Ira Kaufman’s 10 Takeaways From Bucs-Bengals
September 13th, 2026
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Give yourself a chance to win the darn game.
That’s 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.
On a day when Ja’Marr Chase, arguably the league’s 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’s 0-4 start across the NFC South provides little consolation for a frustrated fan base.
Todd Bowles
Tampa Bay can atone for its many sins by winning the Sept. 20 home opener against the other half of the NFL’s Ohio exacta, the brutally bad Cleveland Browns.
While the Bucs didn’t 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.
It was a mixed bag for some new Buccaneers — 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’s way late in the third quarter. Trotter added a game-high 10 tackles and Tampa Bay’s lone sack in a bravura performance.
First-round choice Rueben Bain didn’t fare nearly as well, limited to one tackle and applying negligible pass rush pressure.
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:
“Easy.”
Johnston must have said it a half-dozen times, implying Tampa Bay’s 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’t dig into a hole of their own making.
For those keeping score, that makes 35 fumbles by Mayfield during his 52-game career as a Buccaneer. That’s not a fluke — that’s a problem.
Here’s how the Bengals went ahead midway through the opening quarter and never looked back against their hospitable visitors:
* Some chronic issues were evident again on a Buc defense that featured four new starters. Tackling was subpar, especially in the flats, as Burrow’s targets repeatedly gained significant yards after the catch.
* You didn’t notice Bain, but you couldn’t 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.
* This tape isn’t 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.
* Besides Trotter’s smashing debut, Bucky Irving and Benjamin Morrison enjoyed some good moments. The jump was back in Irving’s 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.
* 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.
* 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’s assume that won’t be a problem next week at home.
* New OC Zac Robinson can’t be blamed for the torrent of fumbles, but he didn’t showcase much creativity, either. Some screens, however, generated solid gains.
* 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.
* When he wasn’t 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.
* 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.
September 13th, 2026 at 7:10 pm
We lose the Browns next week! Unfortunately, Bowles needs to go now! Make Robinson the head coach we could salvage the season still. Go Bucs
September 13th, 2026 at 7:15 pm
Every superbow year, the Bucs have lost their 1st game
September 13th, 2026 at 7:15 pm
It’s a Todd Bowles coached team. Evans left for a reason
September 13th, 2026 at 7:16 pm
Baker has played 52 games as a buc, and leads NFL in that time with 48 turn overs.
September 13th, 2026 at 7:17 pm
Bowles didn’t fumble the ball 4 times
Bowles didn’t miss a single tackle
At some point in time, the players has to held accountable
They complain and moan about their pay
Demanding a trade, sitting out during practice
Then the owners pay up, and they lay down on them
September 13th, 2026 at 7:20 pm
I knew it when they got beat down in practice by the jaguars that they weren’t ready for the big boys. Call it like it is. We have players who have good individual games but as a collective his scheme is trash. I thought the Joe’s were overreacting about the o line but now I just can’t trust a Bowles led team. Hope for the best is their motto
September 13th, 2026 at 7:21 pm
As I’ve said here since mini-camp. This team as constructed has mid-level talent and subpar coaching. So, this is what you’ll get: loses to every playoff/playoff caliber team and close wins against the rest (see Jets win from last year). That gets you to 7-10. Which is about right for mid-level talent and subpar coaching. Last year I predicted 8-9 and I was right. I’ll be right again. Stay tuned.
September 13th, 2026 at 7:21 pm
@Lakeland – who holds the players accountable?
September 13th, 2026 at 7:22 pm
Why does the D always have problems covering the tight end?
September 13th, 2026 at 7:23 pm
Just wait until Wirfs get his extension.
Jason and Greenburgowitzgekdstien just keep paying…
September 13th, 2026 at 7:25 pm
“Lakeland Says:
September 13th, 2026 at 7:17 pm
Bowles didn’t fumble the ball 4 times
Bowles didn’t miss a single tackle“
Why hold players accountable for bad plays, when you can just blame it on the HC. Why not blame Bowles for the false starts by our LT, or spamming the Egbuka target window early then abandoning it later(sort of like the entirety) of the season.
Hell, blame Bowles for that end around to Tez that feels like the run play Joe couldn’t elaborate on during came.
