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Mayfield’s Three Fumbles Turn Into 17 Bengals Points

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 11:12 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mayfield's Turnovers Hurt

Baker Mayfield lost three fumbles that produced 17 Bengals points in the 33-27 Week 1 loss.
Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million extension days before season, tying for the NFL’s third-largest salary.
Coach Todd Bowles said the Buccaneers must improve ball security after four turnovers cost the game.
Baker Mayfield accepted responsibility, saying the turnovers gave Bengals 17 points.
It was the Buccaneers’ first season-opening loss under head coach Todd Bowles.

Summary

Trotter Debut Sack

Josiah Trotter became the first NFL player to record a sack and a touchdown in his debut.
He logged 11 tackles, including one tackle for loss, anchoring Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense early.
He broke up a pass and forced a turnover by Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow that became a pick-six.
The pick-six kept the Cincinnati Bengals within striking distance until the game’s final minutes.

History

Historical Context

Super Bowl XXXVII in January 2003 crowned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers champion after a turnover-driven defense that set a franchise benchmark. That season, the Buccaneers forced 30 turnovers, five of which were returned for touchdowns, with defensive end Warren Sapp leading a 12-sack campaign. Similarly, in the 2024 opener, Josiah Trotter recorded a sack and a pick-six while quarterback Baker Mayfield’s fumbles yielded 17 Bengals points, Todd Bowles said. The repeat of turnover impact underscores how ball-security lapses and defensive scores continue to dictate Buccaneers’ fortunes, prompting stricter accountability measures.

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Mayfield's Turnovers Hurt

Baker Mayfield lost three fumbles that produced 17 Bengals points in the 33-27 Week 1 loss.
Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million extension days before season, tying for the NFL’s third-largest salary.
Coach Todd Bowles said the Buccaneers must improve ball security after four turnovers cost the game.
Baker Mayfield accepted responsibility, saying the turnovers gave Bengals 17 points.
It was the Buccaneers’ first season-opening loss under head coach Todd Bowles.

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