Overview
- Mayfield lost three fumbles that led to 17 Cincinnati points in a 33-27 defeat that left the Buccaneers 0-1 after the season opener on Monday.
- Coach Todd Bowles publicly said Mayfield must "take care of the football" and called for better situational awareness on plays near the goal line.
- Despite the turnovers, Mayfield completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards and added 30 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown when he protected the ball.
- Tampa Bay’s problems extended beyond the QB as the team gave up four fumbles total, suffered missed tackles on defense, and lost cornerback Jacob Parrish to a back injury.
- The game intensifies scrutiny of Mayfield after he signed a three-year, $165 million extension days earlier and continues a pattern of ball-security issues that includes more than 30 fumbles since 2023, which could influence game plans and roster decisions.