Year Two of our "Performance Preview" pick to click-style competition is underway, and we're still a long way from the finish line, but we appear to have started the race under a caution flag. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't get the start they wanted in Cincinnati, losing their season opener for the first time since 2020, and our attempts to predict the star of the game didn't fare much better.
The rules to this season-long competition are simple: Each week, Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix, Buccaneers.com Contributor Gabriel Kahaian and I pick one Buccaneers player apiece on Friday and explain why we think he is poised for a big game. We can't duplicate picks so order may matter, and that's why we rotate that order each week. Following the game, Team Reporter Casey Phillips serves as our (hopefully) unbiased judge, picking which of the three selected players had the best game, in her opinion. She is also allowed to issue a "push" if there simply isn't a best choice, and we came perilously close to that outcome in Week One. We keep score all season and whoever is Casey's choice most often is the champion.
In Week One, Gabe went first since he is new to this competition in 2026 and selected wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr.. Bri, who also wanted to pick Godwin, switched to linebacker Alex Anzalone in his Buccaneers debut. I finished the selections with running back Kenny Gainwell, also playing in his first game for the Bucs. Here is the decision from our esteemed Judge Casey:
"Just like the Bucs had a rookie stand out in the game, the Pick to Click squad was dominated by the newcomer. Gabe ran away with this one if for no reason other than the stiff arms. Godwin definitely showed he is fully healthy and not losing any toughness as he enters year 10. Gainwell looked good with the opportunities he had, but the game situation and score dictated the offense get away from running as much as I'm sure they would have liked. Congrats on a good opening showing Gabe. Now like Trotter, you've set the bar pretty high and I'm hoping you can live up to it moving forward!
Fair enough. It wasn't exactly a resounding victory, in my humble opinion, but a 'W' is a 'W' and Gabe needed only one week to get on the board. Here are the updated standings:
Gabe: 1
Bri: 0
Scott: 0
Push: 0
This week our rotation brings Brianna up to the pole position, so she has her pick of the entire roster. Whatcha got, Bri?
View pictures from Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice during Week 2 of the 2026 NFL Season.
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Safety JJ Roberts #36, Defensive Lineman Elijah Simmons #92, Defensive Lineman A'Shawn Robinson #91, Linebacker Christian Rozeboom #52, Defensive Lineman Jayson Jones #93, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Defensive Lineman DeMonte Capehart #90, Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 and Defensive Lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Offensive Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Offensive Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receiver Eric Rivers Jr. #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin Jr. #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Linebacker Christian Rozeboom #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Inside Linebackers Coach Mike Caldwell of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Linebacker Josiah Trotter #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Defensive Line Coach Marcus West of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Defensive Lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Defensive Lineman Jayson Jones #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Defensive Lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Defensive Lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Yasir Holmes #57 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Cornerback Kevin Knowles #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cornerback Ayden Garnes #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cornerback Kevin Knowles #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Cornerback Ayden Garnes #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Defensive Back Keionte Scott #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Safeties Coach Tim Atkins of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Yasir Holmes #57 and Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Linebacker Josiah Trotter #45 and Linebacker Christian Rozeboom #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Linebacker Alex Anzalone #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Offensive Tackle Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Outside Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Offensive Tackle Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Outside Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Defensive Lineman A'Shawn Robinson #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Guard Dan Feeney #65 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Defensive Lineman Elijah Simmons #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Offensive Tackle Benjamin Chukwuma #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Linebacker Josiah Trotter #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Wide Receiver Ted Hurst III #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Running Backs Coach Skip Peete of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Offensive Tackle Luke Goedeke #67, Guard Cody Mauch #69 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Offensive Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Offensive Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Running Back Kenny Gainwell #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Running Back Kenny Gainwell #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneersduring practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Offensive Tackle Justin Skule #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Outside Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Linebacker Josiah Trotter #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Outside Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. #3 and Linebacker Alex Anzalone #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Running Back Josh Williams #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Linebacker Alex Anzalone #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Offensive Tackle Justin Skule #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Cornerback Ayden Garnes #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - September 16, 2026 - Linebacker Josiah Trotter #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brianna Dix: Emeka Egbuka
In Week One, Emeka Egbuka led the Buccaneers with 63 yards receiving on five receptions, surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark for his career. He exploited the soft spots in zone and did the majority of his damage over the middle of the field. The first-round draft pick in 2025 finished his collegiate tenure with the most receptions in Ohio State history and second in receiving yards behind Michael Jenkins. Egbuka will continue to ascend, and I think Week Two could be a breakout game for No. 2
After Week One, the Browns' pass defense ranks 23rd in the NFL and the Jaguars Trevor Lawrence posted a 150.6 rating, completing 18 of 23 pass attempts for 245 yards and four touchdowns against Cleveland's retooled defense on Sunday. Six Jacksonville weapons finished with over 10 yards per reception and had an explosive play (over 14 yards), including a 30-yarder by Parker Washington. The Jaguars were able to generate yards after catch and Egbuka could feast in Week Two. He commands the catch point and utilizes manipulation at the stem to create cushion. I project the savvy route-runner will galvanize the offense at Raymond James Stadium.
