Erie College Defensive Coordinator, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Senior Writer Scott Smith and Buccaneers Legends Bruce Arians, Tony Dungy, and Rondé Barber during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Casey Phillips, Head Coach Todd Bowles and General Manager Jason Licht of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Casey Phillips, Head Coach Todd Bowles and General Manager Jason Licht of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Tavon Mason Sr., Westside Macon High School Assistant Coach, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Genevieve Humphrey, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Georgia Southern University, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Daniel Tobon, Valuations & Modeling Manager at Grant Thornton, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participants Cody Cruzen, Lake Erie College Defensive Coordinator, and Earl Chambers, Kentucky State University Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participant Aston Walter, Offensive Assistant University of Tennessee, and Senior Offensive Assistant Tom Moore during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Casey Phillips, Jonathan Beane, Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the NFL, Dasha Smith, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer for the NFL, and Sam Rapoport, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the NFL during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Rodney Saulsberry Sr., Whitehaven High School Head Football Coach , during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Preston Hadley, University of Northern Colorado Defensive Coordinator, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Earl Chambers, Kentucky State University Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Candice Davis-Price, Belleville High School Performance Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Julian Miller, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Defensive Line Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Trey Odom, Texas A&M University Defensive Backs GA, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Buccaneers Legend Tony Dungy during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Notes are taken during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Genevieve Humphrey, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Georgia Southern University, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Buccaneers Legend Rondé Barber during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Buccaneers Legend Tony Dungy and Nelson Vazquez, Pass Game Coordinator/Co-Special Teams Coordinator New Mexico Military Institute, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Buccaneers Legend Rondé Barber and Tavon Mason Sr., Westside Macon High School Assistant Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Cody Cruzen, Lake Erie College Defensive Coordinator, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Buccaneers Legend Tony Dungy and Ester Alencar, Quarterbacks Coach Rio Preto Weilers, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Casey Phillips, Head Coach Todd Bowles and General Manager Jason Licht of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Rodney Saulsberry Sr., Whitehaven High School Head Football Coach , during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Tim Jackson, Boston College Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht and Kearstin Schweitzer, Director of Football Operations/Assistant WR Coach (GA) University of Wisconsin-Platteville, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Ester Alencar, Quarterbacks Coach Rio Preto Weilers, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Sean Thom, Lassiter High School Head Football Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Anthony Piroli of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers presents during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Jeremy Patterson, Mississippi Delta Community College Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Director of Rehabilitation and Performance Coach Maral Javadifar of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers presents during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Director of Rehabilitation and Performance Coach Maral Javadifar, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Anthony Piroli, Director of Performance Nutrition Jessica Pastuf, and Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance Bobby Slater during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Vice President of Player Engagement Duke Preston presents during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Player Engagement Coordinator Tyler Thompson during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Steven Steele, Pierre T.F. Riggs High School Head Football Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Director of Performance Science Dave Hamilton presents during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Defensive Quality Control Coach Joey Fitzgerald of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Defensive Quality Control Coach Joey Fitzgerald of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Defensive/Special Teams Assistant Keith Tandy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Defensive/Special Teams Assistant Keith Tandy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Offensive Quality Control Coach Jeff Kastl of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - Offensive Quality Control Coach Jeff Kastl of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participant Sean Thom, Lassiter High School Head Football Coach, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participant Preston Hadley, University of Northern Colorado Defensive Coordinator, and Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participant Ester Alencar, Quarterbacks Coach Rio Preto Weilers, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participant Danny Mitchell, Senior Analyst University of Alabama-Birmingham, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participant Candice Davis-Price, Belleville High School Performance Coach, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participant Jonn Mathews, American Football Academy Co-Coordinator/Coach BKI Akademiet, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participant Felton Huggins, Jr., Head Football Coach Kentucky State University, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participant Peter Daletzki, Düsseldorf Panther Head Football Coach, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 07, 2024 - National Coaching Academy participants Kearstin Schweitzer, Director of Football Operations/Assistant WR Coach (GA) University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and Felton Huggins, Jr., Head Football Coach Kentucky State University, during Phase 2 at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Quarterbacks Coach Thaddeus Lewis of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Jeremy Patterson, Mississippi Delta Community College Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Defensive/Special Teams Assistant Keith