The Dallas Cowboys kicked off their 2024 NFL season with a strong road win against the Cleveland Browns, which has boosted optimism among fans now that key players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have secured contract extensions after a tumultuous offseason.

In contrast, former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who became the Washington Commanders’ head coach this spring, did not have a successful debut.

The Commanders were soundly defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a final score that highlighted the defense’s struggles.

Last season, Washington’s defense was the worst in the league, ranking last in both points allowed and yards given up.

Quinn, aiming to rectify this, brought in Cowboys’ pass game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. as his defensive coordinator and recruited Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, and Noah Igbinoghene from Dallas.

Despite these changes, the Commanders’ defense faltered in Week 1.

The Buccaneers, guided by Baker Mayfield, scored 37 points, with Mayfield completing 24 of 30 passes for four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a stellar 146.4 passer rating.

Fowler had just two tackles, Armstrong recorded a quarterback hit, and Igbinoghene managed one pass defended.

The performance of these former Cowboys was underwhelming and didn’t contribute to improving Washington’s defense.

The Commanders will face tougher offenses as the season progresses.

Without significant defensive improvements, Washington is likely to remain among the lower ranks of the NFC East for another season.