In the Bucs' first regular-season game under the direction of new Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson, the team leaned heavily into three-receiver personnel, which meant giving a large amount of playing time to rookie Ted Hurst alongside Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka

For the fourth season in a row, Tampa Bay's opening game featured a rookie finding the end zone…Plus Baker Mayfield moves up a franchise chart, Emeka Egbuka passes 1,000 and Chase McLaughlin adds to an NFL record

Against the Bengals in the preseason opener at Paycor Stadium, rookie inside linebacker Josiah Trotter spearheaded the defensive effort with a sack, pick-six and team-leading 10 tackles

Top observations from the Buccaneers' 33-27 loss to the Bengals at Paycor Stadium in the season opener

Team Reporter Casey Phillips & Bucs Legend Donovan Smith chat Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Josiah Trotter after Week 1 vs. the Bengals. They discussed LB Trotter's performance in Week One, his Missouri connections and his maturity on the field.

View the top images of Tampa Bay's game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 13, 2026

Bucky Irving's first start of 2026 is a sign of good things to come

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke to the media the day after the Bucs' game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season. HC Bowles discussed CB Benjamin Morrison's play, needing to be an effective offense and LB Josiah Trotter's debut.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cornerback Zyon McCollum spoke to the media the day after the Bucs' game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season. CB McCollum discussed the team's ability to limit the Bengals' top-two receivers, LB Josiah Trotter's interception and being a leader.

Fumbles on three straight drives in the first half led to 21 points for the Bengals at Paycor Stadium and the Bucs' comeback was snuffed by another fumble in an eventual 33-27 loss to open the 2026 season

View plays from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season.

After a season-opening loss in Cincinnati, the Bucs return home to play another AFC North team, in this case a Cleveland Browns franchise that has some connection to Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield

The Buccaneers 2026 season opener 33-27 loss Sunday against the Bengals in Cincinnati. Host Jay Recher was there on the sideline and gives his insight and analysis. Also, new play-by-play guy Tony Castricone's highlights and Jays' interviews with QB Baker Mayfield, CB Zyon McCollum, CB Benjamin Morrison and Coach Todd Bowles. All of this and more on  the first edition of After the Whistle!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke to the media after the Bucs' game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season. HC Bowles discussed holding on to the ball, CB Benjamin Morrison's performance & LB Josiah Trotter pick-six.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke to the media after the Bucs' game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season. QB Mayfield discussed taking accountability, the importance of ball security and moving forward next week against the Cleveland Browns.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Zyon McCollum, LB Josiah Trotter and T Tristan Wirfs spoke to the media after the Bucs' game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season.

0:00 CB Zyon McCollum
2:05 LB Josiah Trotter
5:13 T Tristan Wirfs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 33-27 at Paycor Stadium in the season opener

In the Buccaneers' 33-27 loss to the Bengals in Week One, five notes stood out for the visiting team

QB Baker Mayfield runs for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.

LB Josiah Trotter grabs an interception return for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.