{"id":1000212,"date":"2026-09-14T02:57:23","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T02:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/1000212\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T02:57:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T02:57:23","slug":"ira-kaufmans-10-takeaways-from-bucs-bengals-joebucsfan-com","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/1000212\/","title":{"rendered":"Ira Kaufman’s 10 Takeaways From Bucs-Bengals – JoeBucsFan.com"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Click through to visit BillCurrieFord.com and see their extraordinary September discounts. Family-owned in Tampa since 1960! Bill Currie Ford general manager Sean Sullivan is ready to help you PERSONALLY and give you the famous Ira Kaufman discount. Don\u2019t Worry, Drive Currie!<\/p>\n

BY IRA KAUFMAN<\/p>\n

Give yourself a chance to win the darn game.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s the mantra of a disappointed Buc Nation after Tampa Bay self-destructed in a 33-27 setback at Cincinnati that ended a streak of five consecutive Week 1 victories.<\/p>\n

On a day when Ja\u2019Marr Chase, arguably the league\u2019s premier receiver, did little, the Bengals capitalized on three Baker Mayfield fumbles and a giveaway by Bucky Irving. The Bucs have now lost eight of their last 10 games and Sunday\u2019s 0-4 start across the NFC South provides little consolation for a frustrated fan base.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Todd Bowles<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay can atone for its many sins by winning the Sept. 20 home opener against the other half of the NFL\u2019s Ohio exacta, the brutally bad Cleveland Browns.<\/p>\n

While the Bucs didn\u2019t punt all afternoon, they punted away their chances to win with sloppy play on both sides of the ball. Although Chase and Tee Higgins combined for only five catches and 71 yards, Cincinnati rolled up 26 first downs and converted 8-of-14 on third down.<\/p>\n

It was a mixed bag for some new Buccaneers \u2014 highlighted by a splendid debut for rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter. The second-round pick turned in a pick-6 against Joe Burrow, dashing 38 yards for a score that turned momentum Tampa Bay\u2019s way late in the third quarter. Trotter added a game-high 10 tackles and Tampa Bay\u2019s lone sack in a bravura performance.<\/p>\n

First-round choice Rueben Bain didn\u2019t fare nearly as well, limited to one tackle and applying negligible pass rush pressure.<\/p>\n

This regular-season opener was summed up well by FOX analyst Darryl Johnston, who kept returning to the same word while the Bengals raced to a 24-10 halftime lead:<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnston must have said it a half-dozen times, implying Tampa Bay\u2019s flurry of turnovers paved the way for the outcome. Lost fumbles on three consecutive Tampa Bay possessions led to 17 points and the Bucs couldn\u2019t dig into a hole of their own making.<\/p>\n

For those keeping score, that makes 35 fumbles by Mayfield during his 52-game career as a Buccaneer. That\u2019s not a fluke \u2014 that\u2019s a problem.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how the Bengals went ahead midway through the opening quarter and never looked back against their hospitable visitors:<\/p>\n

* Some chronic issues were evident again on a Buc defense that featured four new starters. Tackling was subpar, especially in the flats, as Burrow\u2019s targets repeatedly gained significant yards after the catch.<\/p>\n

\"\"* You didn\u2019t notice Bain, but you couldn\u2019t help but notice that veteran inside linebacker Alex Anzalone turned in a forgettable effort. Whether it was a run fit or a coverage situation, Anzalone seemed to take poor angles.<\/p>\n

* This tape isn\u2019t going to help Tristan Wirfs garner All-Pro votes. Buc fans are used to Wirfs being dominant. Not on this day, as he failed to hold his blocks or establish his physicality.<\/p>\n

* Besides Trotter\u2019s smashing debut, Bucky Irving and Benjamin Morrison enjoyed some good moments. The jump was back in Irving\u2019s steps as he averaged 5.6 yards on eight carries, adding 48 yards while catching all seven balls Mayfield sent his way. Morrison looked quite active as a run defender after Jacob Parrish was sidelined by a back injury.<\/p>\n

* Rookie Ted Hurst played sparingly but made his presence felt during a fourth-quarter drive that saw him haul in three consecutive passes. Emeka Egbuka had five receptions for 63 yards in a dynamic first half, then never saw another pass come his way.<\/p>\n

* Mayfield said the offense had to deal with some early headset issues. Whatever the reason, Graham Barton was repeatedly forced to snap the ball with nothing left on the play clock. Let\u2019s assume that won\u2019t be a problem next week at home.<\/p>\n

\"\"* New OC Zac Robinson can\u2019t be blamed for the torrent of fumbles, but he didn\u2019t showcase much creativity, either. Some screens, however, generated solid gains.<\/p>\n

* While Higgins and Chase were kept under wraps, the Bucs made tight end Mike Gesicki look like the second coming of Rob Gronkowski. Gesicki caught five passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, including a key 24-yard reception on third-and-10 that set up a FG and a 30-20 advantage.<\/p>\n

* When he wasn\u2019t losing his handle on the football, Mayfield generated plenty of offense. Those fumbles cost the Bucs precious possessions and they finished with only 52 offensive snaps, compared to 63 for the home team.<\/p>\n

* You always want to start fast, but a Week 1 loss is certainly no season killer. The 2025 Patriots opened with a home setback against the Raiders for goodness sake, then went on to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. An 0-2 start, however, would generate widespread panic for Buc fans pining for a deep playoff run.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
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