Bucs’ Bain struggles in NFL debut amid defensive concerns
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 11:29 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
Rueben Bain Jr.'s NFL debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 14 saw him fail to pressure Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and record only one tackle in a 33-27 loss. The Bucs aimed to strengthen their defense after a lackluster 2025 season, focusing on the pass rush and coverage. Despite adding several new players, including Bain and veterans like Alex Anzalone, the defense struggled with alignment and communication issues. Coach Todd Bowles stated that improvements are needed as the new defensive strategies did not yield results in Week 1.
- •Bain played 41 snaps but did not record any pressures.
- •The Bucs defense allowed Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki to score.
- •Bowles noted alignment mistakes contributed to critical plays against his defense.
- •Josiah Trotter had a historic debut with a sack and an interception return for a touchdown.
- •Bucs lost their season opener 33-27 against the Bengals.
- 11:29 PMYahoo Sports — Rueben Bain Jr., Bucs’ other defensive additions, fall flat in debut
"When expectations weren’t swallowing Rueben Bain Jr. in his NFL debut Sunday in Cincinnati, Bengals right tackle Amarius Mims was.
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