The Buccaneers suffered an embarrassing 23-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns, putting on a listless performance against a less talented opponent. The Bucs made Deshaun Watson, who was barely functional last week, look like a viable franchise quarterback. Baker Mayfield struggled to operate the offense again and now has the Bucs in a 0-2 hole from which they will have trouble pull themselves out.
Here are the studs and duds from the Bucs' Week 2 loss to the Browns:
DUD: Baker Mayfield
What was framed as a revenge game ultimately justified Cleveland's decision to move on from Baker Mayfield. For a second week in a row, the Bucs were let down by their $165 million investment. Mayfield was scattershot against the Browns, completing less than 62% of his passes for just 182
yards with one touchdown and one pick. He could not hit the deep ball, and when the game was on the line, he missed an open Emeka Egbuka in the end zone. The Bucs are on a downward trajectory, with Mayfield pulling on the lead.
DUD: Alex Anzalone
The Bucs have a serious problem at linebacker. While rookie Josiah Trotter has been a pleasant surprise, Alex Anzalone has been a massive disappointment if not a downright liability. He missed two tackles per PFF while only recording eight, one of which led to a Denzel Boston touchdown. Anzalone is at four missed tackles through two games while also finding himself out of position on a number of passes and run fits. The Bucs are rapidly approaching the point where they need to find an alternative to Anzalone's services.
DUD: Reuben Bain Jr.
It appears Bain's struggles last week were not an aberration. Again, Bain was held without a sack, though he did manage two pressures per PFF. Of the three defensive rookies who have taken snaps for the Bucs this season, Bain is the only one who has not yet recorded a sack and, really, has not had a real impact on the field.
STUD: Chase McLaughlin
The one Buccaneer with no regrets from the loss is kicker Chase McLaughlin. He was perfect, going four-for-four on field goals, including a 59-yarder, and adding two extra points. McLaughlin accounted for the majority of Tampa Bay's points and is easily the most reliable player on the roster.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Studs and duds from the Bucs' Week 2 loss to the Browns
