The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open the 2026 season Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Calijah Kancey enters the season looking to reestablish himself as one of Tampa Bay’s biggest interior defensive threats. After missing most of 2025, Kancey should provide the Buccaneers with an explosive presence inside.
Kancey has already demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks from the interior. His quickness can create problems for offensive linemen before they have time to establish their blocks.
Predicted Stat Line for Calijah Kancey vs Cincinnati Bengals
– Tackles: 3-5
– Sacks: 0.5-1.0
– Forced Fumbles: 0-1
– Quarterback Hits: 2-3
Key Factors Influencing
– Kancey’s interior explosiveness gives Tampa Bay another way to generate pressure against Joe Burrow.
– His ability to penetrate quickly can disrupt Cincinnati’s passing game before routes fully develop.
– Burrow’s quick release could make interior pressure especially important for Tampa Bay’s defensive front.
– Kancey’s presence inside could also create opportunities for Tampa Bay’s edge rushers.
Final Stat Predictions
– Tackles: 4
– Sacks: 1
– Forced Fumbles: 0
– Quarterback Hits: 2
Kancey has an opportunity to immediately remind everyone why his presence matters to Tampa Bay’s defense.
The Bengals will have plenty of attention on the Buccaneers’ edge rushers. That could give Kancey opportunities to attack from the interior and create pressure.
Prediction: Four tackles, one sack, zero forced fumbles and two quarterback hits.
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