NFL Opener: Mayfield's Fumbles Cost Buccaneers the Game

Baker Mayfield lost a season opener for the first time in his four seasons with Tampa Bay. His three lost fumbles were a main reason why the Buccaneers lost 33-27 to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Mayfield, who agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension on Tuesday, nearly led the Bucs back from a 14-point halftime deficit, but his three lost fumbles and another by running back Bucky Irving proved too costly.

"This loss is on me," Mayfield said. "My turnovers alone led to 17 points for the opponent. The game ended with just a one-touchdown difference, six points. It's frustrating to do something like that when you're moving the ball well."

Mayfield lost three fumbles in a game for the first time in his career. On Sunday, he completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards. He also rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown on five carries.

The Bucs had won five consecutive season openers, including three with Mayfield as the starter.

"Well, obviously you can't give the ball away," coach Todd Bowles said. "We had four turnovers and only lose by a touchdown."

Early Setbacks

Mayfield was sacked four times. In the first quarter, he lost a fumble when he was sacked by Barrett Carter and Myles Murphy. Demetrius Knight Jr. recovered the ball and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 7-3 lead. It was the Bengals' first fumble-return touchdown since Sam Hubbard's 99-yard return in an AFC Wild Card game on January 15, 2023, against the Ravens.

On the Bucs' next possession, Irving lost a fumble after catching an 8-yard pass from Mayfield. Boye Mafe recovered the ball at the Buccaneers' 33-yard line, leading to a 2-yard touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to Mike Gesicki, increasing the score to 14-3.

The third fumble of the half occurred when Mayfield scrambled and was stripped of the ball by Carter. Bryan Cook recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchback.

"We always teach: 'Hold it high and tight,'" Bowles said. "You have to hold it high and tight."

After the fumble, the Bengals drove 80 yards, and Chase Brown's 5-yard touchdown run made the score 21-3 with 5:32 remaining in the second quarter.

Cincinnati led 24-10 at halftime.

Comeback Falls Short

The Bucs were trailing 30-20 with 10 minutes left when Mayfield lost another fumble, this time sacked from behind by Mafe. "You just gotta know someone's behind you," Mayfield said. "The internal clock is ticking in your head. Just keep both hands on the ball in the pocket, you know. Ball security is the most important thing."

Mayfield's 9-yard touchdown run cut the Bengals' lead to 33-27 with 3:19 remaining. However, the Bengals were able to run out the clock.

Jeanty Leads Raiders to Victory

After his ankle injury, Ashton Jeanty got fit in time for the season opener and delivered a stellar performance in the Las Vegas Raiders' 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Jeanty rushed for 102 yards on 23 carries and caught all six passes for 45 yards, including two touchdowns.