At this point
Buc fans = Kyles’ mom
Bowles = Canada
September 13th, 2026 at 7:25 pm
No Ira a week one loss is no season killer. But when you finished 2-7 to finish last season, it’s a problem. When you start the season the way you ended the last looking inept, it’s concerning. When your freshly minted franchise QB has more fumbles than TD passes it’s a problem. Little Baker’s little hands keeps fumbling, nothing new, but it’s a problem. Team be lucky to win 7 games.
September 13th, 2026 at 7:26 pm
Our new Fabio line backer looked lost all game he’s a liablity..
September 13th, 2026 at 7:26 pm
Baker was actually watching the movie Cars when his agent called him about the contract—which makes sense, because his performance in Week 1 was a complete total wreck
September 13th, 2026 at 7:27 pm
ElioT
The players stunk last year down the stretch
Then the owners handed out record extensions to some
None of these trash players deserved a extension
Vita Vea even held himself out of practice
And demanded to be traded
September 13th, 2026 at 7:29 pm
Cinci’s defence was in the backfield more than our RBs. Baker was scrambling most of the day. But you gotta take care of that ball, Baker!
September 13th, 2026 at 7:31 pm
And I winced when Otten dropped that perfect pass from Baker
September 13th, 2026 at 7:36 pm
Cade Otton is a waste of good money
Money that should be spent on a quality starter
September 13th, 2026 at 7:38 pm
Something about this team that can’t play all 3 phases. Offense always putting the D in a hole and defense doesn’t look much improved. Lose to Browns next week and the season is officially lost!
September 13th, 2026 at 7:40 pm
We are a bad team with bad coaching and clueless owners. All they had to do was move Bowles upstairs and keep Coen. 7-10 maybe 8-9, although it could be worse considering Bowles is 2-8 over his last 10.
September 13th, 2026 at 7:44 pm
4 turnovers. one of them on the 3 yard line . its not all doom and gloom yet. trotter and the dbs looked good . too many old guys added to this defense , bengals did a better job adding to their dline
September 13th, 2026 at 7:48 pm
speaking of old guys i think godwin is doing more harm than good need more of a hurst less of godwin
September 13th, 2026 at 8:00 pm
The opposing TE player always kills the Bucs for some reason.
September 13th, 2026 at 8:04 pm
Bowels will be gone by the end of this season
September 13th, 2026 at 8:06 pm
Second verse…same as the first.
Picking up right where they left off last year, only there won’t be a 6-2 start this season to keep them in the hunt.
This defense has a team captain that held out the entire preseason and another team captain that was a middle of the road free agent addition. Set expectations accordingly.
September 13th, 2026 at 8:08 pm
TBH, l don’t understand why Bowles wanted to come back to coach this trash
There is no way, l mean no way possible, l will associate myself with this team
I don’t understand Todd Bowles, if you get fired, you still get paid
Why put yourself through this misery with Baker and the rest of the trash
September 13th, 2026 at 8:11 pm
Ira the defense stinks and looks worse than last year. Who’s coaching the defense ?
September 13th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
Another tough pill to swallow…our $165M QB is a turnover machine without the big yardage. At least with Jameis you got lots of air yards to go with the TOs.
Baker? Consistently turns it over while barely throwing for 200 yards.
September 13th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
$165,000,000?
September 13th, 2026 at 8:15 pm
I see overreaction Monday started early.
September 13th, 2026 at 8:20 pm
I’m a die hard Bucs fans
I’ve been a fan since the beginning
And I’m gonna be a fan until the end
I’m optimistic about the team, and the future
But, we will never win a Super Bowl with Baker Mayfield
September 13th, 2026 at 8:25 pm
EloiT … ‘@Lakeland – who holds the players accountable?’
It shouldn’t be that hard to answer your own question.
o How do you hold Wirfs accountable for his 2 penalties? Do you replace him with Skule? Do you fine him $1,000 per penalty?
o How do you hold Mayfield responsible for committing 3 turnovers today? Do you pull him from the game and insert Daniels? Given how much he makes now, do you fine him $1 mil for each game that we lose in which his turnovers made a difference?
o If a defensive player misses a tackle, exactly how are you gonna hold him accountable? Maybe have Vea & Robinson smack him around a bit so he tackles better next time? Ya right.
