Now that the dust has settled on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ opening day loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, it’s time to revisit the game with a clear mind and gather some key takeaways.
And I don’t mean the kind of takeaways that Baker Mayfield was giving out with his three fumbles — I’m talking about the biggest developments, both positive and negative, that came out of a frustrating start to the 2026 season.
The Buccaneers have plenty to clean up after their 33-27 defeat in Cincinnati, but there were also some encouraging signs worth highlighting as Tampa Bay moves on from this loss.
12 takeaways from Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 33-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals
1. Baker Mayfield had a day to forget. Despite an efficient passing performance, going 23-of-28 for 216 yards along with 30 rushing yards and a touchdown, Mayfield fumbled three times and single-handedly gave the game away. His three turnovers resulted in 17 points for the Bengals, and he’ll need to be better going forward.
2. Rookie inside linebacker Josiah Trotter made NFL history! According to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, he’s the first player ever to record both a sack and a pick-six in his NFL debut. Trotter also led the team with 11 tackles, including two for a loss, and broke up a pass.
3. Alex Anzalone’s debut as a Buccaneer was simply miserable. He couldn’t stay off the ground, constantly slipping en route to missing tackles and blowing coverages. The veteran linebacker is wearing a “C” on his chest, and he needs to play much better going forward to justify his leadership position.
4. Tampa Bay’s cornerbacks collectively played an incredible game, holding Ja’Marr Chase to two catches for 12 yards. Zyon McCollum had nine tackles and two passes defended. Jacob Parrish had two tackles and a pass broken up. Benjamin Morrison, who came in for an injured Parrish, was impressive with four tackles, including one for loss, and a pass broken up. It was an encouraging season opener for the young, promising cornerback group.
5. Bucky Irving had a strong first game of the season, outside of a costly fumble in the first half. Irving rushed for 45 yards on eight carries (5.6 yards per carry) and a touchdown. He also led the team in receptions with seven for 48 yards. The offense ran through Irving both on the ground and through the air, and he seems poised for a productive season.
6. Tampa Bay’s special teams unit looked much improved from last season. The Bucs averaged 29.4 yards per kickoff return while holding the Bengals to 23.7 yards per return.
7. Chase McLaughlin continues to be one of the NFL’s best kickers. He made both of his field goal attempts, including one from 51 yards out. Last season, he was the league’s best kicker from 50+ yards, and he’s picking up where he left off.
8. The Buccaneers pass rush was non-existent. Bengals QB Joe Burrow was sacked just once, and that came on a blitz from rookie Josiah Trotter. The revamped defensive front, which generated a lot of hype this offseason, was largely invisible.
9. Zac Robinson’s offense showed promise. He called a balanced game, with plenty of play action passes and pre-snap motions. The offense got everybody involved with five players reaching at least three receptions, and the system called for Mayfield to play point guard and rely on his pass catchers to make plays with the ball in their hands.
10. Emeka Egbuka had five catches for a team-high 63 yards. He made several plays and looked comfortable in his new steady role as the “Z” receiver.
11. Chris Godwin Jr. looked fully healthy, and put some of his vintage play on display. He had several violent stiff arms, and was effective with the ball in his hands. Godwin finished with four catches for 40 yards.
12. Rookie Ted Hurst had a golden opportunity to step up with Jalen McMillan ruled out due to a knee injury. Hurst had three catches for 36 yards, all coming consecutively. He only got three targets, but he capitalized on his chances and could be in for a bigger role down the line.
13. Cade Otton had a bad drop on an acurate pass in the first quarter that would've gone for a significant gain. Otton needs to put on gloves, or every bad drop he makes will continue to be heavily scrutinized and viewed under a microscope.
14. Tristan Wirfs and the offensive line had a day to forget. Wirfs was called for two penalties and was also credited with allowing a sack. The anchor of Tampa Bay's offensive line looked rusty, but he'll bounce back.
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