Buccaneers Defeat Bengals 17-14 in Dramatic Defensive Slugfest

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off their preseason with a 17-14 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The game was an offensive struggle, as both teams found the endzone just twice.

The Buccaneers opened the second half with a 35-yarder from Chase McLaughlin. The field goal that gave Tampa Bay their first lead came after a 10-play drive, the first of the game with John Wolford in at quarterback.

After three straight punts, the Buccaneers threatened to extend their 10-7 lead over the Bengals. Wolford led them on a long 13-play drive spanning 70 yards, taking them all the way to the Bengals' three-yard line.

Yet, that is where the drive ended as he fired two straight incompletions, the last of which came on fourth down, where his pass intended for Tanner Knue was knocked down at the line of scrimmage.

After six straight drives that ended without any points on the board, the Bengals broke the scoring drought as Logan Woodside found rookie receiver Jermaine Burton deep for a 37-yard touchdown.

Woodside's touchdown pass capped off a four-play, 68-yard drive, which ended the Buccaneers defense's streak of eight consecutive drives without allowing points.

Trailing for the first time since the first quarter, the Buccaneers' offense responded quickly with a touchdown of their own. Wolford completed his first four passes for 54 yards, getting the Buccaneers to the Bengals' 15-yard-line.

Following two incompletions and a two-yard run from Ramon Jefferson, it all came down to fourth down. Despite Wolford's pass falling incomplete, a defensive pass interference penalty gave them another chance. They took advantage of it, as Jefferson found the endzone with a three-yard run.

However, the game still wasn't over. With under a minute left in regulation, the Bengals quickly advanced into field goal range with a 38-yard completion to Burton. Yet, that's all they managed, as three straight incompletions later, they decided to go for it on fourth-and-10.

With the game on the line, the Buccaneers' defense stood tall as they held a Woodside scramble to just a seven-yard gain and forced a turnover on downs.

Related: Buccaneers Remain Level with Bengals 7-7 at Half

Call it a defensive battle or an offensive struggle. All that matters is the Buccaneers escaped with a 17-14 win. Tampa Bay advances to 1-0 on the preseason as they turn the page toward the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Next Saturday, the Buccaneers will be on the road again as the Jags will play host to them inside EverBank Stadium, where kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. (EST).