Buccaneers Edge Out Bengals in Preseason Opener
In the first preseason game of the 2024 NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium, with Tampa clinching the win thanks to a late drive by their offense. Despite a late touchdown pass from Bengals quarterback Logan Woodside to wide receiver Jermaine Burton, Tampa Bay’s running back Ramon Jefferson sealed the victory with a 3-yard touchdown run, resulting in a final score of 17-14.
The Bengals made a valiant effort to reclaim the lead with less than a minute remaining but were unable to score the game-winning touchdown. Head coach Zac Taylor had anticipated playing healthy starters during the preseason, and true to his word, quarterback Joe Burrow and other starters took the field for the first offensive and defensive series. Burrow led an impressive drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Next up for Cincinnati is a game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago next Saturday, with joint practices scheduled ahead of the matchup.
Buccaneers Secure Late Win Against Bengals | Final Score: Buccaneers 17, Bengals 14
The Bengals had a chance to score a touchdown at the end of the game but couldn’t convert on a critical fourth down, allowing the Buccaneers to run out the clock.
Tampa Bay Takes Lead Late in Game | Final Score: Buccaneers 17, Bengals 14
Tampa Bay quickly drove down the field late in the game, with running back Ramon Jefferson scoring from 3 yards out to give the Buccaneers the lead. The Bengals had 38 seconds left and two timeouts but couldn’t capitalize.
Bengals Briefly Regain Lead with Woodside Touchdown Pass | Bengals 14, Buccaneers 10
The Bengals took the lead late in the fourth quarter when quarterback Logan Woodside connected on a 37-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton. However, the Buccaneers responded before the two-minute warning.
Bengals Trail in Fourth Quarter | Bengals 7, Buccaneers 10
With 6:10 left in the fourth quarter, the Bengals had the ball at their own 32-yard line, trailing by three points. Quarterback Jake Browning completed 10 of 18 passes for 52 yards and one interception.
Buccaneers Lead Entering Fourth Quarter | Bengals 7, Buccaneers 10
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers led 10-7, with the highlight of the game so far being Joe Burrow’s touchdown pass to Tee Higgins on the opening drive.
Buccaneers Take Third-Quarter Lead | Bengals 7, Buccaneers 10
Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin’s 35-yard field goal in the third quarter gave Tampa Bay a 10-7 lead, capping a 10-play, 53-yard drive.
Halftime Score Tied | Bengals 7, Buccaneers 7
The game was tied at halftime after Bengals kicker Evan McPherson missed a 58-yard field goal attempt wide right.
Bengals Cornerback Josh Newton Intercepts Kyle Trask | Bengals 7, Buccaneers 7
Cornerback Josh Newton returned to the game after an earlier injury and intercepted Buccaneers quarterback Kyle Trask, though the Bengals ultimately punted on the ensuing drive.
First Quarter Recap | Bengals 7, Buccaneers 7
The Bengals’ first-team offense, minus wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, scored on their first drive with Joe Burrow’s touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. The Buccaneers responded two drives later with a touchdown run by Bucky Irving.
Buccaneers Tie Game in First Quarter | Bengals 7, Buccaneers 7
The Buccaneers’ second-string offense tied the game in the first quarter with an eight-play, 77-yard drive capped by Bucky Irving’s 5-yard touchdown run.
Teams Trade Punts | Bengals 7, Buccaneers 0
Following Joe Burrow’s touchdown pass on the opening drive, both teams traded punts. The Buccaneers took possession on their own 23-yard line with 5:30 left in the first quarter.
Joe Burrow Throws First Preseason Touchdown
Joe Burrow went 5-7 for 50 yards and a touchdown pass to Tee Higgins on the first drive of the preseason, putting the Bengals up 7-0 after Evan McPherson’s PAT.
Joe Burrow Completes First Preseason Pass
Burrow’s first-ever preseason completion was a 9-yard pass to Tee Higgins. His second pass to running back Chase Brown converted a first down on third-and-1.
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report
While NFL teams do not submit injury reports for preseason games, defensive end Cam Sample will miss the 2024 season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
Joe Burrow’s Preseason Game Appearance
Joe Burrow arrived at the first preseason game against the Buccaneers wearing shorts and a short-sleeved hoodie.
Broadcast Information for Bengals vs. Buccaneers Game
The Bengals vs. Buccaneers game aired on Fox 19 (WXIX-TV) and streamed on Bengals.com and the Bengals App, with radio commentary on WEBN (102.7-FM) and ESPN 1530-AM.
Betting Odds for Bengals vs. Buccaneers
The Bengals were 6-point favorites over the Buccaneers, with an over/under point total set at 38, according to DraftKings.
Bengals’ 2024 Preseason Schedule
Following their game against the Buccaneers, the Bengals will face the Chicago Bears in Chicago and finish the preseason by hosting the Indianapolis Colts on August 22.
