Well, that opening game against the Bengals was the exact opposite of what Buccaneers’ fans wanted to see if the goal was to make everyone forget about the late-season collapse of 2025.
Bucs +8.5 Points Over Browns
On defense, there were missed assignments, missed tackles, wide-open receivers, virtually no pass rush and veterans playing as if they were on ice skates.
On offense, I felt like I was watching an Oprah Winfrey Christmas special:
You get a turnover! You get a turnover! Everybody gets a turnover!
Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving combined for four total fumbles, three from Baker and one from Bucky.
After all the offseason talk about becoming tougher, the Bucs were manhandled on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
No Bueno
Now the Bucs return home for their home opener against the Cleveland Browns, who, at least on paper, are considered the worst team in the league.
Forgive me if I’m not convinced the Bucs are going to win by double digits, as many have predicted.
This team — and Todd Bowles in particular — has a lot to prove this week.
Offense
Baker and company did some good things last week. There was a high completion percentage, good distribution of the football and a solid running game.
But those fumbles.
The Browns scored their lone touchdown late in the game, so the Bucs offense should have enough firepower to put points on the board against Cleveland.
Advantage: Buccaneers
Defense
Both teams struggled on third down, allowing their opponents to convert at least 50% of their opportunities, and both teams recorded just one sack.
The Bucs secondary did a good job against Cincinnati’s high-powered group of receivers, which is something to build on.
But the lack of pressure up front has to be addressed.
Advantage: Buccaneers
Special Teams
For the first time in a long time, the Bucs’ special teams unit — specifically kickoff coverage — was anything but outstanding.
Cleveland averaged 43 yards per kickoff return, including a 73-yard return by Raheim Sanders.
That’s something the Bucs cannot afford to repeat.
Slight Advantage: Buccaneers
Intangibles
The Bucs will win this game, but they will not cover the 8.5 points.
They better hope they score first because the fans at Raymond James Stadium will be waiting for any opportunity to turn up the heat on Todd Bowles.
The Bucs need to play with the toughness they talked about all offseason, protect the football and avoid giving Cleveland any reason to believe it can hang around.
I’m expecting a win.
Just not a blowout.
Bucs 21 — Browns 13
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