Tampa Bay's 2026 opener against the Cincinnati Bengals hardly went as expected. In a 27-33 loss, the Bucs fumbled four times and gave up 20 points off the turnovers. The defense was far from perfect, but some clutch performances from the Bucs' young players helped keep Tampa Bay in the game late.
Here are the studs and duds from the Bucs' Week 1 loss to the Bengals:
DUD: Baker Mayfield
The Bucs just made Baker Mayfield one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. He rewarded them by almost single-handedly losing their first game of the season. Mayfield lost three fumbles against the Bengals. The first was returned for a touchdown by linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. The second occurred on a scramble inside Cincinnati's five-yard line, and the third came in the fourth
quarter while the Bucs were still capable of a comeback.
The first two fumbles gave the Bengals a 14-point swing on a six-point game. Mayfield played well enough otherwise to keep the Bucs in it, but his fumbling problem caught up to them in a massive way. Since 2023, no one has fumbled the ball more than Baker Mayfield, who had 32 coming into Week 1. If the Bucs want to compete for a playoff spot, Mayfield has to get his ball security under control.
STUD: Josiah Trotter
A Buccaneers rookie had a historic debut against the Bengals, but it may not be the one anyone expected. Linebacker Josiah Trotter played nearly as good a game as a linebacker, rookie or not, possibly could, making history in the process:
Trotter also led the team with 10 tackles and added two tackles for a loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hit. The rookie looked like a home run draft pick for Tampa Bay at a time when they need all the defensive playmakers they can get.
DUD: Tampa Bay's defensive line
Apart from Trotter's pick-six, Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense had a very good day against Tampa Bay's defense, largely due to the unimpressive play of the defensive line. None of the linemen recorded a sack, and only Calijah Kancey, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Vita Vea recorded pressures per PFF. Outside linebackers Reuben Bain Jr. and Yaya Diaby were non-factors, combining for two tackles. After a lackluster 2025 campaign, the Bucs revamped their defensive line this offseason and appear to have nothing to show for it.
STUD: Benjamin Morrison
Second-year cornerback Benjamin Morrison was persona non grata coming into this season after a rookie year marred by injury and play that lacked the instinct and confidence that got him drafted in the second round. However, after Jacob Parrish went down with a back injury, Morrison proved it is too early to give up on him. He played a physical, decisive game, recording four tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a pass breakup. More plays like this, and Morrison could make himself a major fixture in Tampa Bay's secondary.
DUD: Alex Anzalone
In their first season without stalwart linebacker Lavonte David, the Bucs brought in Alex Anzalone to lead their defense. His first outing didn't match the spirit of David's strong, reliable play. Anzalone led the team with three missed tackles per PFF and was a major reason why Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki led Cincinnati with five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. Middle-of-the-field coverage was a major issue for Tampa Bay last season, largely due to poor linebacker play. Anzalone does not appear to be the answer to those woes this season.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Studs and duds from the Bucs' Week 1 loss to the Bengals
