The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not punt during their NFL Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
The Bengals won anyway, thanks to four fumble recoveries, including one by linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. that gave Cincinnati its first touchdown of the season.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completed 25 of his 35 attempts for 254 passing yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was sacked once.
The Bengals' leading receiver wasn't Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins but tight end Mike Gesicki, who had five catches for 78 yards with a score.
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield scored a rushing touchdown, but fell to 6-3 career against the Bengals.
Social media reactions to the Bengals' 1-0 start:
WON and 0. pic.twitter.com/2pg2qOwzHZ
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 13, 2026
Night and day difference from 2025 https://t.co/1hbMfWoEc8
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) September 13, 2026
Zac Taylor on the win over the Bucs: pic.twitter.com/cnGeTa8lX2
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) September 13, 2026
Zac Taylor: That’s a great win. Will to win. Excited for the win.
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) September 13, 2026
On Mike Gesicki: That’s the thing about Mike G, he can ad lib, we give him that green light. He and Joe have great chemistry.
The #Bengals beat the Buccaneers in their season opener to start the season 1-0 thanks to their defense that forced 4 turnovers
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) September 13, 2026
More from the Week 1 win in Cincinnati: https://t.co/LNdqAT29Uh
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals start 1-0 behind four fumble recoveries vs Bucs | Reactions
