Is Tampa Bay's Lack of Pressure a Concern Going Forward?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dropped their Week 1 matchup on Sunday, falling 33-27 to Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Turnovers were a big problem, with Baker Mayfield surrendering three fumbles and Bucky Irving adding another.

These short fields off turnovers made it very difficult for Tampa's defense to get stops, and gave the Bengals easy opportunities to score.

The Bucs' pass rush really struggled to get to Burrow, as PFF listed the former National Champion as the quarterback who was pressured the least around the NFL.

Burrow was pressured just seven times, with rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter recording the lone sack.

Some of this was by design, as the Bengals' offense got the ball out quickly to players in space.

But, it would have been a positive sign for Tampa's revamped defensive line to have a big day against a mediocre Bengals offensive line.

No. 15 overall pick Rueben Bain Jr. got off to a slow start to his professional career, recording just one tackle and failing to notch a pressure.

The Bengals' O-line deserves some credit for their high level of protection, but Bain was seemingly invisible in his 41 snaps of action.

Of course, it will take some time for Bain to get acclimated within the NFL, but a big debut would have given him significant confidence going forward.

A'Shawn Robinson, who the Bucs poached from the NFC South-rival Carolina Panthers in free agency, was the team's most productive player on the defensive line.

Robinson recorded five total tackles, while getting to Burrow for a QB hit.

He looked stout in run protection, while showing the ability to pursue ball carriers beyond the line of scrimmage.

During fall camp, Robinson's longtime teammate Christian Rozeboom was asked about what he brings to the Bucs.

"I’m glad he’s on my team. He’s kind of scary," Rozeboom said about Robinson.

This duo suited up for the Los Angeles Rams and most-recently, the Panthers, but both signed deal in free agency with the Bucs.

Going forward, Robinson's ability to stuff the run and guide Bain through his rookie season will be crucial for head coach Todd Bowles' defense.

The silver lining from this game is Trotter's performance, who was the Bucs' most-dynamic player on either side of the ball.

Trotter led the team with 11 tackles, two tackles for loss, and the only sack. He also added a pass defensed.

But, his biggest highlight of the day was a 38-yard pick six from the former Missouri standout, bringing the Bucs within seven entering the fourth quarter.

He joins Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro EDGE T.J. Watt as the only two players in the last ten seasons to record a sack, an interception and five or more tackles in their debut.

Overall, the team's defensive effort was good enough to warrant a victory, but the short-field opportunities for the Bengals were too much to overcome.

Heading into Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns, improvements in ball security and pass rush are the focuses.