Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have their hands full right from the start. Tampa Bay is projected to drop its season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, with the Bucs heading to Cincinnati for the matchup. The Bengals will be at home and looking to start the season on a strong note, while Tampa Bay has some things to sort out before kickoff.
One of the biggest question marks is wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who could miss the opener because of an injury. Sports news: Bengals May Have Found a Playmaker in Jack Endries Mayfield also has his own situation. The quarterback isn't happy with his contract, adding another layer of uncertainty around the team as the season approaches.
Put all of that together, and the Buccaneers could have a lot sort through before they even take the field against Cincinnati. The Bengals won't exactly be entering the matchup without pressure of their own. Cincinnati is heading into what has been described as a make-or-break season, giving the team motivation to get off to a strong start.
Playing at home against Tampa Bay gives the Bengals a chance to do exactly that. For the Buccaneers, meanwhile, the goal will be to put the offseason distractions behind them and focus on the game. That could prove difficult if Egbuka isn't available and questions surrounding Mayfield continue to hang over the team.
More sports: Ravens’ Matthew Hibner Could Be a Rookie to Watch CBS Sports' John Breech projects the Buccaneers to lose their first game, pointing to the issues already surrounding Tampa Bay as part of the reason. He also sees the matchup with a desperate Bengals team as a difficult way for the Buccaneers to begin the season. Mayfield will have lots on his plate as Tampa Bay prepares for the opener.
The Buccaneers still have time to get things settled before Week 1, but the early outlook isn't stellar.
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