Scott Smith: Rueben Bain Jr.
Josiah Trotter was the Buccaneers' star rookie in the season opener in Cincy, while first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. comparatively had a quiet NFL debut. Bain played 41 defensive snaps and was credited with just one solo tackle and no quarterback hits. Head Coach Todd Bowles said he thought Bain played hard but took a step back in terms of how he was coordinating his rush with his teammates, instead trying to make every play himself. It's no surprise when a rookie of any caliber runs into some struggles in his initial adjustment to the NFL.
I'm not worried about Bain after one game. I still believe he is going to be one of the most impactful rookies in the entire NFL this season, and I'm placing the bet here that this impact starts in Week Two. Bain is famously intense and driven to beat the man across the line from him. After essentially getting a goose-egg in Week One, how motivated is he going to be for his second shot at a hated opponent? (If they aren't wearing a Buccaneers uniform, he hates them.) If he can marry that motivation with a more coordinated approach to his pass rush, this could be his first NFL breakout performance.
Cleveland's offense ranked 25th in sacks allowed per pass play last season, but that is essentially irrelevant given that the Browns executed a complete overhaul of their offensive line in the offseason. The only anticipated starter on that line who was with the team last season was right guard Teven Jenkins, who only started four games last season and, by the way, missed the opener with a back injury. The new right tackle is Tytus Howard, who generally has had good pass-blocking numbers in his career but just came over this offseason in a trade with Houston for a fifth-round pick. Those are the two blockers that Bain should see the most on Sunday. Overall, the Browns' new-look offensive line did not have a strong debut, as Deshaun Watson was sacked five times. (Admittedly, Watson himself had a lot to do with that by holding onto the ball for a long time on all five of those plays.) If that collection of newcomers needs some time to jell and struggles at all on Sunday, Bain could be the one who takes advantage.
Gabriel Kahaian: Bucky Irving
The Krewe got their first look at Bucky Irving in Zac Robinson's new system and it looks like he is going to have a big impact this year. The third-year back looked elusive as ever running against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week One. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and added seven receptions in a game where he totaled 93 yards from scrimmage along with a rushing touchdown. When looking ahead to the home opener, I think Irving has a lot of opportunities to stay hot.
After last week's usage, it is clear Irving will be a key factor in the Buccaneers' success this Sunday. Even while sharing the backfield with Kenny Gainwell, Tampa Bay rode the hot hand with Irving in Week One. That is not to say that split will hold all season, but early numbers suggest Irving's chances will not differ drastically because of the presence of another talented back in the locker room. If anything, Gainwell's presence should keep Irving fresher and more available for the big explosive plays fans saw in his rookie year.
Regardless of season projections, the Cleveland Browns have done their due diligence in the draft the past couple years, adding some serious talent in their defense with the likes of defensive tackle Mason Graham and last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year linebacker Carson Schwesinger. Want to bounce to the outside? Better not hope newly acquired Jared Verse is collapsing the pocket. Irving and the offense will still have to be on their A-game to be victorious. All that being said, I am sure the Bucs are not complaining that the single-season sack record holder Myles Garrett is not still repping the Dawg Pound (even though the team will most likely have to face him Week 17 when the Los Angeles Rams come to town).
In 2025, the Browns were in the middle of the pack when it came to defending the run, giving up 116.4 yards per game on the ground. Last game, the Jacksonville Jaguars were able to gain 123 rushing yards against Cleveland. Irving should be able to take advantage of his opportunities vs. Cleveland and leverage the game script. Hopefully, Tampa Bay builds a nice lead and the tailback can help the team salt the clock away, while picking up some chunk yardage in the process. With all this in mind, I expect to hear numerous "Bucky" chants roaring throughout Raymond James Stadium in the near future.