Today we had 48 Bucs’ players dress to play 48 Bengals’ players. I doubt there was a single guy who actually played in that game that doesn’t have SOMETHING they wish they’d done differently. Accountability sounds really good, but IMO it’s best accomplished thru film study in the various position groups. Certainly NOT in the media.
September 13th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
This loss well on one hand we can blame Baker. He allowed a scoop and score and also fumbled a ball into the end zone for a 14 point swing. That swing alone could have changed the outcome. However, the Todd Bowles’ D has no changed either, players in a soft zone, no pressure on the QB and an opposing TE who looked like Gronk because the ILB assigned to him, Anzalone, kept slipping and sliding or over running plays like Devin White. Looks like week 2 is a must win game. Baker or Bowles choke again and there will be people demanding that Bowles get fired mid-season and if he loses to the Browns, well, he deserves it. And Baker, chances are he will have a another bone head turnover or 2 by trying to do too much. Bowles has never beaten an AFC North team, I am worried about the Browns game but at least the Bucs should not be looking past them now. If they do, it will be just like the Chargers today grabbing their ankle 26-14 to the lowly Cardinals. 0-2 is not out of the question unless the Bucs clean up their game pronto.
September 13th, 2026 at 8:37 pm
Sam … ‘Ira the defense stinks and looks worse than last year.’
Relook at the game & I think you’ll see that our defense got put into a number of impossible situations against a quality offense. Could they have been better? Of course. Did they ‘stink and look worse than last year’? Not hardly.
Yes they got ‘tagged’ with allowing 33 pts to be scored against them, even though they were sitting on the bench when 7 of them were scored. And they had to contend with TWO other very short fields in which they gave up TDs (e ven if they hadn’t 2 FGs would’ve been virtually assured even if Cincy didn’t advance 1 inch). So that’s 13 pts right there that they would’ve had virtually no control over because of 3 of the 4 turnovers. I concede that our defense would’ve given up 20 pts had it not been for the turnovers. But against a Burrow’s led offense, 20 pts wouldn’t have been that shabby. And yes, we would’ve won without the turnovers.
In any event, my guess is that Cincy will have a very good year IF they can stay healthy. Their offense will be hard to stop by just about every team. Their defense really impressed me in a number of areas.
September 13th, 2026 at 8:43 pm
Hola, Ira. Well, I haven’t been on any Bucs site since last year. I did watch (audio off) a little of the 3rd preseason game. So, today was my first Bucs fan day. What do I have to endure? Baker Mayfield, who got a raise in the off-season, helping out the Bengals to an easy 14 points. And then since that wasn’t “good” enough, he marches a competent offense down the field. He, then, decides to fumble the ball right before an easy score in the endzone. I could feel the whole team deflate right there. I knew it was an L. I’m surprised it was only by 6 points. No NFL team is chopped liver, but giving up 21 points in a half? B-S! BM better get his head on straight before the Home Opener next week!
September 13th, 2026 at 8:52 pm
one could ask the question why was baker holding on to the ball for so long? bucs need mcmillan back and more of hurst. godwin is toast
September 13th, 2026 at 8:53 pm
@ purplebeard Says: “And I winced when Otten dropped that perfect pass from Baker”
All those fumbles and sacks, but THAT one dropped pass is what made YOU “wince?” And, that’s ALL that YOU had to say!? I mean, GTFO. You are either, extremely weird and disingenuous… Or, you are family of Baker’s.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:00 pm
You can guarantee Bowles defense is even gonna make Watson look good.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:07 pm
Absolutely, positively, an anomaly. Our team played a solid opening game on the road.
4 fumbles for turnovers? Our team only committed 4 fumbles for turnovers the entire 17 game season last year!
We had over 300 yards on 52 plays? It’s not like they were stopping us. And after watching a little film, this offense is going to get better.
Absolutely no excuse for any of the 4 fumbles. That is the only reason we lost that game. Case closed.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:08 pm
Baker singlehandedly cost the Bucs this game.
That means Baker has singlehandedly cost the Bucs four loses in the last five games. And that was rewarded by making him the 3rd highest paid player in the NFL, and the highest paid player in team history.
