Bengals force four turnovers in 33-27 win over Buccaneers
CINCINNATI, Sept. 13, 2026
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-27 on Sunday in Cincinnati, forcing four turnovers and getting multiple long field goals from Evan McPherson. Joe Burrow threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Mike Gesicki, according to the official scoring summary. The Bengals used their defense and kicking game to hold a late surge by Tampa Bay at bay. Cincinnati improved to 1-0 while the Buccaneers fell to 0-1.
Cincinnati’s defense produced two defensive scores, including Demetrius Knight Jr.’s 27-yard fumble return and Josiah Trotter’s 38-yard interception return, per the scoring summary. The official summary credits the Bengals with forcing four turnovers, including those two takeaways returned for touchdowns. Bengals coach Zac Taylor’s offseason emphasis on defensive personnel paid dividends, as the unit played a decisive role.
Evan McPherson made field goals of 20, 55, 58 and 32 yards, connecting at the end of the second quarter and three times in the second half. Tampa Bay kicker Chase McLaughlin made field goals of 34 and 51 yards, and quarterback Baker Mayfield added a 9-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter that narrowed the margin. The combination of Cincinnati’s takeaways and long-range kicking provided the margin of victory in a game that featured several lead changes.
The scoring summary lists Mike Gesicki as the 2-yard receiving touchdown from Joe Burrow; copy desk should verify that entry, as the scoring data appears irregular. The Buccaneers could not overcome four turnovers despite the late scoring. The Bengals’ defensive impact and McPherson’s distance kicking were decisive in a one-score game that nonetheless favored Cincinnati.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Cincinnati’s defense set the tone by converting takeaways directly into points, and Evan McPherson’s long field goals added critical points from distance. Tampa Bay rallied late with Baker Mayfield’s rushing touchdown and Chase McLaughlin’s field goals of 34 and 51 yards, but the Buccaneers’ four turnovers decided the outcome. The Bengals begin the season 1-0, showing that their offseason defensive emphasis can swing tight games; Tampa Bay must clean up turnovers to rebound.