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Buccaneers Week 1 Top Performers at Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals launched their 2026 campaign on a positive note by fending off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a 33-27 victory at Paycor Stadium. Cincinnati's defensive unit set the tone by recovering four loose balls, highlighted by a defensive fumble return for a touchdown that marked their first such score since 2022.

Baker Mayfield struggled with ball security under pressure, giving up three lost fumbles on the day.

Joe Burrow directed the Cincinnati attack with 254 passing yards and one touchdown toss, while kicker Evan McPherson provided crucial support by converting three field goals, which included successful boots from 55 and 58 yards out. Josiah Trotter carried the ball for Tampa Bay in the second half, but the Buccaneers could not overcome their miscues as Cincinnati captured its season opener for the second consecutive year.