WOW!
With that said I expect a BIG week next week vs the Browns. I can’t possibly see him ever having another 3 fumble game like this, and he was throwing OK, and the Browns were completely embarrassed by the Jags today, which was much much worse than the score indicated as the Jags were up 31-0 just after halftime and just decided to run out the clock. If Baker has yet another bad game vs the Browns, well… just don’t allow that to happen.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:11 pm
Sorry, I of course meant Baker Mayfield has singlehandedly cost the Buccaneers 5 of their last 6 games. Hard to keep track of them as there’s so many.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:13 pm
Bowles sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 13th, 2026 at 9:15 pm
The Polly positive lemming speak is finally done!!!!
Suck failure you freaks!!!!
September 13th, 2026 at 9:17 pm
Munchestiltheresnothinglefttomunchon. Every dog has his day. Mayfield singlehandedly lost today’s game. I’m thinking that’s the only game I’ve seen him do that.
It’s a long season. Don’t get tempted to bet against Baker. You’ll lose.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:20 pm
Kenton Smith – as I said, I fully expect a HUGE bounce back next week. That Browns team got destroyed by the Jags, and you have to think there’s no chance Baker has another game like this where he keeps fumbling.
So hopefully next week everyone feels a lot better about Baker and the team in general.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:20 pm
Too many blame the coaches. Players have to play. We have the best coach in the league.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:21 pm
Baker was running for his life. The ball at the end zone he was covering up, one of them he was destroyed from behind so if anyone thinks they could have held on to that ball please by all means continue with the criticism. The last thing I expected was the o line to play like trash. Bowles defense is stale so it’s
Is his message the team simply isn’t ready to play they have no juice
September 13th, 2026 at 9:23 pm
Too many blame the quarterback. Players have to play. It’s not his fault if he fumbles, players are supposed to block for him.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:24 pm
Just think… As long as he stays healthy, and has a decent season for him, we could’ve gotten at least TWO ‘First-Round’ Picks for Wirfs… Either, at the deadline, or next offseason before the Draft. Talk about the perfect timing, given his age and seemingly declining (for him) level of play. But, hell… You have to keep HIM now, for your big ‘4-YEAR’ Investment LoL. It would’ve really ‘expedited’ the rebuild too, and in a HUGE huge way. There was just soooo much that we could’ve done. We had soooo many ‘options’ too, and now WE’RE STUCK. And, in just soooo MANY ways… We would’ve had soooo much ‘flexibility’ at the trade-deadline, and at the end of this season. We could’ve done ANY FREAKING THING WE WANTED. It could have been a VERY ‘attractive’ job for a new top-tier level, modern day HC.
With the ‘right’ HC and GM in place, this would’ve been a 2-year rebuild, and we would’ve been SET. Legit Contenders by 2029. With this season’s 2nd-half, and next season’s 2027 season, as being literal TANK City. Now, we’re looking at A LOT of misery, in order for this to run it’s course first, before being able to get past it, and then OUT of it. NOW, you are talking about MANY YEARS, before getting ‘right’ again. It will be a looong time, before THIS Franchise is a true ‘legit’ Contender again… Going back to COEN, it will be another “Lost Decade” before it’s all said and done. And, you can Thank LICKT for doing it to us (at the very last minute too, even when he didn’t have to). It’s going to be REAL BAD.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:33 pm
Wasn’t expecting them to beat the Bengals, but the three turnovers did them in. Cincinnati capitalized and never looked back. Things seemed off from the start – maybe it’s the lack of full speed reps but if they don’t clean it up – quickly – it’s going to be a very long season.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:34 pm
You want a chance to win? Don’t give 100 million to a mediocre player who contributes literally nothing to society, while veterans who preserve that society live homeless. Don’t hire coaches based on a desire to virtue signal and find one with actual ability.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:34 pm
My post @ 8:38 pm didn’t post, but my one after it did!?:/
Ira Says (actually what I already have): “For those keeping score, that makes 35 fumbles by Mayfield during his 52-game career as a Buccaneer.
That’s not a fluke – that’s a problem.