Tandy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Assistant Secondary Coach Rashad Johnson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Senior Writer Scott Smith, Quarterbacks Coach Thaddeus Lewis, Assistant Secondary Coach Rashad Johnson and Defensive/Special Teams Assistant Keith Tandy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Julian Miller, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Defensive Line Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Daniel Tobon, Valuations & Modeling Manager at Grant Thornton, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Troy Vincent Sr. during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Troy Vincent Sr. during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Troy Vincent Sr. during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Nathan Griffin, Vandegrift High School Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Candice Davis-Price, Belleville High School Performance Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Troy Vincent Sr. during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Notebook during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Vice President of Football Research Jacqueline Davidson and Assistant General Manager Mike Greenberg during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Ashley Cornwell, Defensive Assistant Coach Bucknell University, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Vice President of Football Research Jacqueline Davidson during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Aston Walter, Offensive Assistant University of Tennessee, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Signage during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Assistant General Manager Mike Greenberg during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - William Henry, Southeastern University Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Talent Acquisition Manager Trish Singh and Chief People Officer Kristen Hamwey during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Talent Acquisition Manager Trish Singh and Chief People Officer Kristen Hamwey during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Talent Acquisition Manager Trish Singh during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Chief People Officer Kristen Hamwey during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Team Reporter Casey Phillips, Pass Game Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote, Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Kacy Rodgers, Special Teams Coordinator Thomas McGaughey and Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Special Teams Coordinator Thomas McGaughey of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Kacy Rodgers of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Pass Game Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Video Director Brett Greene during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Danny Mitchell, Senior Analyst University of Alabama-Birmingham, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Assistant Video Director Matt Taylor during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Video Assistant Levi Lewis during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Video Assistant RJ Harvey during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Director of Player Personnel Mike Biehl during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Nelson Vazquez, Pass Game Coordinator/Co-Special Teams Coordinator New Mexico Military Institute, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Director of Player Personnel Mike Biehl during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Director of Player Personnel Mike Biehl during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Director of Player Personnel Rob McCartney during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Assistant General Manager John Spytek, Director of Player Personnel Mike Biehl and Director of Player Personnel Rob McCartney during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Assistant General Manager John Spytek and Director of Player Personnel Mike Biehl during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Assistant General Manager John Spytek, Director of Player Personnel Mike Biehl and Director of Player Personnel Rob McCartney during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 08, 2024 - Preston Hadley, University of Northern Colorado Defensive Coordinator, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Backdrop during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Senior Manager of Coaching Operations Sarah Evans during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Ester Alencar, Quarterbacks Coach Rio Preto Weilers, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Candice Davis-Price, Belleville High School Performance Coach, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Senior Manager of Coaching Operations Sarah Evans during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Jonathan Beane, Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the NFL, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Earl Chambers, Kentucky State University Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Jonathan Beane, Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the NFL, Dasha Smith, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer for the NFL, and Sam Rapoport, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the NFL during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Kearstin Schweitzer, Director of Football Operations/Assistant WR Coach (GA) University of Wisconsin-Platteville, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Dasha Smith, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer for the NFL, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Danny Mitchell, Senior Analyst University of Alabama-Birmingham, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Kearstin Schweitzer, Director of Football Operations/Assistant WR Coach (GA) University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Sean Thom, Lassiter High School Head Football Coach, and Steven Steele, Pierre T.F. Riggs High School Head Football Coach, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Nelson Vazquez, Pass Game Coordinator/Co-Special Teams Coordinator New Mexico Military Institute, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Chief People Officer Kristen Hamwey during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Sam Rapoport, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the NFL during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Dasha Smith, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer for the NFL, and Sam Rapoport, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the NFL, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Nathan Griffin, Vandegrift High School Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, Ashley Cornwell, Defensive Assistant Coach Bucknell University, and Genevieve Humphrey, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Georgia Southern University, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Director of Human Resources Briana Pompilus during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Jonathan