The Browns’ defense offered plenty of clues in its 2026 debut, and the first one was impossible to miss: after trading away Myles Garrett, Cleveland had a rough opening act against Jacksonville. The Jaguars piled up 360 yards, 34 points and 0.32 yards per play.
That’s still only one game, so the sample is tiny. Even so, the early tape shows how Cleveland wants to play on different downs, and that gives Tampa Bay something real to chew on. All of the data comes from Sumer Sports.
On first down, Cleveland leaned on Cover 3 behind a heavy box and trusted a four-man rush. Some of that, though, was tied to what Jacksonville was doing with 12 and 13 personnel. If Tampa Bay keeps leaning into a league-leading rate of 11 personnel, some of those same looks may not show up as often.
There’s also a clear path for the offense against that structure. Cover 3 can be stressed by 2×2 formations with an in-breaker from the No. 2 receiver and a curl from No.
- That alignment keeps the outside corner from squatting on the route outside, while the in-breaker can pull the hook-curl defender inside and open space underneath.
Jacksonville hit that concept well on a play to tight end Brenton Strange.
The Jaguars also had real success running outside zone on first down, averaging almost 8.0 yards per play. That lines up nicely with what Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Zac Robinson likes to do. Based on Week 1, Robinson should have a chance to keep pressing the wide zone button against Cleveland.
Second down looks similar in some ways, with the Browns expected to keep showing more Cover 3. Baker Mayfield was sharp when he attacked the intermediate area last week, and he was doing the same thing in 2024. If Tampa Bay can push the middle-of-the-field safety and create openings underneath, there should be plays available in that window.
There’s also room for bigger shots if the Bucs want to stretch the Browns even more. Using Ted Hurst III and Jalen McMillan to threaten vertically could create the kind of space that opens things up for Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka in the middle of the field.
Third down is where Cleveland changed things up the most. The Browns played man coverage on almost half of their third-down snaps, which means Tampa Bay will need answers for that pressure.
Rubs, misdirection routes like Post-Corners, Corner-Posts and whip returns all fit the bill. So do receivers who can win against man coverage, including McMillan and Hurst.
In Other News...
Warren Sapp Lands In An Awkward Off-Field Tampa Scene
Warren Sapp found himself in an uncomfortable off-field scene in Tampa this week, drawing attention at a City Council meeting tied to a flood-prevention project. Council chairman Alan Clendenin and Tampa Police intervened after Sapp was allegedly causing a disturbance, and the council asked that he be trespassed for the day.
Sapp said he was at City Hall only to pick up paperwork and disputed the authority to remove him from the public building. It was the sort of public dustup that has little to do with football, but for a former Buccaneers star still known around Tampa, it was enough to put his name back in the local spotlight for all the wrong reasons. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Head Into Home Opener With One Lineup Concern Still Lingering
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Miles Killebrew, Jacob Parrish and Jalen McMillan all landed on the questionable list, leaving at least one lineup spot worth watching as kickoff approaches. Sean Tucker is expected back after sitting out Week 1, but Melifonwu remains part of the subtext here too: he was active last week without getting into the game, and this elevation also leaves Tampa Bay with one more practice squad call-up available later in the season. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Rookie WR Suddenly Has A Week 2 Opportunity Fans Will Notice
Ted Hurst III made a quiet but useful first impression in his debut, catching all three of his targets for 36 yards and showing the kind of steadiness Tampa Bays staff has already noticed in practice. General manager Jason Licht has also pointed to Hursts consistency behind the scenes, a sign that the rookie wideout is not just hanging around for developmental reps but is already carving out a place in the Buccaneers plans this season.
Now comes a chance to turn that early trust into something more visible. With Week 2 bringing Cleveland to town, Hurst is positioned for another opportunity to contribute, and it will be worth watching how the Bucs continue to work him into the offense as the year gets rolling. [Read more 🡒]