And, they handed HIM 4-YEARS, at tip-tip of the market $$$$$. Even, when they had their OUT. When, they already knew WHO he was. And, when they had absolutely NO REASON to do so, whatsoever. NONE. It’s just soooo disheartening, the pure STUPIDITY. And, to know what could have been. That’s exactly what we’ll ALL be thinking over these next 5-6 YEARS… Cause, we’ll definitely be PAYING FOR IT at least until then. It’s been a ROUGH RUFFFFF 2+years, beginning with COEN. They all decided to double-down on STUPID. Thus almost surely guaranteeing another LOST DECADE. When, they could’ve ‘cut their losses’ by moving on from this ENTIRE regime. Just been SMART. But, ya see… That would’ve meant, HAVING GUTS. They’ve locked themselves IN, and painted themselves into a corner. Now, they’re STUCK. Remember… They KNOWINGLY, DID THIS.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:36 pm
Rod, the Bucs should win but Todd Bowles has never beaten an AFC North team, even the Browns whom he handed a win to in Cleveland when he would not allow Brady to go for the win. As much as Baker was accountable for this week’s L with a fumble ran back for a TD, another fumble which cost the Bucs a TD when he foolishly tried to go for the end zone when he had the first and goal plus a third score costing fumble; Bowles’ D looked like more of the same from last year with Gesicki looking like an all pro against Anzalone and crew. I think the Bucs could lose their home opener if the Bucs make any mistakes including Baker. I am not as down on Baker as much as Rod Munch but man, 3 turnovers in his first game after getting that huge sack of coin is a really bad look. Baker will take the blame be in reality he is never accountable, because he never changes how he plays, wreckless to the team’s detriment.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:39 pm
DR
The accountability comes during the week. These guys do next to nothing all training camp , play none in pre season, then try and step on a field and play organized foot football. It’s a joke. Only made worse by its continuation into the regular season.
Here it comes, the injuries. Can’t be in any kind of shape when Bowles runs the team the way he runs his diet, junk food and no exercise.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:41 pm
Ira Says: “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’s assume that won’t be a problem next week at home.”
It was also a HUGE problem last season. And, was for Kentucky on Saturday, versus Alabama. It’s mind-boggling to me. I cannot understand it.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:45 pm
FortMyersDave – Baker, directly, cost the team 17 points… The fumble returned for the touchdown (7), the fumble into the endzone cost the offense a TD (7 points), and the fumble at the Bucs 44 – which in the modern NFL is a guaranteed FG (3).
17 points in a 6 point loss.
The defense did a tremendous job just to keep the Bucs in the game, and keep it a one score game in the end.
When I saw Baker singlehandedly cost the team the game… just replace Baker with, say, Mike Glennon. Do the Bucs win or lose today? If Daniels started today, would he have done any worse than Baker did? Very unlikely.
I’m not saying to bench Baker or anything, but he was horrific today. This was the big payoff after all the offseason drama about him being undervalued and unappreciated – and this is what we got. The same guy that cost the Bucs the playoffs last year – but I was told that was just because Baker wasn’t healthy.
Anywho, again, I expect Baker to bounce back bigly next week. HUGE week – and I’m not just saying that, I’ll be paying cash money starting him everywhere in daily. I expect big things.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:46 pm
FortMyersDave, spot on. Bucs beating Bucs has made its way back. I swear this team needs a hard nosed coach to succeed for whatever reason. See Gruden and Arians.
September 13th, 2026 at 9:50 pm
Kenton Smith
This is on par with the dolphins game lol….Baker had 3 turnovers in that game as well lol….
He is who we thought he was
GO BUCS
September 13th, 2026 at 9:54 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
September 13th, 2026 at 9:17 pm
Munchestiltheresnothinglefttomunchon. Every dog has his day. Mayfield singlehandedly lost today’s game. I’m thinking that’s the only game I’ve seen him do that.
It’s a long season. Don’t get tempted to bet against Baker. You’ll lose.
Actually you will win. Hes 60 and 63 as a starter.
September 13th, 2026 at 10:00 pm
One reason you did not see Bain pressure or make any sacks is that Bowles
had him dropping into coverage multi times….WTF, I thought he would get away
from that…it was a joke last year watching YaYa running 20 yards down field chasing a
running back…..I was hoping for an improved defense but it looks like the
same old Bowles defense!
