The Bengals’ revamped defense stole the show in their season opener, forcing four fumbles and creating constant pressure on Baker Mayfield to help Cincinnati edge out the Buccaneers 33-27. After Tampa Bay kicked a field goal on their first drive, the Bengals’ D went on a tear — they forced three straight fumbles in the first half, each leading to points. Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. scooped one and ran it back 27 yards for a touchdown, while Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook also came up with big recoveries.

The defense racked up five sacks total, with new additions like Mafe, Jonathan Allen, and Dexter Lawrence disrupting Mayfield all day. That turnover party built a 24-10 halftime lead and set the tone for a much-needed bounce-back after last year’s defensive woes. Even though the Bucs fought back with 27 points, Cincinnati’s opportunistic front and guys like Barrett Carter and Josiah Trotter — who added a pick-six — made the difference in a gritty Week 1 win.