Alex Anzalone’s first game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was far from the debut the team wanted. The veteran linebacker became one of Tampa Bay’s biggest defensive problems during Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati.
The Buccaneers’ streak of season-opening wins ended against the Bengals on Sunday, but it might just be the wake-up call the team needs to play up to its potential.
It’s safe to say Rueben Bain Jr. did not have a good NFL debut, but it’s part of a much larger problem that Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers need to get straightened out if they want the pass rush to live up to its full potential.
A sliver lining in what was a frustrating 33-27 loss for the Bucs at the Bengals was the way that Tampa Bay’s secondary stepped up in the opener. What was perceived to potentially be the weakness of the defense going into the game turned out to be the strength of it when it was all said and done.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost their Week 1 matchup to the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday, and clearly, there's a lot to work on. There was plenty of hype
A few trades have rearranged the NFL's backup quarterback ranks, but the dust has mostly settled. From a mix of recent first-round disappointments, aging vets, and young project types, here is how the league's QB2 ranks look for the 2026 season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dropped the ball in Week 1 when they made their way up to Cincinnati, Ohio, losing 33-27 to the Bengals on a day that was marred by self-inflicted wounds.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense deserves plenty of criticism for Sunday’s 33-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Tampa Bay turned the ball over four times, with two of those turnovers becoming defensive touchdowns.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming home after dropping their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Their next opponent brings plenty of uncertainty at quarterback.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened their 2026 season with a disappointing 33-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense moved the ball effectively at times.
NFL stars can't play forever, and retirement is coming sooner than later for some of the league's top players. These 25 players could call it quits following the 2026 season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the season believing their trenches would provide a major advantage. As pointed out by Evan Winter of AtoZ Sports, the offensive line, defensive line, and EDGE groups were widely viewed as foundational pieces.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stumbled out of the gate on the 2026 season Sunday with a 33-27 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Baker Mayfield put the ball on the ground numerous times in this one, with Tampa Bay’s turnover issues ultimately dooming them on a day when their offense otherwise played relatively well.
Joe Burrow throwing an interception won't make anyone in Cincinnati panic. Four pick-sixes since the start of last season, though? That's at least enough to ask the question.
The Buccaneers lost one of their top cornerbacks in Jacob Parrish during Sunday’s loss to the Bengals, but the latest injury update has quelled most concerns about his future availability.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expected Alex Anzalone to bring a physical presence to their defense. After one game, however, he doesn’t look like the answer Tampa Bay hoped would replace Lavonte David.
Mayfield completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards with no scores or interceptions in Week 1, but he lost three fumbles that ultimately led to 17 points.
The Bucs offense scored 20 points in their debut under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson – a 33-27 loss to the Bengals in Cincinnat. It should have been more.
Four turnovers are the easy explanation for Tampa Bay’s 33-27 loss to the Bengals on Sunday, and Todd Bowles did not try to dodge them. But in his postgame remarks at Paycor Stadium, the Buccaneers head coach made clear the giveaways were only part of what went wrong in the season opener.
It’s just one game, but find me a better NFL debut for a linebacker than the one we just saw from Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Josiah Trotter. A second-round