September 13th, 2026 at 10:23 pm
Mike Evans sure looking like a genius today.
September 13th, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Bowles has always had a great defense. Injuries and bad calls are the issue.
September 13th, 2026 at 10:28 pm
John Mason Says:
September 13th, 2026 at 10:00 pm
One reason you did not see Bain pressure or make any sacks is that Bowles had him dropping into coverage multi times
————-
First off, the defense played really well today – the idea they didn’t is complete nonsense. They gave up only 16 points when the Bengals started on their side of the field – AND they scored 7 points. That’s vs a top offense in the NFL.
As for Bain … and the pass rush in general — unlike Baker who held the ball forever and kept turning it over, Burrow, for the most part, was getting rid of the ball really quickly. He wasn’t standing in the pocket, patting the ball over and over and over – he got the snap, made a read, then threw the ball. It’s difficult to get sacks when offenses do that AND the defense mostly consist of just dropping into a soft zone. But again, even with the soft zone, the defense more than did it’s job today.
September 13th, 2026 at 10:30 pm
35 fumbles in 52 games? Damn that’s disastrous, a real problem.
September 13th, 2026 at 10:35 pm
Darn Todd Toilet Bowles. Mike Evans might have left perfect time. Gotta fix the Baker fumbling struggles too.
September 13th, 2026 at 10:46 pm
Baker Mayfield fumble history at Tampa Bay.
2023-8 total fumbles-3 for turnovers
2024-13 total fumbles-2 for turnovers
2025-11 total fumbles-3 for turnovers
Never more than 3 fumbles for turnovers in the last three seasons. That’s weird. But that’s football.
And that’s not to say it’s not a weakness. We’ve been lucky recovering his fumbles these last 3 years. Not today.
He needs to address that weakness immediately. It cost us a game today.
September 13th, 2026 at 10:46 pm
Seems like the same old problem on defense. No pass rush and tight ends who run wild over the short middle.
The Bengals only punted once. They scored on all of their other drives except the one with Trotter’s interception.
The Bucs also scored on every single drive that they did not fumble.
September 13th, 2026 at 10:49 pm
Mike left for reasons unknown. Baker and Bowles and the Bucs showed everyone today they are ready to make a Super Bowl run. Bad luck. Bad refs. Browns are gonna suffer for it because we love our Bucs.
September 13th, 2026 at 10:52 pm
Baker and his fumbles did cost the game.
The D was fine. Aside from an inability to cover Gesicki.
The fumbling evidence against Baker during his tenure is damning and a problem. It’s hard for me to condemn a guy for trying to make a play. It’s not trying to make a play and throwing into triple coverage.
Tackles from behind show a lack of awareness no doubt but losing all those fumbles and being tackled from behind while scrambling 3 times is also an element of bad luck and D playing well.
What is more concerning is getting beat in both trenches. Burrow had way more time and our OL was getting worked a bunch. Despite that, minus the turnovers, we win. Maybe a couple of those fumbles don’t happen if the OL holds up better.
September 13th, 2026 at 11:07 pm
I try to tell everyone, this team needs a hard nose coach these guys don’t respond to Bowles and his camp cupcake.
September 13th, 2026 at 11:07 pm
Today it was great to see our CBs play well, and the running game looked better. And Trotter Shined as well as Hurst. The Oline looked much better at LG. The fumbles killed us. But Anzolne played like absolute trash. We are going to miss LVD more than thought
September 13th, 2026 at 11:09 pm
Saw Bain drop in coverage more than once
September 13th, 2026 at 11:14 pm
If a running back fumbles 35 times in 52 games he’s headed for the pine or more likely dismissed from the team, not rewarded with the single highest contract in franchise history.
September 13th, 2026 at 11:27 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
September 13th, 2026 at 10:46 pm
Baker Mayfield fumble history at Tampa Bay.
2023-8 total fumbles-3 for turnovers
2024-13 total fumbles-2 for turnovers
2025-11 total fumbles-3 for turnovers
Never more than 3 fumbles for turnovers in the last three seasons. That’s weird. But that’s football.
