The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a narrow 17-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason matchup that showcased both teams’ depth and the return of one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. However, the focus was not entirely on the scoreboard, as the Bengals saw everything they needed from Joe Burrow in his much-anticipated return to the field.
Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, made his first appearance in nearly nine months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his throwing hand. Despite the long layoff, Burrow looked sharp, leading the Bengals on a 73-yard opening drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. Burrow’s performance was efficient and precise, going 5-for-7 for 51 yards, directing five first downs, and completing passes to four different receivers.
The first pass of the drive was a 9-yard completion to Higgins, setting the tone for what would be a successful series. Burrow capped off the drive with a second-and-goal strike to Higgins from the Tampa Bay 10-yard line, where Higgins sidestepped Buccaneers cornerback Josh Hayes and strolled into the end zone untouched. The touchdown was a welcome sight for Bengals fans, especially considering that Burrow’s last game action before his injury also featured a touchdown pass to Higgins.
Burrow showed no signs of rust, avoiding hits and managing the game effectively, even throwing the ball into the ground to avoid a sack from blitzing safety Kaevon Merriweather. His brief but impactful appearance ended after the first series, leaving the field with the Bengals up 7-0.
With Burrow done for the night, backup quarterback Jake Browning took over for the remainder of the first half and into the third quarter. Browning struggled to find his rhythm, completing just 10 of 18 passes for 52 yards. The Bengals’ offense stalled under his leadership, unable to generate any significant momentum.
It wasn’t until third-string quarterback Logan Woodside entered the game late that the Bengals found the end zone again. Woodside connected with rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton for a 37-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit. Burton, a third-round draft pick, showcased his potential with the impressive catch and run, providing a bright spot in an otherwise challenging night for the Bengals’ offense.
The Buccaneers, resting most of their starters, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, relied heavily on their depth to secure the victory. Backup quarterback Kyle Trask played the entire first half, completing 12 of 20 passes for 144 yards, though he was intercepted by Bengals rookie cornerback Josh Newton.
Tampa Bay’s ground game was anchored by fourth-round pick Bucky Irving, who carried six times for 27 yards. Irving powered through the Bengals’ defensive line for a 5-yard touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Buccaneers an early lead. Center Graham Barton, the Bucs’ first-round pick, played a crucial role in that touchdown, dominating the middle of the Bengals’ defensive line.
The game remained close throughout, with both teams exchanging leads. However, it was the Buccaneers who found a way to win late. With the score tied 14-14, Tampa Bay’s defense stepped up, forcing a crucial turnover that set up the game-winning field goal.
Though the Bengals came up short on the scoreboard, the night was a success in the eyes of the coaching staff and fans. Joe Burrow’s return was the highlight, showing that the star quarterback is ready to lead Cincinnati in the upcoming season. For the Buccaneers, the victory was a testament to their depth and the promising potential of their young players as they prepare for the regular season.
