The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-27 in a matchup between two teams desperate to return to the playoffs in 2026. The Bengals forced and recovered four fumbles on Sunday. Each play led to the Bengals putting points on the board.
On the Bengals’ first forced fumble, they trailed 3-0, fresh off an offense that went 3-and-out to start the game. Initial pressure from Boye Mafe forced Baker Mayfield to step up into secondary pressure from Barrett Carter.
As Carter got Mayfield in
his grasp, Myles Murphy came from behind to hit Baker. The hit jarred the ball loose, and Demetrius Knight Jr. picked it up for the scoop-and-score. That play electrified the crowd and gave the Bengals an early 7-3 lead.
The Bengals’ second forced fumble and recovery came on the Buccaneers’ very next possession. Bryan Cook came up and hit Bucky Irving, knocking the ball out. Boye Mafe combined with Cook on that hit, and Cook also had the awareness to recover the fumble. That play set the Bengals up in their own territory to begin the next drive.
Ultimately, leading to a two-yard Mike Gesicki touchdown reception.
The Buccaneers bounced back by driving down the field on their next possession. However, they would turn it over for a third straight time near the end zone. Dexter Lawrence pushed the guard directly into Baker Mayfield’s lap, nearly coming up with his first sack as a Bengal.
A holding penalty went uncalled, and Mayfield escaped Lawrence’s grasp and took off toward the goal line.
This time, Barrett Carter made the play, knocking the ball out of Baker Mayfield’s hands before he could score the touchdown. Bryan Cook recovered it in the end zone. The Bengals then went on a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive capped by a Chase Brown run.
The Bengals’ fourth and final forced fumble and recovery came in the fourth quarter. Holding a 10-point lead, Boye Mafe was able to get the sack-fumble on Mayfield. TJ Slaton came up with the fumble recovery, which ultimately led to another Evan McPherson field goal.
Just an impressive performance by the Bengals defense overall. Playing opportunistic defense, making the hustle plays to create turnovers, and players having the awareness to recover each one of them shows a defense that has the talent to keep improving throughout the season. A great debut for the revamped defense on Sunday.