And that’s not to say it’s not a weakness. We’ve been lucky recovering his fumbles these last 3 years. Not today.
He needs to address that weakness immediately. It cost us a game today.
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Since Gino Smith didn’t turn the ball over today, Baker now has a solid 2 turnover lead on who has the most turnovers since the beginning of the 2023 season.
September 13th, 2026 at 11:29 pm
Remember that one time, at band camp… When, Baker Mayfield thought for a moment that he was a FULLBACK, and decided to become a Lead-Blocker on that one play!? LoL. It’s truly, just mind-boggling. And, mind-blowingly, STUPID. There are SO MANY ‘different’ words you could use to describe it, but it’s really just a huge waste of your time, at this point of his career. Especially, when given the fact that no matter what, we get to witness even more of it… For the next 4-YEARS. It’s A Bucs Life.
September 13th, 2026 at 11:37 pm
This was 1 football game. We learned turnovers are really bad. And some fans need to go on lithium. It is a fact that both our Super Bowl winning seasons we lost game 1 of the season. So it’s certainly not the end of the world! There were lots of positives in this game too especially how the offense mic’ed the football when it wasn’t fumbling and the defense looks like it can get pretty good. Was pleased to see Morrison perform some. Several good signs but we have to work hard at eliminating the turnovers!
September 13th, 2026 at 11:37 pm
*moved the football
September 13th, 2026 at 11:40 pm
Rod. Trevor Lawrence had 44 in 43 games. Geno had his 45 in 47 games. Josh Allen had 44 in 51 game’s. Baker 45 in 51 games. Baker0.88 rate per game is considered average to good.
None of that helped today.
September 13th, 2026 at 11:52 pm
Just think of the amount of draft-capital they could have accumulated and STOCKPILED, after just moving Wirfs, Vea, and Winfield Junior, ALONE. They could’ve potentially, at least gotten SOMETHING for Godwin even (at the trade-deadline), since his next season’s salary is not guaranteed. And, there could’ve been a few others, I’m sure. A new-age, modern-day Head Coach & GM could’ve done SO MUCH with that, too!!!! A Coen, or a Steichen type… Hell, A BUNCH of ‘em. But, now we’re STUCK. And, none of those guys will have much of any value left, by the time THIS FO has finished dicken around. Absolute WASTED Opportunities. They hand an often injured, often reckless and erratic play, undersized 31-YEAR OLD Quarterback 4-Fresh FULL-YEARS… Something that NO ONE ever does. Russell Wilson being the only one, who wasn’t DRAFTED BY the team signing him. Hell, it’s a Bucs Life. Just extremely disheartening.
September 13th, 2026 at 11:58 pm
Lakeland Says:
September 13th, 2026 at 8:20 pm
I’m a die hard Bucs fans
I’ve been a fan since the beginning
And I’m gonna be a fan until the end
I’m optimistic about the team, and the future
But, we will never win a Super Bowl with Baker Mayfield
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Lakeland you’ve been around enough to agonize through the Dilfer and Jameis years. Baker is them. He’s a spaz. He makes terrible decisions. He seems to lack situational awareness, like holding the ball out like a loaf of bread on a first and 5 in the red zone, scrambling like a drunk to get a first down then trying for more when there’s no need and losing yet another fumble. I’ve seen enough. This is who he is. This is who he will always be. Agree with your assessment. The Bucs never will win a Super Bowl with this clown.
September 14th, 2026 at 12:10 am
@ Rod Munch Says: “unlike Baker who held the ball forever and kept turning it over, Burrow, for the most part, was getting rid of the ball really quickly. He wasn’t standing in the pocket, patting the ball over and over and over – he got the snap, made a read, then threw the ball.”
That is SUCH a great point. I noticed it during the game, that he was gettin’ rid of it QUICK. I believe it was a conscience effort on his part, and totally intentional. Since, he’s been known to like to hold onto the ball for a little while too long, too. He knows HE’S GOT TO in order the finally get through an entire season. He said, there are NO MORE excuses. He’s tired of it. The question is… WILL BAKER EVER BE!? Or, is he just good now, that he got HIS MONEY!? Burrow won a championship in college and got a taste of a Super Bowl… That’s what HE WANTS.