Bengals fall 17-14 to Tampa Bay in preseason opener

CINCINNATI, Oh. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- A late Tampa Bay touchdown handed the Bengals a 17-14 preseason loss in front of over 63,300 fans at Paycor Stadium after Cincinnati had their own go-ahead score in the final minutes.

How It Happened

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow plays against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Joe Burrow’s lone series thus far this preseason was a success.

Wide receiver Tee Higgins capped off a 12 play 73 yard opening drive with a catch in the endzone for the Bengals to strike first. That completion was one of five for Burrow, who threw for seven total passes and 51 yards.

“It was nice to be back out there with the guys and get reps in a game that doesn’t count towards our record,” said Burrow. “Still room to improve.”

“I thought we did a good job of getting everybody involved,” said Head Coach Zac Taylor, who added that he wanted to get his starters out of the game after the first drive.

Cincinnati led until the first quarter was almost history. But, Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving ended an eight play 77 yard drive with a rushing touchdown to even up proceedings.

7-7 was the score at halftime after kickers from both teams failed to make field goals from more than 50 yards.

The third time was the charm though. Chase McLaughlin’s 35 yard attempt with just over nine minutes remaining in the third quarter edged the visitors ahead, 10-7.

It took more than two scoreless quarters until the Bengals broke into pay dirt again. Third string quarterback and Frankfort, Kentucky native Logan Woodside found rookie receiver Jermaine Burton to make it 14-10 with just over three minutes left in the game.

But, Tampa Bay had the last gasp. With 65 seconds left in the game, former Kentucky Wildcat Ramon Jefferson rushed from the three yard line into the endzone for a 17-14 final score.

The Bengals’ Backups

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

When Burrow yielded to second string signal caller Jake Browning, the offense didn’t have the same air in its tires.

The Bengals next five drives until halftime averaged just under four plays. Those included three punts, an interception and a missed field goal.

In the second half, the scoring woes continued. “There was just zero rhythm,” said Taylor.

But, when the Franklin County alumnus Woodside entered, the game had life again. Woodside threw for 149 yards and was 8 for 12 passing.

Standing and Sitting Out

Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who is speculated to want to sign a new contract with a higher salary, did not partake in the game. Fellow receiver Charlie Jones didn’t either.

Jones had his right leg in a sleeve and was wearing sweats during warmups, but was walking better than he was after being carted off of the field during practice earlier in the week.

“(Jones) will be week to week,” said Taylor.

Rookie defensive back Josh Newton tops the list of young standouts after he made a big play. The former Texas Christian Horned Frog intercepted a Kyle Trask attempt to the sideline at the Cincinnati 33-yard-line in the second quarter. He also recorded two tackles.

Maema Njongmeta, a rookie out of Wisconsin, led the team on the defensive box score with ten tackles.

Offensively, Tanner Hudson, Jermaine Burton and Kwamie Lassiter II both hauled in three receptions. Burton caught what Cincinnati fans would’ve hoped was the game winning touchdown.

Up Next

The Bengals will play the the Chicago Bears in their second preseason matchup on Saturday August 17 at 1 p.m. away from home. Whether or not Burrow will play again this preseason is not entirely up to the quarterback.

“That’s kind of a Zac (Taylor) question,” said Burrow.