As the Cleveland Browns look to reset after a lackluster season opener, the team returns to Florida to visit old friend quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. After making the playoffs in 2024, the Buccaneers missed the postseason last season in a favorable NFC South. On paper, Tampa’s team looks different than last year’s, but some might argue the team is better than they were last season.
It’s an argument that some can make, but last Sunday in their loss against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team has some questions that need to be answered.
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Quarterback Baker Mayfield went through a contract dispute throughout the offseason with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers until it was eventually settled and he was able to get a new deal.
As far as how Mayfield looked on Sunday, it was why Tampa was hesitant to give him max money. Despite not throwing any interceptions, Mayfield fumbled the ball three times and lost all three. Whether it was Mayfield looking ahead to this game (for reasons that are personal), despite the good moments, he had the lack of ball security really put the Buccaneers behind the 8-ball.
It would be disingenuous to say that this game isn’t personal for Mayfield. In his eyes, the Cleveland Browns essentially gave up on him. The reality is the Browns wanted to upgrade at the quarterback position; Mayfield was upset and reacted immaturely, and the team replaced him with the person who fans want the team to get rid of.
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In Week 1, Tampa’s quarterback was both the reason they were in the game and the reason they ended up losing. Which Mayfield will Cleveland’s defense see on Sunday?
After re-watching the Bucs-Bengals All-22, it’s fair to say that this team could’ve won against the Bengals. If Mayfield didn’t turn the ball over as much as he did, the team could’ve won. The receiver room looks different as wide receiver Mike Evans is now in the Bay Area with the San Francisco 49ers. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is the top WR on the team, and veteran Chris Godwin is the reliable veteran in the room. On the offensive line, Tristan Wirfs is one of the best tackles in the league.
Defensively, the unit looks different but should be improved. Rookie Reuben Bain Jr. was considered the top defensive end in his draft class, and rookie Josiah Trotter seems to be a future Pro Bowler. Overall, this team is talented, but it’s hard to say if this team is better than the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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It’s a fair question to ask. Bowles has been with the Buccaneers for a long time, and the team has routinely been a playoff team with him at the helm. However, last season the team stumbled down the stretch and showed cracks in the foundation that Bowles has maintained. It’s fair to say that Tampa Bay has plateaued with Bowles. Good team in a weak division but hasn’t shown the ability to make a deep playoff run. The Bucs haven’t advanced past the divisional round since the year they won the Super Bowl. If the Buccaneers miss the postseason again or face an early exit, it’s fair to say that the Buccaneers will be searching for a new head coach in 2027.
What do you think about this Bucs team heading into their matchup with the Browns in Week 2?
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