Beane, Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the NFL and Dasha Smith, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer for the NFL, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Julian Miller, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Defensive Line Coach, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Felton Huggins, Jr., Head Football Coach Kentucky State University, and Cody Cruzen, Lake Erie College Defensive Coordinator, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Ashley Cornwell, Defensive Assistant Coach Bucknell University, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - National Coaching Academy logo during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Talent Acquisition Manager Trish Singh during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Tim Jackson, Boston College Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Cody Cruzen, Lake Erie College Defensive Coordinator, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Candice Davis-Price, Belleville High School Performance Coach, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Casey Phillips, Jonathan Beane, Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the NFL, Dasha Smith, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer for the NFL, and Sam Rapoport, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the NFL during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Kearstin Schweitzer, Director of Football Operations/Assistant WR Coach (GA) University of Wisconsin-Platteville, during a mock interview session as part of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Sam Rapoport, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the NFL during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Jonathan Beane, Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the NFL, and Jonn Mathews, American Football Academy Co-Coordinator/Coach BKI Akademiet, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Dasha Smith, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer for the NFL, and Kearstin Schweitzer, Director of Football Operations/Assistant WR Coach (GA) University of Wisconsin-Platteville, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Genevieve Humphrey, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Georgia Southern University, and Peter Daletzki, Düsseldorf Panther Head Football Coach, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Dasha Smith, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer for the NFL, Daniel Tobon, Valuations & Modeling Manager at Grant Thornton, and Trey Odom, Texas A&M University Defensive Backs GA, during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 09, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a session of the National Coaching Academy at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Genevieve Humphrey, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Georgia Southern University, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Danny Mitchell, Senior Analyst University of Alabama-Birmingham, and Pass Game Assistant John Van Dam of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Ashley Cornwell, Defensive Assistant Coach Bucknell University, Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Kacy Rodgers of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Julian Miller, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Defensive Line Coach, and Nathan Griffin, Vandegrift High School Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Earl Chambers, Kentucky State University Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, and Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Cody Cruzen, Lake Erie College Defensive Coordinator, and Earl Chambers, Kentucky State University Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Peter Daletzki, Düsseldorf Panther Head Football Coach, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Ester Alencar, Quarterbacks Coach Rio Preto Weilers, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Kearstin Schweitzer, Director of Football Operations/Assistant WR Coach (GA) University of Wisconsin-Platteville, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Genevieve Humphrey, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Georgia Southern University, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Nelson Vazquez, Pass Game Coordinator/Co-Special Teams Coordinator New Mexico Military Institute, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Nelson Vazquez, Pass Game Coordinator/Co-Special Teams Coordinator New Mexico Military Institute, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - William Henry, Southeastern University Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Earl Chambers, Kentucky State University Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, and Cody Cruzen, Lake Erie College Defensive Coordinator, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Sean Thom, Lassiter High School Head Football Coach, and Rodney Saulsberry Sr., Whitehaven High School Head Football Coach , during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Felton Huggins, Jr., Head Football Coach Kentucky State University, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Jonn Mathews, American Football Academy Co-Coordinator/Coach BKI Akademiet, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Trey Odom, Texas A&M University Defensive Backs GA, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 10, 2024 - Rodney Saulsberry Sr., Whitehaven High School Head Football Coach , during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 11, 2024 - Quarterback Zack Annexstad #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Ester Alencar, Quarterbacks Coach Rio Preto Weilers, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 11, 2024 - Sean Thom, Lassiter High School Head Football Coach, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 11, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Mayan Ahanotu #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jeremy Patterson, Mississippi Delta Community College Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - May 11, 2024 - Danny Mitchell, Senior Analyst University of Alabama-Birmingham, Running Back Bucky Irving #7, Running Back DJ Williams #30, Running Backs Coach Skip Peete, Running Back Ramon Jefferson #37, Running Back Anthony Grant #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Aston Walter, Offensive Assistant University of Tennessee, during 2024 Rookie Mini Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. Denver (home)
The Buccaneers have not been scheduled to face an AFC team in Week One since 2017, and since that trip to Miami was eventually postponed until November due to the presence of Hurricane Irma, they haven't actually played an AFC team at the start of the season since 2015. That was the aforementioned Winston-Mariota showcase against Tennessee. Obviously, this is somewhat just the law of averages, as the Bucs face far more NFC teams than AFC teams every year. However, with the addition of the 17th game in 2021, which is always an AFC opponent for the Buccaneers, the chances of an interconference game have gone up a bit.
