NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
Sep 13, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened their 2026 NFL season with a 33-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Baker Mayfield pointed to headset problems as one issue that disrupted Tampa Bay’s offense.
“We had some headset issues for quite a while, in and out,” Mayfield told reporters after the game.
He then said, “It’s not an excuse, but when they’re testing them on the sidelines and they work fine, then you get out in between the hashes and it’s not working, it’s unfortunate.”
MORE: Packers’ collapse gets called ‘Choke Job’ after 39-22 Vikings loss
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield said he experienced headset issues today vs. the Bengals:
“We had some headset issues for quite a while, in and out. It’s not an excuse, but when they’re testing them on the sidelines and they work fine, then you get out in between the hashes and it’s not… pic.twitter.com/MBiIpS1AGL
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 14, 2026
The communication problems came during a game where turnovers had already put Tampa Bay under heavy pressure. Mayfield lost two fumbles on sacks and another while scrambling near Cincinnati’s goal line.
Pointing to that, one fan reacted, “Yeah, headset issues can’t cause 3 lost fumbles.”
Another user wrote, “‘It’s not an excuse’ while literally giving an excuse lmao. The headset ain’t making you turn the ball over LMAO.”
The Bengals turned those mistakes into 24 points and built a 21-3 advantage in the second quarter. Cincinnati’s defense repeatedly pressured Mayfield, forcing him to make difficult decisions under pressure.
Mayfield still completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards. He also rushed for a touchdown while helping Tampa Bay cut into Cincinnati’s lead.
Baker Mayfield’s mistakes overshadow late comeback
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
Sep 13, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Jalen Davis (35) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Mayfield acknowledged that Cincinnati’s defensive front created problems throughout the game. “They upgraded the personnel a lot,” he said. “They were running on some twists and being consistent. Relentless effort.”
Mayfield also accepted responsibility for one of his sacks. “Like the last one, it’s (me) holding on to the ball too long,” he said.
Rookie linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. gave Tampa Bay another spark with a 38-yard pick-six. His interception cut Cincinnati’s advantage to 27-20 with 2:16 left in the third quarter.
“Good play on his part,” Coach Todd Bowles said of Trotter’s interception. “It’s a play he blew from practice. He learned from it and made a play from there.”
MORE: Cris Collinsworth rips Cowboys defense after first half two-minute drill meltdown
Mayfield later scored on a nine-yard scramble, bringing Tampa Bay within six points with 3:19 remaining. However, Joe Burrow and the Bengals controlled the final possession.
Burrow connected with Tee Higgins for an 18-yard gain that helped Cincinnati enter Tampa Bay territory. The Bengals then ran out the clock to secure the victory.
The Buccaneers will host Cleveland next Sunday while seeking their first win of the season.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—