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Bengals beating Bucs without offensive stars shining bodes well for rest of the season

Cincinnati launched their 2026 campaign on a high note by edging the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-27 at Paycor Stadium. A reconstructed defensive unit set the tone for head coach Zac Taylor's squad, generating four total fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a score for the first time by the franchise since 2022.

Opposing signal-caller Baker Mayfield was responsible for coughing up three of those loose balls during a crucial stretch that swung momentum firmly in the home team's favor.

While the primary offensive playmakers did not produce overwhelming numbers, Joe Burrow still managed to connect on a touchdown pass to help maintain the lead. Taylor lauded the immediate impact of his newly acquired defensive contributors, whose collective pressure sealed Cincinnati's second consecutive Week 1 triumph.