The undrafted rookie flashed his ability, but also made some mistakes as Tampa comes up just short in Daniels’ first NFL start.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels to find some way, any way, to lead the team to its first victory of the season against a tough Green Bay Packers team.
He almost did.
Tampa fell at home to Green Bay, 17-14, in Daniels first NFL start, dropping to 0-4 in what is quickly turning into a lost season.
Despite going undrafted, Daniels became the first rookie QB to start a game this season.
The Bucs tried to take some of the pressure off Daniels by committing to the run game and calling many short, low-risk throws for the rookie.
As expected, Daniels made some mistakes, as anyone would expect from an undrafted rookie making his first start.
However, Daniels also did some good things and flashed the talent and playmaking ability that won him the QB2 job in the preseason.
Mixed Bag From Daniels
Sunday’s effort against the Packers was a mixed bag from Daniels.
While his numbers show a QB who struggled, Daniels showed a lot of poise, a strong arm, and the ability to make plays with his legs.
The 23-year-old finished the game 19-for-27 for 148 yards. He had one touchdown and a pair of interceptions.
Daniels did some of his best work with his legs, running eight times for 55 yards, including a long of 21 yards on a third-and-2.
The first touchdown of his career came on a 10-yard pass to running back Kenny Gainwell to bring the Bucs within 3 at 17-14 very early in the fourth quarter.
It would be the last score for either team.
The TD pass to Gainwell put the finishing touches on a terrific 12-play, 84-yard drive orchestrated by Daniels, including his 21-yard scamper.
The rookie got more comfortable as the game went along. Both of his interceptions came in the first half as he was still trying to find his footing.
In addition to the two picks, there was also a botched snap with center Graham Barton on a third-and-13 from the Tampa 12. Daniels would recover but was tackled all the way back at the one.
However, a Jacob Parrish interception of Jordan Love gave Daniels and the offense the ball back with a chance to drive for a tying field goal or a potential game-winning touchdown.
Daniels drove the Bucs into Packers’ territory before a fourth-down pass was ruled incomplete after originally being called an interception.
Final Thoughts
Daniels came close to leading his team to an upset victory. Unfortunately, for a team that is now 0-4, “close” doesn’t mean a thing in the standings.
On the bright side, if there is such a thing in Tampa right now, Daniels didn’t look out of place and looks to have a very bright future. He made good on offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's guarantee that he would not be scared.
Head coach Todd Bowles has already said Daniels will start again on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys, despite reports that a Baker Mayfield return may be possible for Week 5.
