The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won their last five season openers, with Baker Mayfield posting impressive numbers in his three victories. Will this trend continue Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals?
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers complete their final practice session of the offseason on Friday, the team can officially turn the page to Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In years past, opening week has been filled with victories, as the Bucs are tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the longest active Week 1 win streak in the NFL (5).
If Tampa knocks off Cincinnati, it will mark the longest streak of its kind in franchise history.
Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, who recently signed a hefty 3-year, $165 million contract extension, has been exceptional in Week 1 during his Tampa Bay tenure, notching a stellar 9/0 touchdown-to-interception ratio, while recording a 114.5 passer rating.
Mayfield and head coach Todd Bowles are also 2-0 together on the road for the opener, which is a good sign for Cincinnati's away affair.
Overall, Bowles is 6-2.
On Thursday, Mayfield joined the Green Light podcast with Chris Long to talk about his excitement for the upcoming season.
"Going on the road playing Cincy, Week 1’s gonna be fun. I feel like I always feel comfortable playing at Cincinnati," Mayfield said. "And then coming back home with Cleveland Week 2, is exciting."
Throughout his career, Mayfield has had the Bengals' number, averaging a 115.0 passer rating in eight games against Cincinnati, posting a 6-2 record and a 21/7 TD-INT ratio.
Bengals starting quarterback Joe Burrow, on the other hand, is one of the worst statistical QBs in Game 1, posting a 76.4 passer rating with five touchdowns and five interceptions across his career.
In his last three season openers, Burrow has found the endzone just one time, while throwing for 359 yards total.
With Tampa's roster at full strength, the Bucs are live to be upset candidates against Burrow's Bengals.
Currently, the Bengals are favored by 3.5 points, but Tampa's improved pass rush and defensive additions could cause trouble.
Getting to Burrow early and often should be a priority, keeping the ball out of Cincinnati's playmaker's hands and giving Tampa's offense short-field opportunities.
Rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter, who recently earned the starting nod next to Alex Anzalone in the middle, talked about the gameplan on Wednesday.
"He (Burrow) has a lot of weapons that he can throw to especially being an elite QB. So just being able to contain that and get to him. Rattle him early and try to keep it going," Trotter said.
If the Bucs can pull off a road victory in Week 1, the schedule eases up for the next three weeks, with Tampa hosting a three-game homestand against the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers.
The Browns and Vikings have a lot of question marks, while the Packers are still not at full strength.
With a win Sunday, a second-straight 4-0 start could be in the works for the Bucs.
