Buccaneers Week 1 Top Performers at Cincinnati Bengals

The Buccaneers came into 2026 looking to distance themselves from their disaster 2025 campaign…and proceeded to showcase many of the same issues that plagued them last year.

Baker Mayfield playing recklessly, the defense allowing way too many freebies, and general communication issues plagued the Bucs from start to finish as they floundered to a 33-27 defeat in Cincinnati. Four turnovers (all fumbles, three from Mayfield) led to 24 of Cincinnati's 33 points.

There were some bright spots across the roster, but there needs to be massive amounts of cleanup when the Bucs stage their home-opener next week against the Cleveland Browns .

Offensive Top Performer: RB Bucky Irving

The biggest sigh of relief on the offensive side might've been how good Bucky Irving looked — minus an early lost fumble. After suffering through serious knee and shoulder injuries last season, Irving looked explosive and decisive in new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's new wide zone-based scheme.

Irving commanded the snap load, out-touching newcomer Kenny Gainwell 15 to 6. Irving rushed 8 times for 45 yards and a touchdown and added 7 catches for 48 yards.

If he can remain the dangerous dual-threat weapon he established himself as in 2024, the entire offensive process should stabilize.

When Mayfield was functioning properly in the dropback passing game, Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka both created some moments. Godwin looked like he wanted to hunt defensive backs, leaning into contact and even administering a vicious stiff arm at one point en route to 4 catches for 40 yards. Egbuka broke a few chunk receptions, snagging 5 catches for 63 yards.

Overall, Robinson called a good game that got sabotaged by turnovers. The process needs tweaking but yards and scores were there to be had.

Defensive Top Performer: LB Josiah Trotter

The temptation to give a Week 1 "nobody" here was strong through nearly 3 quarters, but luckily a positive development brewed in the form rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter.

Trotter, who's only 21, went through some characteristic debut ups and downs in the first half, exasperated by his running mate Alex Anzalone 's inability to do literally anything at a competent level. The second half told a much different tale, as Trotter looked more confident and trusting of his instincts, which paid off in a big way in the form of a sack ( Tampa 's only one of the game) and a 38-yard pick-six. The list of NFL players who have gotten a sack and a pick-six in their debut: Josiah Trotter.

It's only Week 1, but the Bucs, who were already very high on Trotter, will be feeling good about him after Sunday.

There's not much else to comment on here. The defense still hemorrhaged yards in the middle of the field, it still suffered from miscommunications, and there were still issues with missed tackles. Basically nothing changed, and that is extremely concerning.

If they make whatever schmuck the Browns trot out next week look competent, the seat is going to be red hot for Todd Bowles early.

Special Teams Top Performer: K Chase McLaughlin

Chase McLaughlin needs his extension, as he remains one of the league's elite kickers.

He nailed both his field goal attempts to keep the Bucs somewhat in it, one being from 51 yards out.

On an overall note, the coverage and return units looked solid. After how awful last season was, that will be a welcome relief. The Bucs allowed a long kick return of just 26 yards. That said, both teams punted a grand total of once, so we didn't see the punt side of things get put to work.