With a new season comes new hope, the optimism of a new year on the horizon. Presenting the 2026 Tampa Bay Buccaneers— New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, freshly minted star quarterback Baker Mayfield, highly touted first round pick Rueben Bain Jr. How would the Buccaneers bounce back from flagrantly disappointing 2025?
First Quarter:
The Buccaneers kicked off their season, by receiving the ball. Tampa’s opening drive was a well executed mix of run and pass featuring mainly Emeka Egbuka and Bucky Irving. The Bucs
took the opening lead of the game 3-0 and then they were hit by an avalanche.
The Bucs actually forced a three-and-out against the much, however, that only led to a horrendous Baker Mayfield fumble on the team’s next drive. Trying to extend a play, Mayfield’s ball security was nonexistent as he was stripped from the backside for a Demetrius Knight Jr. scoop and score. 7-3, Bengals. First quarter fumbles came in like oceanside waves as Bucky Irving capped off Tampa’s next drive with one of his own. Two giveaways, two Cincinnati touchdowns, and 3-0 quickly became 14-3.
Second Quarter:
At the start of quarter number two, the Bucs’ offense looked like they were still playing in the first. Yet another positive drive all the way inside of the Bengals’ 10-yard line— Yet another Baker Mayfield fumble. If ever there were ever a time for the Baker Mayfield detractors to scream their loudest this would be the day megaphones were in their Amazon order history.
Mayfield’s second turnover was a setup for a clean cruise down the field for the Bengals, effortless in nature. 21-3, Bengals.
With just over five minutes remaining in the half, Chris Godwin tallied his second hook to the jaw of a Bengals defender with stiff arms Derrick Henry would be proud of. Tampa Bay, in a game they were arguably dominating while simultaneously losing, finally struck gold as Bucky Irving crossed into the end zone and gave Tampa their first touchdown of the season 21-10, Bengals.
Unfortunately, for Tampa Bay fans the good feeling was short-lived. In a classic ‘too much time on the clock’ situation Joe Burrow walked back onto the field and dog-walked Todd Bowles’ defense for another three points.
Third Quarter:
Cincinnati began the third quarter with the ball and heaping pile of momentum. Leading 24-10, Joe Burrow’s Bengals found Tee Higgins for a lengthy catch-and-run which, even though the drive stalled out shortly after, did set up group for three more points. 27-10, Cincinnati. Zac Robinsons’ offense matched Cincinnati’s— three for three with a long Chase McLaughlin field goal. 27-13, Bengals.
It was Josiah Trotter’s pass rush, via a third-down sack, on Cincy’s previous drive that halted the drive and forced a kick. It would be his pass coverage that daggered Cincinnati’s next drive. In the shotgun, (An consistently discussed talking point in today’s broadcast) Joe Burrow audibled to a pass to beat Todd Bowles’ defense, but Tampa’s scheme reigned superior as Josiah Trotter undercut a short pass underneath and returned it all the way to the end zone for the score. 27-20, Cincy.
Fourth Quarter:
The fourth quarter of Sunday’s contest opened with a Cincinnati field goal. Trailing 10, Baker Mayfield would take his first fourth quarter possession— It would not go as well. One more fumble for Mayfield would bring the team’s total four and his personal total to three. More good field position for the Bengals and more good offense. Evan McPherson added to impressive game with three more points. 33-20, Bengals. 1st kicker in franchise history with multiple 55+ yard kicks in a game
In a helter skelter frantic drive that should be earmarked as the Ted Hurst III drive (Three straight throws to Hurst III for what would be his only three catches of the day) Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s offense woke up accelerating down the field for a spark of energy. They jolted into the end zone like they hit smelling salts on the sideline, however, Baker Mayfield’s score was the embodiment of too little too late. 33-27, Cincinnati.
Given the ball back with a chance to ice the game Joe Burrow did exactly that, Todd Bowles on the flip side— was iced, a story all too familiar for Buccaneers’ fans during the Todd Bowles era.
