{
  "id": 7033489,
  "title": "Cincinnati Bengals: 5 things to know going into opener vs. Bucs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/cincinnati-bengals-5-things-to-know-going-into-opener-vs-bucs",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-13T01:04:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cincinnati-bengals-5-things-know-010400178.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For the Cincinnati Bengals' upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there are five key things to consider heading into the opening match on September 13th. The first point of focus is the revamped defense, which the Bengals hope to showcase as improved compared to previous years. Head coach Zac Taylor has identified three specific aspects he will be watching: reaction time, pre-snap communication, and post-snap reaction. These skills have been emphasized throughout the offseason as crucial for the team's progress. Next, the defensive line's performance against Tampa Bay's potent offensive line will be scrutinized. The Bengals' defensive line, anchored by newcomers Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen, will face off against Tampa Bay's ranked third offensive line according to PFF.com. The Bucs' offense is another area of interest, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has shown significant improvement over the past few years. Despite a drop in passing yards per game last year, Mayfield remains a high-caliber quarterback capable of multiple outcomes, including cutting through defenses with his feet or through the air. The Buccaneers' running game, primarily through Bucky Irving and running back Sean Tucker, will also be a focal point, especially with Irving's impressive rookie season. Finally, Cincinnati's offensive versatility will be tested, with head coach Zac Taylor hoping to leverage under-center play action, improved running game execution, and an array of formations to counter Tampa Bay's formidable defense. The return of key players like Joe Burrow, Erick All Jr., and Tee Higgins adds to the Bengals' overall strength and adaptability on offense. On the Tampa Bay side, the defense will be led by Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr., with a new addition in first-round draft pick Rueben Bain at linebacker. Notably, the Bucs' running back Sean Tucker and offensive tackle Justin Skule, as well as wide receiver Jalen McMillan, are listed as doubtful for the opener.",
  "summary": "The Cincinnati Bengals spent a lot of time last year emphasizing the need for a fast start after strong finishes weren’t enough to push them into the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, but all the talk around getting early wins ultimately didn’t matter after Joe Burrow went down with a turf toe injury in Week 2. Now the focus is on being able to handle adversity. Cincinnati hopes that helps in-game as ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Cincinnati Bengals defense aims to be improved compared to previous years",
    "Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line ranked third according to PFF.com",
    "Joe Burrow, Erick All Jr., and Tee Higgins return for Cincinnati Bengals"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}