The relevant storyline for me here is Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton, who held the same job in New Orleans from 2006 through 2021. It's safe to say that Payton's Saints were prime Buccaneer antagonists for a long time, and the NFL chose to match those two teams up in New Orleans in both 2018 and 2020. Both were highly entertaining games.
The NFL might also see this as an interesting opportunity to reassemble much of the Oregon Ducks' prolific offense on one field. The Broncos used the 12th overall pick in this year's draft on Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, then went back to that well in the fourth round to select former Ducks wideout Troy Franklin. Later in that same round, the Buccaneers nabbed Oregon running back Bucky Irving. Assuming Nix has beaten out Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for the starting job on opening day, all three of those Ducks will be making their NFL debuts and could have major roles on their new teams. That's certainly a point of interest.
Also, this matchup would be something brand new for the NFL. To this point, the Buccaneers and Broncos have never met each other in a season opener.
2. Atlanta (home)
Weird fact: Even though the Buccaneers have faced a division opponent on opening day in 18 different seasons, they have not had a home date against the Falcons since the NFC South was formed in 2002. The Bucs did play host to Atlanta in the 1987 opener, but they were still in the former NFC Central at that point. Tampa Bay has had both Carolina and New Orleans on the docket at home in Week One before, so it feels like a Falcons visit is overdue.
The compelling storyline here is the national expectations for the NFC South. As noted above, the Buccaneers have won the division three years running, and they've had an impressive offseason with the re-signings of Winfield, Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, Lavonte David and Chase McLaughlin. The Bucs' 2024 roster would appear to be just as strong as the one that took the division crown in 2023, but that hasn't been enough to sway the oddsmakers.
Instead, the betting favorite to win the NFC South in 2024 is now the Falcons, based mostly on their acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Interestingly, the Buccaneers defeated Cousins in last year's season opener in Minnesota, but the prevailing wisdom is that the addition of a proven performer at the game's most important position is going to put an otherwise talented Atlanta roster over the top.
The NFC South won't be decided in Week One, and the Saints and Panthers may have something to say about that outcome, too. Still, pitting the Bucs and Falcons against each other in Week One seems like a good way to start this race and get an early gauge on whether those oddsmakers know what they're talking about.
3. Carolina (away)
After eliminating Dallas, Detroit and Kansas City in my preamble, I only have two non-NFC South teams left on the Bucs' list of road trips: the Giants and Chargers. I'm hesitant to predict a West Coast trip in Week One – that has happened only once in franchise history (at Seattle, 2007) – and I think the Chargers are going to get a lot of special attention from the schedule-makers after the arrival of Jim Harbaugh. I could see L.A. drawing a more classic opponent in Week One, such as the Raiders. Meanwhile, the Giants seem to start every other season on Sunday Night Football, and I'm not predicting a Week One prime time game for the Buccaneers this year since they've gotten one in two of the last three seasons.
So that leaves me with three intra-division destinations and the Bucs have never started a season in Charlotte. They've had a total of three Week One visits to Atlanta and New Orleans over the past eight years. This could be a chance to mix things up a bit.
And, of course, there's an obvious storyline with this one, as Dave Canales will be making his regular season debut as the Panthers' head coach. Canales got that gig after an impressive one-year stint as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator. Having him start his season against the team that gave him the springboard to a top job, and against the quarterback whose career he helped revive, seems like an awfully juicy matchup. Canales' new task, after having a hand in rebound seasons for both Mayfield and the Seahawks' Geno Smith, is to get second-year quarterback Bryce Young's career on track. Young was the first-overall pick in the 2023 draft, and after he struggled in his rookie campaign the Panthers have done everything they can to put him in a position to succeed. That includes the addition of several new starting offensive linemen in free agency and the usage of their first two draft picks on wide receiver Xavier Legette and running back Jonathon Brooks. That's a lot of new pieces to stitch together, though, and doing so in Week One against a Todd Bowles defense would be a tough challenge. And an entertaining one. Could be a great way to start the season for both teams.
